# Dallas Semiconductor Real-time clocks
**Wikidata**: [Q1157980](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1157980)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dallas-semiconductor-real-time-clocks

## Summary
Dallas Semiconductor Real-time clocks are a specific class of integrated circuits manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor designed to keep track of the current time. They function as computer clocks and fall under the broader category of real-time clocks (RTCs). These components serve as essential hardware timekeepers within electronic systems.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Subclass of real-time clock.
- **Manufacturer:** Dallas Semiconductor.
- **Function:** Operates as a computer clock in the form of an integrated circuit to track the current time.
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/123027n0.
- **Wikipedia Presence:** Available in German (de) and on Wikimedia Commons.
- **Sitelink Count:** 2 sitelinks associated directly with this specific entity class.
- **Visual Representation:** Image files (such as the DS12B887-2377) are categorized under this entity on Wikimedia Commons.

## FAQs
### Q: What is a Dallas Semiconductor Real-time clock?
A: It is a type of integrated circuit manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor that functions as a real-time clock (RTC) to keep track of the current time in computer systems.

### Q: What company produces these real-time clocks?
A: These specific real-time clocks are produced by the manufacturer Dallas Semiconductor.

### Q: How are these clocks classified in electronics?
A: They are classified as a subclass of "real-time clocks," which are defined as computer clocks in the form of integrated circuits.

## Why It Matters
Dallas Semiconductor Real-time clocks represent a distinct and significant category within the broader field of electronic timekeeping. As established components manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor, they fulfill the critical role of maintaining accurate time within computer hardware. In the absence of these integrated circuits, computer systems would lack the dedicated hardware necessary to track the passage of time independently of the main processor or software operations.

The existence of a dedicated category and classification for these devices highlights their specific utility in the electronics industry. By functioning as a "computer clock in the form of an integrated circuit," they provide the necessary temporal logic required for a vast array of computing tasks, from file timestamping to scheduling system events. Their recognition in knowledge bases and visual archives underscores their enduring relevance as a hardware component standard.

## Notable For
- **Specific Classification:** Being a distinct subclass of the general "real-time clock" hardware category.
- **Dedicated Manufacturer:** Being specifically associated with and manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor.
- **Integrated Form Factor:** Existing as an integrated circuit rather than a discrete module or software solution.
- **Visual Documentation:** Being well-documented in media repositories like Wikimedia Commons (e.g., specific models like the DS12B887-2377).

## Body
### Manufacturer and Classification
The entity "Dallas Semiconductor Real-time clocks" refers to a specific line or category of electronic components. The manufacturer of record is **Dallas Semiconductor**. In the hierarchy of electronic components, this entity is strictly defined as a **subclass of real-time clock**.

### Technical Definition
According to structured data, the defining characteristic of this class is its function as a **computer clock in the form of an integrated circuit**. Its primary purpose is to **keep track of the current time**. This distinguishes it from other timing mechanisms that may not be integrated circuits or may not track calendar time continuously.

### Digital Presence and Identifiers
The entity is indexed in major knowledge systems.
- **Google Knowledge Graph:** It is assigned the ID `/g/123027n0`.
- **Wikimedia:** It maintains a presence on Wikimedia Commons and German Wikipedia (`de`).
- **Sitelinks:** The entity has a sitelink count of 2, indicating specific page connections within wiki-based knowledge bases.