The DS1213B SmartSocket is a 28-pin, 600 mil DIP socket with a built-in CMOS controller circuit and an embedded lithium energy source. It accepts either 24-pin 2K x 8 (lower-justified) or 28-pin 8K x 8 JEDEC bytewide CMOS static RAM. When the socket is mated with a CMOS RAM, it provides a complete solution to problems associated with memory volatility. The Smart-Socket monitors incoming VCC for an out-of-tolerance condition. When such a condition occurs, the internal lithium energy source is automatically switched on and write protection is unconditionally enabled to prevent data corruption. Using the SmartSocket saves printed circuit board space since the SRAM/SmartSocket combination occupies no more area than the SRAM alone. The SmartSocket modifies only pins 20, 26 and 28, to nonvolatize the RAM. All other pins are passed straight through.