The FM24C256 is a 256-kilobit nonvolatile memory employing an advanced ferroelectric process. A ferroelectric random access memory or FRAM is nonvolatile and performs reads and writes like a RAM. It provides reliable data retention for 10 years while eliminating the complexities, overhead, and system level reliability problems caused by EEPROM and other nonvolatile memories. The FM24C256 performs write operations at bus speed. No write delays are incurred. The next bus cycle may commence immediately without the need for data polling. In addition, the product offers virtually unlimited write endurance, orders of magnitude more endurance than EEPROM. Also, FRAM exhibits much lower power during writes than EEPROM since write operations do not require an internally elevated power supply voltage for write circuits.