Hello everyone.
In this moment I am designing a new embedded system from an existing control, main goal is to reduce cost applying updated components. For RTC device I have always worked whit DS1307 from MAXIM, actual control uses DS1338, when I looked for alternatives, I found the MCP79411 RTC from Microchip and looking their prices I get a little suspicious.
* Maxim DS1338 price = US3.82 https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/maxim-integrated/DS1338Z-33-/1017698
* Microchip MCP79411 price = US0.98 https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/microchip-technology/mcp79411-i-sn/2601461
Working with electronic device I know the price and quality go hand in hand, but in this case the difference is remarkable and I do not know why; both RTC shows similar specifications (interface, supply level, range operating temperature) with MCP79411 even better options (two alarm, supply failure timestamp, 1 kbit EEPROM, less current timekeeping).
Is there any detailed or main characteristic that makes the price of MAXIM RTC almost 3 dollars more expensive than Microchip RTC?