RV-3029-C3
Epson alternative: RX8901CE
You want to replace the RV-3029-C3 from Micro Crystal — 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.
Also listed as RV-3029-C2.
Features of the RV-3029-C3: the temperature compensated predecessor of the 3129 series; no longer listed in the current product overview.
RV-3029-C3 versus RX8901CE
| RV-3029-C3 — Micro Crystal | RX8901CE — Epson | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Micro Crystal | Epson (Seiko Epson) |
| Status | No longer in the current programme | Active series type |
| Interface | I²C | I²C |
| Crystal integrated | yes | yes, factory calibrated |
| Standby current | on request | 240 nA typ. · 1500 nA max. |
| Accuracy | on request | ±3.0 ppm over −40 … +85 °C (DTCXO) |
| Temperature compensation | yes (DTCXO/TCXO) | yes (DTCXO) |
| Supply | 1.3 – 5.5 V | 1.6–5.5 V · timekeeping down to 1.1 V |
| Max. temperature | +85 °C | −40 … +105 °C |
| Package | C3 · 3.7 × 2.5 × 0.9 mm, SON-10, 8 B RAM | 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.
The difference
- No longer in Micro Crystal's current product overview (as of November 2025)
- At ±3.0 ppm over −40 … +85 °C and 240 nA the RX8901CE is the more accurate and more frugal running type
- 32 time stamps, 256 bytes of SRAM and self-monitoring on the Epson side
Frequently asked questions
What is the Epson alternative to the RV-3029-C3?
The closest match is the RX8901CE, with the RA8000CE 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 RV-3029-C3 still available?
The type no longer appears in the manufacturer's current product overview (as of November 2025). For new designs it is therefore no longer a sound choice.
Who supplies an alternative to the RV-3029-C3 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 RV-3029-C3.
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.