Intelligent Memory’s Low Density eMMC: A New Standard for Embedded Storage
Intelligent Memory has unveiled its new generation of low density eMMC solutions, designed to provide reliable and efficient storage for a wide range of embedded applications. With densities ranging from 4GB to 64GB and available in Silver configuration (with Ruby forthcoming in 2025), these eMMC solutions are tailored to meet the needs of industries requiring compact, cost-effective, and reliable non-volatile storage.
Form Factor Versatility: Available in 153-ball and 100-ball BGA packages.
Broad Temperature Support: Ranges include options for industrial and automotive environments (up to 105°C).
Backward Compatibility: Supports eMMC v4.5 and v5.0 for seamless integration into legacy systems.
Why Low-Density eMMC Matters
Low-density eMMC solutions are essential for applications where efficient data storage, compact design, and durability are key. IM’s eMMC products are engineered for use in industrial control, automotive systems, networking equipment, IoT devices, and medical electronics, offering reliable storage in challenging environments.
Command and Response Protocol
At the heart of the eMMC’s functionality is its command-response protocol, which is similar to that used by SD cards. The host issues commands to the eMMC device, which then responds accordingly. This protocol facilitates a variety of operations including read/write actions, partitioning, status monitoring, and device configuration.
Communication is handled via:
CMD Line: A bidirectional signal that controls communication between the host and eMMC.
Data Lines (DAT0-DAT7): Parallel lines used for high-speed data transfer.
Technical Highlights
Data Bus Width and Speed:
Bus Width: IM’s eMMC supports 1-bit, 4-bit, and 8-bit interfaces, with most modern systems leveraging the 8-bit width for maximum data throughput.
Speed Modes: From HS200 mode (up to 200 MB/s) to HS400 mode, which uses dual data rate (DDR) transfer at 200 MHz, enabling speeds up to 400 MB/s.
Power Efficiency and Operating Modes:
Operates on dual-voltage levels for flexible power management: VCCQ (1.8V/3.3V for I/O) and VCC (2.7V to 3.6V for internal NAND).
Capable of pseudo-SLC (pSLC) mode, which enhances write endurance by treating multiple bits as single bits, thereby improving data retention and longevity.
Environmental Durability:
Designed to perform under extreme temperature conditions ranging from -40°C to 105°C, making them suitable for automotive and industrial use.
Core Features of Intelligent Memory’s Low Density eMMC
Intelligent Memory’s low density eMMC products are built to meet the rigorous demands of modern embedded systems:
Densities and Packages:
Gen 5 (153-ball, 100-ball): 4GB to 64GB in Silver configuration.
Gen 6 (153-ball): Up to 256GB, available in Silver configuration.
Speed Modes and Performance:
HS400 Mode: Dual-data rate clocking up to 200 MHz, achieving up to 400 MB/s.
HS200 and HS Modes: Support for high-speed data transfer up to 200 MB/s.
Advanced Data Management:
S.M.A.R.T. Support: Enables health monitoring through IM’s Device Manager.
pSLC Mode Compatibility: Enhances data endurance for critical applications.
Extended Temperature Grades:
E (0°C to 85°C), I (-40°C to 85°C), V (-40°C to 85°C Auto Grade 3), A (-40°C to 105°C Auto Grade 2) ensure adaptability in harsh conditions.
Top 5 Application Areas for IM’s Low-Density eMMC
1. Automotive Systems:
Infotainment Systems: Reliable storage for multimedia, maps, and navigation data
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems): Supports real-time data processing for critical features like lane assistance and collision detection.
Digital Instrument Clusters and Telematics: Provides robust data storage for dashboards and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication
2. Industrial and Embedded Systems:
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and HMIs: Essential for storing firmware and log data in automation equipment
IoT Devices: Low power consumption and compact design make IM’s eMMC ideal for IoT applications such as smart meters and security systems.
3. Medical Electronics:
Used in diagnostic tools and portable monitoring systems, where quick boot times and dependable data retention are critical
4. Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems:
Stores transaction data and customer information in retail environments, ensuring fast and secure operations
5. Networking and Telecommunications:
Routers and Base Stations: Stores firmware, configurations, and logs, contributing to smooth network operations
Why Choose Intelligent Memory’s eMMC?
Intelligent Memory’s low density eMMC solutions offer several advantages for engineers and system designers:
Enhanced Compatibility: Backward compatibility ensures seamless integration into existing systems.
Reliable Performance: The use of pSLC mode and broad temperature support caters to mission-critical applications.
Cost-Effective Storage: Provides sufficient performance at a competitive price for embedded applications that do not require ultra-high capacities.
Conclusion
With the introduction of low density eMMC, Intelligent Memory continues to deliver innovative, high-reliability storage solutions that cater to a wide range of embedded and industrial applications. These eMMC products provide the balance of performance, size, and power efficiency needed for today’s demanding environments.
Stay tuned for an upcoming feature on Intelligent Memory’s full range of eMMC solutions, including the Ruby configuration, which is expected to expand the options available for engineers looking to optimise their embedded systems.
As always, contact Ineltek for more information.