A method and apparatus for increasing the lifetime of ferroelectric devices is presented. The method includes applying a waveform to the input pulse to increase the rise or fall time of the pulse. The waveform may comprise a ramp, a step, or combinations of both. The waveform may be symmetrical with respect to the rising and falling edges of the pulses. A temperature control device may also be operatively connected to increase the temperature of the device to increase lifetime. In other embodiments, a resistance may be operatively connected in series with the ferroelectric device to increase lifetime.