The DS1211 Nonvolatile Controller x 8 Chip is a CMOS circuit which solves the application problem of converting CMOS RAMs into nonvolatile memories. Incoming power is monitored for an out-oftolerance condition. When such a condition is detected, the chip enables are inhibited to accomplish write protection and the battery is switched on to supply RAMs with uninterrupted power. Special circuitry uses a low-leakage CMOS process which affords precise voltage detection at extremely low battery consumption.