The DS1374 is a 32-bit binary counter designed to continuously count time in seconds. An additional counter generates a periodic alarm or serves as a watchdog timer. If disabled, this counter can be used as 3 bytes of nonvolatile (NV) RAM. Separate output pins are provided for an interrupt and a square wave at one of four selectable frequencies. A precision temperature-compensated reference and comparator circuit monitor the status of VCC to detect power failures, provide a reset output, and automatically switch to the backup supply when necessary. Additionally, the reset pin is monitored as a pushbutton input for externally generating a reset. The device is programmed serially through an I2CTM serial interface.