PCF8523
Epson alternative: RX8130CE
You want to replace the PCF8523 from NXP — as a second source, because of availability, or because a new design is coming up. Here the type is set against the closest Epson type feature by feature, with the points that speak for and against the change.
Features of the PCF8523: backup switchover, alarm and timer, offset register.
PCF8523 versus RX8130CE
| PCF8523 — NXP | RX8130CE — Epson | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | NXP | Epson (Seiko Epson) |
| Status | Discontinued | Active series type |
| Interface | I²C (up to 1000 kHz) | I²C |
| Crystal integrated | no — external 32.768 kHz crystal required | yes, factory calibrated |
| Standby current | ab 100 nA | 300 nA typ. · 500 nA max. |
| Accuracy | depends on the external crystal used | +5 ±23 ppm at +25 °C (not compensated) |
| Temperature compensation | no | no |
| Supply | 1.0 – 5.5 V | 1.25–5.5 V |
| Max. temperature | +85 °C | −40 … +85 °C |
| Package | SO8 · TSSOP8 · HVSON10 | CE · 3.2 × 2.5 × 1.0 mm |
What speaks for and against the change
We sell Epson — and we still say where the competitor is better. You would notice it at the first datasheet comparison anyway.
Honestly
- Very low standby current for the device on its own
The difference
- The type is no longer manufactured by NXP — for new designs and for repeat orders a change is due anyway
- RTC IC without a crystal: the 32.768 kHz crystal comes on top
- The RX8130CE is a module with an integrated calibrated crystal, a power switch with charge control, a reset output and a V_IO pin
Frequently asked questions
What is the Epson alternative to the PCF8523?
The closest match is the RX8130CE, with the RX8111CE as a second option. It is not a drop-in replacement: package, pinout and register map differ, so layout and firmware have to be adapted. What you get in return is set out in the comparison on this page.
Is the PCF8523 discontinued?
NXP lists the PCF8523 as no longer manufactured.
Does the PCF8523 need an external crystal?
Yes. The PCF8523 is an RTC IC without a built-in crystal — you need an additional 32.768 kHz crystal and have to match its load capacitance to the device. The Epson modules carry the calibrated crystal inside the package: one component instead of three, no load capacitance matching, no layout risk in the oscillator loop.
Who supplies an alternative to the PCF8523 in Europe?
Timing Devices Europe in Ladenburg near Heidelberg, Germany stocks the complete Epson RTC programme in its own warehouse — physically on site, not at the manufacturer. Samples, comparison and series demand in one go, answered the same working day.
Samples and a comparison for the PCF8523.
Tell us which version you use today, together with quantity and date. We will put together the Epson equivalent with its datasheet and the migration effort — from our own warehouse in Ladenburg near Heidelberg, Germany.