The MM5368N is a monolithic integrated circuit produced by National Semiconductor (now Texas Instruments) designed as a digital alarm clock controller. This chip provides all the necessary logic to implement a fully functional digital alarm clock with features such as timekeeping, alarm setting, and display control.

Applications

• Digital alarm clocks
• Timer applications
• Electronic timing devices
• Consumer electronics requiring timekeeping functions

Features

• 24-hour clock format
• Alarm setting capability
• Direct drive for LED displays
• Snooze function support
• 50/60 Hz input for time base
• Internal oscillator

Benefits

• Simplified alarm clock design by integrating all timing and control logic into a single chip.
• Reduced component count, leading to lower manufacturing costs and increased reliability.
• Easy interfacing with LED displays for clear and accurate time representation.
• Accurate timekeeping based on 50/60 Hz AC line frequency.
• Compact design allows for use in smaller form-factor products.

Additional Details

The MM5368N typically requires a 50/60 Hz AC line frequency input for accurate timekeeping. It offers direct drive capability for common cathode LED displays, simplifying the interface and reducing the need for external components. The chip includes alarm setting functionality, allowing users to set a desired alarm time. It also incorporates a snooze function, providing a short delay before the alarm sounds again. The MM5368N operates on a single supply voltage and is available in a DIP package. The internal oscillator may require external components for frequency stabilization.

This IC was commonly used in early digital alarm clocks and other timing devices. Its integrated features significantly simplified the design process and reduced the overall cost of manufacturing such devices. While more modern and sophisticated clock controller ICs are available today, the MM5368N remains a notable component in the history of digital timekeeping technology.