Real-time clock backup
AssigneeDenso Corporation
InventorsKevin Dotzler, Glenn Garbeil
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A real-time clock circuit for saving real time information during removal of a battery is presented. The battery provides power to the clock circuit during a steady-state mode. The clock circuit includes an oscillator assembly for generating a periodic waveform. A counter accumulates real time information in response to the periodic waveform. An energy storage device is coupled to the counter to supply energy to the counter while the battery is removed. A switch is coupled between the battery and the energy storage device to prevent the energy storage device from supplying energy to components other than the counter during removal of the battery. The switch provides a path for energy to flow from the battery to the energy storage device, thereby charging the energy storage device.
Claims11
A real-time clock circuit for saving real time information during removal of a battery, the battery for providing power to the clock circuit, comprising:
- an oscillator assembly for generating a periodic waveform;
- a counter, operable in response to the periodic waveform, to accumulate real time information;
- an energy storage device coupled to the counter to supply energy to the counter while the battery is removed;
- and
- a switch coupled between the battery and the energy storage device to prevent the energy storage device from supplying energy to components other than the counter during removal of the battery, the switch providing a path for energy to flow from the battery to the energy storage device, thereby charging the energy storage device.
A real-time clock circuit for saving real time information during removal of a battery, the battery providing power to the clock circuit, comprising:
- an oscillator assembly for generating a periodic waveform;
- a counter, operable in response to the periodic waveform, to accumulate real time information;
- a register to store automated function information;
- a capacitor coupled to the counter and register to supply energy to the counter and the register while the battery is removed;
- and
- a switch coupled between the battery and the capacitor to prevent the capacitor from supplying energy to components other than the counter during removal of the battery, the switch providing a path for energy to flow from the battery to the capacitor, thereby charging the capacitor.
A real-time clock circuit for saving real time information during removal of a battery, the battery providing power to the clock circuit, comprising:
- an oscillator assembly for generating a periodic waveform;
- a counter, operable in response to the periodic waveform, to accumulate real time information;
- a register to store automated function information;
- a capacitor coupled to the counter and register to supply energy to the counter and the register while the battery is removed;
- and
- a unidirectional switch coupled between the battery and the capacitor to prevent the capacitor from supplying energy to components other than the counter during removal of the battery, the unidirectional switch providing a path for energy to flow from the battery to the capacitor, thereby charging the capacitor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.