micropython driver for the Epson RX8130CE Real Time Controller used on the Tab5

[easytarget]

I've just finished work on a full feature micropythin driver for this Real Time Controller chip fitted to the Tab5 (and other M5 products etc.)

https://codeberg.org/easytarget/rx8130ce-micropython

As an example;

# Create a I2C object
# set sda/scl as needed, example below for esp32p4

from machine import I2C, Pin
i2c = I2C(sda = Pin(31), scl = Pin(32))

# Create a clock object
from rx8130ce import RX8130
clock = RX8130(i2c)

print(clock.timestring())

# demo of timer
from time import sleep

# set a timer for 10s at 64Hz countdown
clock.timer_enable(count = 640, tsel = 1)

# wait for the timer
while not clock.timer_interrupt():
  sleep(0.1)
  print('.', end='')
print('\nTimeout: ', clock.timestring())

# disable timer
clock.timer_enable(0)

This gives:

MPY: soft reboot
MicroPython v1.27.0 on 2025-12-09; Generic ESP32P4 module with WIFI module of external ESP32C6 with ESP32P4
Type "help()" for more information.
>>> import test.py
Fri, 30 Jan 46, 17:16:06
....................................................................................................
Timeout:  Fri, 30 Jan 46, 17:16:16
>>> 

There is a lot more in the repo, including a demo of how to use the RTC to set the system clock at boot time.

All the chip 'advanced' features can be accessed via the driver, but are of limited value on the Tab5 due to not having some pins connected, and the /IRQ pin being rendered almost useless by the power management mcu.