Two of the biggest challenges with the Raspberry Pi in portable/mobile/automotive applications is the lack of an accurate way to keep time and a flexible input DC power supply. This Power + RTC HAT for the Raspberry Pi solves this problem!

Onboard is a fused and reverse polarity protected DC input coupled to a beefy 3A 5V DC/DC converter. Connected to a 12V automotive battery, this board is happy running the Pi under heavy load all day long.

Since a battery-powered Pi is not likely going to have reliable access to the internet to keep the time, we have also added a temperature compensated, DS3231 chipset by Maxim. The chip is connected directly to the I2C bus and uses address 0x68. Simply add a CR1220 battery (not included) to the holder onboard, set the time, and it will keep it within ±0.432 Second/Day (roughly ±2 minutes a year) in temperatures ranging between -45°C and +85°C.

To make this board even more useful, we have also included two SparkFun Qwiic / Adafruit STEMMA QT connectors – this is an easy-connect system for I2C sensors, actuators, shields using pre-built cables that make prototyping faster and less prone to error. Add sensors and further expand your Pi’s monitoring and control capabilities as you need, with no soldering required.

This version is fully assembled – no soldering required. Just hook it up and you are good to go! The board is compatible with all “A” and “B” versions of the Raspberry Pi (Pi A+, B+, 2, 3, 3A+, 3B+, and Pi 4).

Note: Raspberry Pi and CR1220 battery not included.

Features

RTC Accuracy of ±0.432 Second/Day
Two STEMMA QT / Qwiic connectors
Two Time-of-Day Alarms
RTC Battery Backup: CR1220
5V 3A Output to power Raspberry Pi
Dimensions: 65 x 56mm
Leap-Year Compensation Up to Year 2100
Separate onboard 3.3V Regulator for Qwiic / STEMMA QT Bus
Complete Clock Calendar Functionality
Maximum Regulator Input: 36VDC
Recommended Input: 7 – 16VDC
Height: 12mm
Weight: 35g
Manufactured in Canada

Resources

Adding an RTC to the Raspberry Pi

BCRobotics Products