What is eMMC?

The term eMMC is an acronym for embedded Multi-Media Card. It refers to a package comprising of both flash memory and a flash memory controller incorporated on similar silicon die.

The eMMC component contains no less than three elements that include the multimedia card interface, flash memory, and the flash memory controller.

This component is offered in an industry-approved Ball Grid Array package.

Where can eMMC be used?

eMMC is smaller than a typical postage stamp. Its tiny footprint makes it suitable for many electronic devices such as small laptops, smartphones, wearable technology, smart TVs, and intelligent home appliances.

The word embedded comes from the fact that the storage is fixed directly onto the device’s motherboard, so it can’t be removed or displaced easily.

eMMC storage includes a NAND flash that can be found in devices such as SD cards, USB drives, and solid-state drives, but it is packaged differently.

Aside from its services in consumer products, eMMC can also be employed in several other embedded applications, that may include robotics, Single Board Computers, automotive, networking, medical devices, and in developing control devices.

This is as a result of its compact size, limited power consumption, and multiple enhanced features.

The application of eMMC has become broader because of the advancement of the IoT market.

How eMMC works?

The eMMC is fixed by connecting it directly to the central circuit board of a device where it stores data.

By means of an integrated controller in the eMMC, the CPU does not have to transfer data into storage since the controller in the eMMC takes over that process.

This activity allows the CPU to handle other significant tasks. When you make use of flash memory, the whole IC-based storage takes small power, which makes it appropriate for portable devices.

Increased capacities and small footprint

eMMC capacities vary from 1GB to 512GB, and it comes in various grades depending on its use (i.e., consumer & industrial).

The most popular eMMC storage capacities are 32GB and 64GB, which make use of 3D MLC or SLC NAND flash.

Hence, it is suitable for heavy-duty applications and is highly dependable. Taking its size into consideration, eMMC can handle vast amounts of data in such a small footprint.

Is eMMC suitable for developers?

eMMC streamlines the interface design and capability process. This causes a decrease in market time and facilitates the support of flash devices that are yet to be manufactured.

The primary interface of an eMMC makes the fast-changing NAND technology invisible to the host.

This means that the host processor doesn’t always have to change its software to accommodate every NAND technology modification and variation. It also helps to reduce the design-in complexity and shorten the qualification cycle significantly.

What are the differences between industrial and consumer eMMC?

There has been news of eMMC being slow when its boots. This isn’t true, as few eMMC solutions that we have currently can begin their booting process in less than 10ms.

This allows eMMC to be employed as both data storage and a NOR flash substitute for boot code. It makes the eMMC a more desirable recommendation for developers developing small systems.

Industrial and consumer eMMC may look similar inside and out, but industrial eMMC can be customized to improve its performance for the application.

This table provides a summary of the crucial dissimilarities between industrial and consumer eMMC.

Before getting any eMMC products, it is good that you discuss with an expert to confirm that you are selecting the right variety of eMMC for your appliances. This helps you can avoid any unnecessary expenses.