A 32.768 kHz quartz tuning-fork crystal that provides the standard real-time clock (RTC) reference for microcontrollers, RTC ICs, and low-power timing circuits. Available in compact SMD and cylindrical through-hole packages.
Product Overview
The 32.768 kHz frequency equals 2^15, which makes it ideal for binary clock dividers in RTC circuits — a single 15-stage divider produces a precise 1 Hz tick for clock and calendar counters. These quartz tuning-fork crystals are the foundation of timekeeping in watches, utility meters, IoT sensor nodes, and any battery-powered device that must keep time while asleep.
Newfly supplies verified tuning-fork crystals in industry-standard footprints, simplifying drop-in placement and second-source qualification for your BOM.
Key Features
- – Nominal frequency: 32.768 kHz (2^15 Hz)
- – Quartz tuning-fork crystal resonator (passive timing element)
- – Ultra-low power consumption for RTC applications
- – Available in SMD (3215 / 2012) and cylindrical through-hole packages
- – Tight frequency tolerance for accurate timekeeping
- – RoHS-compliant construction
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Nominal Frequency | 32.768 kHz |
| Load Capacitance | 12.5 pF typical (9 pF / 6 pF variants available; verify ordering code) |
| Frequency Tolerance | ±20 ppm typical (verify with manufacturer datasheet) |
| Frequency Stability | ±20 ppm over operating temperature (verify grade) |
| Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) | ≤ 70 kΩ typical (verify with manufacturer datasheet) |
| Package | SMD 3215 (3.2×1.5 mm) / 2012; Cylindrical 2×6 mm / 3×8 mm through-hole |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C typical (verify grade) |
| Compliance | RoHS (verify with manufacturer datasheet) |
Applications
– Real-time clock (RTC) reference source
– Microcontroller low-power timing
– Watches and wearable devices
– Smart utility meters
– IoT sensor nodes
– Medical and portable devices
Why Choose Newfly Electronics
– Verified sourcing from ISO9001-certified manufacturers
– MOQ flexibility with small-quantity and prototype sourcing support
– Alternative-part and cross-reference service for standard crystal frequencies
– Full-board BOM sourcing to consolidate your component purchasing
– RoHS / REACH documentation support for compliance filing
FAQ
Q: Why is 32.768 kHz used for RTC circuits?
A: 32768 = 2^15, so a 15-stage binary divider converts the crystal frequency into a precise 1 Hz signal — perfect for clock and calendar counters.
Q: Is this an active oscillator or a passive crystal?
A: It is a passive quartz tuning-fork crystal. Pair it with the oscillator circuit inside your RTC IC or MCU; if you need a self-contained clock, request an active oscillator module instead.
Q: Which packages are available?
A: Common SMD (3215 / 2012) and cylindrical through-hole (2×6 mm / 3×8 mm) footprints are available — specify your required package and load capacitance when ordering.






