A synchronous flash memory includes an array of non-volatile memory cells.
The memory device has a package configuration that is compatible with an
SDRAM. The memory device in one embodiment can comprise control circuitry
to perform an initialization operation on the synchronous memory, and a
status register having at least one data bit that can be programmed to
indicate if the initialization is being performed. A method of operating
a memory system includes initiating an initialization operation on a
memory device, and monitoring a memory status register to determine when
the initialization operation is completed.