Real-time clock back-up battery

A system for monitoring operating conditions in a vehicle having a vehicle battery and a fuse block connected to the battery to distribute power to electrical components of the vehicle, the system comprising:

• an electronic module operable to monitor operating conditions of the vehicle, said module having internal power supply circuitry connected to the vehicle battery through the fuse block;
• a real-time clock external to said electronic module for providing clock data to said electronic module, said real-time clock being electrically connected to said internal power supply circuitry of said module;
• a back-up power system for said real-time clock, said system including:
• a fuse component having a pair of conductive prongs configured for removable electrical engagement with a corresponding pair of electrical contacts within the vehicle fuse block;
• a back-up battery mounted within said fuse component in electrical connection with said conductive prongs;
• and
• a back-up power circuit connected between said pair of electrical contacts and said real-time clock.

A back-up power device for a real-time clock in a vehicle controller, in which power is normally provided to the real-time clock through a primary power circuit connected to the vehicle battery through a vehicle fuse block, the device comprising:

• a fuse casing configured for mounting within the vehicle fuse block;
• a battery mounted within said fuse casing;
• and
• at least two conductive prongs electrically connected to said battery and supported by said fuse casing for electrical connection with a corresponding number of electrical contacts within the vehicle fuse block.