RTC Full Form
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 25th, 2023
The RTC full form is Real-Time Clock. This is a special clock designed using integrated circuits. The integrated circuit makes it simple to keep track of time. RTC (RTC full form: Real-Time Clock) was introduced by IBM PC/AT for the first time in 1984.
In this article, we will learn about the RTC full form, its history, characteristics, and advantages and disadvantages. Today every electronic device uses RTC for keeping track of time. RTCs are different from hardware clocks, as RTCs use human units to track time. Now let’s understand the RTC full form in-depth.
Download Formulas for GATE Computer Science Engineering – Programming & Data Structures
Table of content
What is the Full Form of RTC?
The full form of RTC is Real-Time Clock. RTC, an old technology, made its way into the future due to its functionalities and feature. A real-time clock (RTC) is a computer clock used to keep time and is mostly constructed as an integrated circuit. Keeping track of the hours, minutes, seconds, days, months, and even years is undoubtedly helpful.
Any electronic equipment requiring precise time control, such as personal computers, servers, and embedded systems, contains an RTC. Knowing the RTC full form, its meaning, and history.
Download Formulas for GATE Computer Science Engineering – Discrete Mathematics
RTC Full Form – History
RTC was first introduced in 1984 by IBM(International Business Machines Corporation), a giant American computer manufacturer. Real-Time Clock (RTC full form) used Motorola’s MC146818 RTC. RTCs were widely used for personal computers. Older microcontroller systems used built-in RTC, while newer microcontroller systems used built-in integrated RTC.
RTC Full Form – Characteristics
The characteristics of RTC are as follows:
- It consumes low power.
- It is more accurate in maintaining time tracking.
- It is used in every electronic device because of its popularity.
- It uses a crystal oscillator that shows time without any error.
- It has an alarm function to device any task.
- It has a long-lasting battery backup (usually can last for 3 to 4 years).
Download Formulas for GATE Computer Science Engineering – Algorithms
RTC Full Form – Advantages
The RTC full form is Real-Time Clock. IBM designed RTC so that it synchronizes well among various processes. Meanwhile, other hardware clocks require clock signals to synchronize RTC is only dependent upon crystal oscillators. There exist many differences and similarities between a hardware clock and an RTC. RTC (RTC full form: Real-Time Clock) is the most widely integrated circuit in almost every electronic device. There are many advantages of RTC, which are as follows:
- It is easy to maintain.
- It is more accurate than other devices.
- It ensures synchronization between the processes.
- It consumes less power.
- It is efficient in terms of usability.
RTC Full Form – Disadvantages
Having studied the RTC full form, features, and functionalities of RTC, it is full of user convenient facilities. RTC is used widely even nowadays. We have already discussed its advantages; however, a major setback with RTC is that it needs a continuous power supply to function properly. Providing a continuous power supply is somewhat engaging and thereby increases the maintenance of the device.
