IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

International Journal of Engineering and Modern Technology (IJEMT )

E-ISSN 2504-8848
P-ISSN 2695-2149
VOL. 11 NO. 5 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijemt.vol.11.no5.2025.pg130.151

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Enhancing the Performance of Real Time Digital Clock with Temperature Display, Using Atmega 328 Micro Controller and Crystal Oscillator.

Nnamdi Ahuchaogu, and EN Aneke

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Abstract

The design and construction of a real-time digital clock with a temperature display aim to provide an efficient, cost-effective, and reliable system for tracking time and monitoring environmental temperature. This project integrates a DS3231 Real-Time Clock (RTC) module and a built-in temperature sensor with an ATmega 328 microcontroller, ensuring precise timekeeping and temperature measurement. The system processes data and displays real-time values on a seven- segment LED display, controlled via 74HC595 shift registers to optimize microcontroller pin usage. The methodology involves interfacing the RTC module and temperature sensor with the microcontroller using the I²C communication protocol, implementing a 16MHz crystal oscillator for stability, and developing firmware in C/C++ using Arduino IDE to handle data processing and display updates. The final prototype was tested for accuracy and reliability, confirming consistent timekeeping, precise temperature readings, and clear numeric display output. This project serves as a practical demonstration of embedded system design, with potential applications in homes, laboratories, and industries where real-time environmental monitoring is essential. Future improvements could include wireless connectivity, enhanced display options, and extended environmental sensing capability.

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