The DS1230Y utilizes an encapsulated internal battery.? The battery is disconnected until external power is applied breaking the "freshness seal" and connecting the battery to the RAM.? So with a new device you are dealing with battery shelf life until it is powered up.? And I assume that nearly all if not all device programmers will supply power to break the seal and allow you to program it and remove it from the socket without losing the newly programmed contents.
Good reading:
Some of the above data reflect older dates.
I see that Digi-Key still handles large quantities of the DS1230Y:
As well as does Mouser:
And others out there.
Greg
