80-36-03433 Introduction
SanDisk iNAND e.MMC 4.41 I/F - data Sheet
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. General Description
iNAND is an Embedded Flash Drive (EFD) designed for mobile handsets and consumer electronic
devices. iNAND is a hybrid device combining an embedded thin flash controller and standard MLC
NAND flash memory, with an industry standard e.MMC 4.411 interface.
Empowered with a new e.MMC4.41 feature set such as Boot and RPMB partitions, HPI,
Background Operations and HW Reset the iNAND e.MMC is the optimal device for reliable code
and data storage.
Designed specifically for mobile multimedia applications, iNAND is the most mature on board
SD/MMC device since 2005, providing mass storage of up to 32GB in JEDEC compatible form
factors, with low power consumption and high performance - an ideal solution for multimedia
handsets of 2.5G, 3G, 3.5G and 4G.
In addition to the high reliability and high system performance offered by the current iNAND
family of products, iNAND offers plug-and-play integration and support for multiple NAND
technology transitions, as well as features such as advanced power management scheme.
iNAND uses advanced Multi-Level Cell (MLC) NAND flash technology, enhanced by SanDisk’s
embedded flash management software running as firmware on the flash controller.
iNAND architecture and embedded firmware fully emulates a hard disk to the host processor,
enabling read/write operations that are identical to a standard, sector-based hard drive. In addition,
SanDisk firmware employs patented methods, such as virtual mapping, dynamic and static wear-
leveling, and automatic block management to ensure high data reliability and maximize flash life
expectancy.
SanDisk iNAND provides up to 32GB of memory for use in mass storage applications. In addition
to the mass-storage-specific flash memory chip, iNAND includes an intelligent controller, which
manages interface protocols, data storage and retrieval, error correction code (ECC) algorithms,
defect handling and diagnostics, power management and clock control.
Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the SanDisk iNAND with MMC Interface.
iNAND enables multimedia driven applications such as music, photo, video, TV, GPS, games,
email, office and other applications.
The breakthrough in performance and design makes iNAND the ideal solution for mobile handset
vendors, portable navigation and Automotive Infotainment vendors who require easy integration,
fast time to market and high-capacity.
1.2. Plug-and-Play Integration
iNAND optimized architecture eliminates the need for complicated software integration and testing
processes and enables a practically plug-and-play integration in the system. The replacement of one
iNAND device with another of a newer generation requires virtually no changes to the host. This
makes iNAND the perfect solution for platforms and reference designs, as it allows for the
1 Compatible to JESD84-A441
80-36-03433