The DS1216 SmartWatch RAM and SmartWatch ROM sockets are 600-mil-wide DIP sockets with a built-in CMOS watch function, an NV RAM controller circuit, and an embedded lithium energy source. The sockets provide an NV RAM solution for memory sized from 2k x 8 to 512k x 8 with package sizes from 26 pins to 32 pins. When a socket is mated with a CMOS SRAM, it provides a complete solution to problems associated with memory volatility and uses a common energy source to maintain time and date. The SmartWatch ROM sockets use the embedded lithium source to maintain the time and date only. A key feature of the SmartWatch is that the watch function remains transparent to the RAM. The SmartWatch monitors V_CC for an out-of-tolerance condition. When such a condition occurs, an internal lithium energy source is automatically switched on and write protection is unconditionally enabled to prevent loss of watch and RAM data.