GSAS Real Time Clock Interface

The GSAS Real Time Clock Interface (IF-RTC) is a timekeeping module built around the MSM 5832 RTC IC that maintains accurate date and time even when the trainer is powered off. The module provides seconds, minutes, hours, day-of-week, date, month, and year registers accessible through the bus interface. Students learn to initialise the RTC with the current date and time, read back the running clock values, and handle the BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) data format used by RTC ICs, skills directly applicable to every embedded system that needs timekeeping, from data loggers to industrial controllers.

Real-time clock interfacing is a critical embedded systems skill that spans multiple technical domains. The IF-RTC module enables experiments that cover bus communication, BCD-to-binary conversion and formatting, and calendar logic (day-of-week calculation, month length handling, leap year detection). The battery backup feature means the clock continues running between lab sessions, demonstrating the practical value of non-volatile timekeeping in embedded applications.

Specifications

Parameter	Value
Part Number	IF-RTC
RTC IC	MSM 5832
Communication	Bus interface
Time Registers	Seconds, minutes, hours (12/24h)
Date Registers	Day-of-week, date, month, year
Battery Backup	On-board coin cell for power-off timekeeping
Bus Interface	Standard GSAS trainer bus connector
Power	Supplied from trainer kit (+ coin cell backup)

Lab Experiment Coverage

Experiment Category	Topics
Bus Communication	Bus protocol, register read/write
Time Read/Write	Setting and reading hours, minutes, seconds
Date Functions	Calendar register access, day-of-week, leap year handling
BCD Handling	BCD-to-binary conversion, display formatting

Compatibility

The IF-RTC module connects to all current GSAS microprocessor trainer kits through the standard expansion bus connector:

• GSAS 85A Microprocessor Trainer
• GSAS 86E Microprocessor Trainer
• GSAS 51E Microcontroller Trainer

No additional wiring or external power supplies are required, the module draws power and bus signals directly from the trainer (battery backup is self-contained on the module).

Why GSAS

GSAS manufactures the Real Time Clock Interface in Bangalore as part of its motor and control peripheral module range. The RTC module covers timekeeping concepts essential for data logging, scheduling, and time-stamped event recording. The battery-backed design means the clock retains its time setting across power cycles, giving students experience with non-volatile peripheral behaviour. The GSAS education products team provides lab manual content for RTC interfacing experiments aligned with Indian university embedded systems and instrumentation curricula.

Products are available for immediate purchase through the GSAS online store (“Buy on Store”) or through direct engagement for institutional and volume orders (“Request Volume Pricing”).