Embedded SD
Easily add more built-in storage to products
The Embedded SD standard aims to do for embedded storage what the SD standard has done for removable storage. This standard for an embedded form factor and interface was designed for devices that use flash memory storage. Mobile phones and other storage-hungry consumer electronics products benefit from Embedded SD. Product designers can build in up to 32GB, creating scalable high-capacity storage into new devices. More storage in products lets companies deliver a ready-to-use experience for consumers when they open the product box.
Embedded SD still allows for the use of portable SD memory cards, maintaining the convenience and flexibility of removable storage.
More storage flexibility and performance
The management of flash becomes challenging as flash technologies and process nodes advance. Using Embedded SD offloads flash management from the host, similar to SD memory cards.
Embedded SD devices are embedded flash solutions that house a flash storage device of varied capacities with a flash controller and dedicated flash management firmware in a small standard Fine Ball Grid Array (FBGA) package that uses the Embedded SD interface.
Embedded SD is compliant with all current SD specifications: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 (except for form factor) along with new features like a standard embedded form factor and interface as well as a robust system of variable patitions, protection mechanisms and power fail immunity capabilities designed to enable the flexibility required in handset storage design and ensure the rigorous level reliability required from a bootable device.
Benefits
- Standard interface and form factor makes integration of high-capacity storage into mobile designs easier
- Multiple sources for Embedded SD devices ensures choice, competition and stable supplies for product manufacturers
- Store boot and OS code along side user data to reduce cost, save precious space in product designs while also reducing hardware design complexity
- Flexibile physical partitioning configuration allows for the management of different content and applications according to use case and owner
Features
| Fully Compatible with SD standard |
Embedded SD 2.1 is fully compatible with the industry leading SDHC (SD 2.00) interface, ensuring a seamless migration from current SD to Embedded SD designs. |
| Standard FBGA Packaging |
Supporting a wide range of form factors, including: 11.5mmX13mm, 12mmX16mm, 12mmX18mm, 14mmX18mm and 16mmX20mm enabling the design of high-capacity storage devices and multi-chip package configurations. |
| Both 3.3V and 1.8V Power Supplies |
Supported for both flash and I/O power sources. |
| Boot from Embedded SD |
Reliable and secure storage of boot code on an Embedded SD device reduces the number of memory components in a design, as well as the number of busses required, enabling more efficient designs. |
| Flexible Partition Mechanism |
Allows multiple physical partitions accommodating varied data sources such as boot code, OS, applications and multimedia content with customizable levels of protection for each partition. Original equipment manufacturers, mobile network operators and content providers gain optimal flexibility and control to configure the Embedded SD device for different usages and data types. |
| Protection Mechanism |
Flexibility to separately configure each physical partition with different read and write/erase protection modes. |
| Data Robustness |
Optional configuration of each physical partition of the Embedded SD device, including full immunity to power failure, protects critical data (boot code, operator data, etc.) |
| Power Saving Sleep Mode |
Option to customize power needs and reduce power consumption and boost battery life. |