The DS1217M is a nonvolatile (NV) RAM designed for portable applications requiring a rugged and durable package. The NV Cartridge has memory capacities from 64k x 8 to 512k x 8. The cartridge is accessed in continuous 32kB banks. Bank switching is accomplished under software control by pattern recognition from the address bus. A card edge connector is required for connection to a host system. A standard 30-pin connector can be used for direct mount to a printed circuit board. Alternatively, remote mounting can be accomplished with a ribbon cable terminated with a 28-pin DIP plug. The remote method can be used to retrofit existing systems which have JEDEC 28-pin byte-wide memory sites.