A data holding device is provided that is capable of holding data even if the
power
supply is shut off and reliability in holding data is high. The data holding device
1 is provided with a data latch circuit 3 and a ferroelectric memory
section 5. Ferroelectric capacitors 17 and 19 are capable
of storing data in non-volatile manner. One end of the ferroelectric capacitor
17 is connected to the input node 7a of an inverter circuit
7 through a transfer gate 11. The transfer gate 11 is in the
off state when data are passed. Therefore, even if input data D changes when data
are passed, the change is quickly transmitted to the input node 7a,
so that reliability of latching operation does not lower even if the operation
is made at usual speeds.