The DS1210 Nonvolatile Controller Chip is a CMOS circuit which solves the application problem of converting CMOS RAM into nonvolatile memory. Incoming power is monitored for an out-of-tolerance condition. When such a condition is detected, chip enable is inhibited to accomplish write protection and the battery is switched on to supply the RAM with uninterrupted power. Special circuitry uses a lowleakage CMOS process which affords precise voltage detection at extremely low battery consumption. The 8-pin DIP package keeps PC board real estate requirements to a minimum. By combining the DS1210 Nonvolatile Controller Chip with a CMOS memory and batteries, nonvolatile RAM operation can be achieved.