The FM24CL16B is a 16-Kbit nonvolatile memory employing an advanced ferroelectric process. A ferroelectric random access memory or F-RAM is nonvolatile and performs reads and writes similar to a RAM. It provides reliable data retention for 151 years while eliminating the complexities, overhead, and system-level reliability problems caused by EEPROM and other nonvolatile memories. Unlike EEPROM, the FM24CL16B performs write operations at bus speed. No write delays are incurred. Data is written to the memory array immediately after each byte is successfully transferred to the device. The next bus cycle can commence without the need for data polling. In addition, the product offers substantial write endurance compared with other nonvolatile memories. Also, F-RAM exhibits much lower power during writes than EEPROM since write operations do not require an internally elevated power supply voltage for write circuits. The FM24CL16B is capable of supporting 1014 read/write cycles, or 100 million times more write cycles than EEPROM.