Real-time clocks (RTCs) are electronic devices that keep track of the current time and date with high accuracy, independent of external power sources. They typically include a built-in crystal oscillator and a battery backup to ensure continuous timekeeping even when the main power is off. RTCs are commonly used in applications such as consumer electronics, industrial automation, medical devices, and automotive systems where precise timekeeping is essential for scheduling tasks, logging events, and time-stamping data.