PCF8563
Epson alternative: RX-8564LC
You want to replace the PCF8563 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 PCF8563: programmable clock output, interrupt, voltage monitoring, alarm and timer.
PCF8563 versus RX-8564LC
| PCF8563 — NXP | RX-8564LC — Epson | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | NXP | Epson (Seiko Epson) |
| Status | Not recommended for new designs | Active series type |
| Interface | I²C (400 kHz) | I²C |
| Crystal integrated | no — external 32.768 kHz crystal required | yes, factory calibrated |
| Standby current | 250 nA bei 1 V (typ.) | 275 nA typ. |
| Accuracy | depends on the external crystal used | kristallabhängig |
| Temperature compensation | no | no |
| Supply | 1.0 – 5.5 V | on request |
| Max. temperature | +85 °C | −40 … +85 °C |
| Package | SO8 · TSSOP8 · HVSON10, 128 Bit RAM | LC · VSOJ-12, 3.6 × 2.8 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 widely used, plenty of ready-made drivers
- Low purchase price for the device on its own
The difference
- The PCF8563 is an RTC IC WITHOUT a crystal. You need an additional 32.768 kHz crystal, have to match its load capacitance to the device and carry the layout and spread risk of the oscillator loop yourself
- Epson's RX-8564LC is register and function compatible but already carries the calibrated crystal inside the package — one component instead of three, no load capacitance matching, no layout debate
- NXP no longer recommends the type for new designs
Frequently asked questions
What is the Epson alternative to the PCF8563?
The closest match is the RX-8564LC, with the RX8130CE 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 PCF8563 discontinued?
In its datasheet (rev. 11.1 dated 19 January 2026) NXP lists the PCF8563 as not recommended for new designs and names the PCF85063ATL as the replacement.
Does the PCF8563 need an external crystal?
Yes. The PCF8563 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 PCF8563 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 PCF8563.
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.