Explore everything about internal storage with UFS and eMMC.
What is internal storage?
Internal storage or ROM is a non-volatile memory type which means it retains data even when the device is powered off. This is in contrast to RAM (Random Access Memory a volatile memory that stores temporary data and is cleared when the device is turned off.
Internal storage stores the device's operating system, pre-installed applications, and user data such as photos, videos, documents, and app data. It is the permanent storage solution for the smartphone. It stores important files and settings when the device is powered off or runs out of battery.
Internal storage is typically made of NAND flash memory a non-volatile solid-state storage technology. NAND flash memory is a highly efficient and reliable storage solution. It delivers fast read and write speeds, low power consumption, and durability against shock and vibration.
Internal storage Technology.
SLC (Single-Level Cell): Delivers the fastest performance and highest endurance (write cycles) but is less dense and expensive.
MLC (Multi-Level Cell): More affordable and denser allowing for larger storage capacities. but with slower performance and lower write endurance.
TLC (Triple-Level Cell): Even denser and more budget-friendly. but with the slowest speeds and lowest write endurance.
QLC (Quad-Level Cell): The most recent innovation offering very high storage capacities at low costs but with the trade-off of even slower speeds and the lowest write endurance.
Read Speed: Determines how quickly your phone retrieves data impacting app launch times, loading files, and overall responsiveness.
Write Speed: Affects how fast you can save data, transfer files, and install apps.
Main features of internal storage(ROM)
Capacity: Internal storage capacity has been increasing over the years with modern smartphones. Now It delivers various storage options ranging from 16GB to 1TB or even higher. Higher storage capacities allow users to store more data, such as high-resolution photos, videos, and apps, without running out of space quickly.
Performance: Internal storage is designed to provide fast read and write speeds for quick app loading, smooth multitasking, and efficient data transfer. The use of advanced technologies like eMMC (Embedded MultiMediaCard) or UFS (Universal Flash Storage).
Data Protection: Most smartphone manufacturers implement various data protection measures in their internal storage such as encryption and secure deletion. These features ensure that sensitive user data remains protected from unauthorized access or data recovery after deletion.
Partitioning: Internal storage is often partitioned into different sections each serving a specific purpose. For example, there may be separate partitions for the operating system, user data, cache, and system backups. This partitioning helps in efficient storage management and allows for easier software updates and data recovery.
Expandability: While internal storage is fixed and cannot be expanded many smartphones support external storage in microSD cards. This allows users to increase their overall storage capacity by adding additional memory cards providing more space for media files, documents, and app data.
What is UFS internal storage?
UFS is a flash memory interface standard designed specifically for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. It is the successor to the widely used eMMC (Embedded MultiMedia Card) standard and offers several improvements in terms of performance, energy efficiency, and reliability.
UFS internal storage utilizes NAND flash memory chips a non-volatile memory technology that can retain data even when the power is turned off. However, UFS employs a more advanced interface and communication protocol than eMMC. UFS helps faster data transfer rates and improves random read/write performance.
How does UFS Internal storage work?
JEDEC Standard: UFS is an open standard developed by the JEDEC Solid State Technology Association for interoperability between different manufacturers' components.
Serial Interface: UFS employs a high-speed serial interface based on the MIPI Alliance's UniPro protocol. This serial interface helps higher data transfer rates and lower power consumption. UFS uses a serial interface and a SCSI-based protocol called UFS. This protocol is more efficient and streamlined than the parallel interface used in eMMC for higher data transfer rates and lower latency.
Command Queue Architecture: UFS utilizes a command queue architecture. It allows the host (the smartphone's processor) to issue multiple commands to the storage device in advance. This feature helps with more efficient data transfer and improves overall performance.
Dual Data Channels: UFS supports dual data channels for simultaneous read and write operations further enhancing data transfer speeds.
Power Management: UFS incorporates advanced power management features including multiple low-power states and dynamic voltage scaling contributing to extended battery life in mobile devices.
Main features of UFS internal storage(ROM)
Speed: UFS delivers significantly faster data transfer rates than eMMC. The latest UFS 4.0 standard can achieve sequential read speeds of up to 4.2 Gbps and write speeds of up to 2.8 Gbps helping lightning-fast app loading, file transfers, and multimedia streaming.
Performance: With the command queue architecture and dual data channels. UFS provides improved random read/write performance for applications that require frequent small data transfers such as gaming and multitasking.
Power Efficiency: The advanced power management features of UFS combined with its serial interface lower power consumption leading to extended battery life in smartphones.
Reliability: UFS incorporates strong error correction and data protection mechanisms providing data integrity and reliability even in demanding mobile environments.
Scalability: UFS is designed to be scalable with future versions offering even higher data transfer rates and improved performance. It can meet the growing demands of mobile devices.
Compatibility: UFS is backward compatible with eMMC for a smooth transition and ensures compatibility with existing device ecosystems.
What is eMMC internal storage?
eMMC short for Embedded MultiMedia Card is a non-volatile storage technology widely used in smartphones, tablets, and other embedded systems. It is an integrated form of NAND flash memory designed specifically for mobile devices combining the flash memory and controller into a single package.
While eMMC has been a widely adopted storage solution in mobile devices for several years. It is gradually being replaced by the newer and more advanced UFS (Universal Flash Storage) standard in high-end smartphones and tablets. UFS offers even faster data transfer speeds improved command queuing and more advanced power management features than eMMC.
How does eMMC internal storage Technology work?
Flash Memory Integration: eMMC integrates NAND flash memory chips and a memory controller into a single compact package. Typically, a ball grid array (BGA) or package-on-package (PoP) form factor. This integration simplifies the design and manufacturing process for mobile devices.
Memory Controller: The memory controller within the eMMC package manages all read, write, and data transfer operations between the flash memory and the host device (e.g., your smartphone). It handles tasks such as error correction, wear leveling, and command processing.
Multi-Channel Architecture: eMMC supports a multi-channel architecture that allows simultaneous data transfers between the host and multiple planes. This parallelism improves overall performance and data throughput.
Command Queuing: eMMC implements command queuing helping the host device to issue multiple read and write commands in a queue. The memory controller can then process more efficiently improving overall performance and responsiveness.
Main features of internal storage(ROM)
High Density: eMMC supports high-density NAND flash memory for larger storage capacities in a compact form factor. It is essential for mobile devices with limited space.
Low Power Consumption: eMMC is designed to be power-efficient with features like advanced power management and low-power modes helping to extend battery life.
Wear Leveling: eMMC incorporates wear leveling algorithms that distribute write operations evenly across the available flash memory blocks. prolonging the lifespan of the storage and ensuring reliable operation over time.
Error Correction: eMMC employs advanced error correction techniques such as BCH (Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem) codes to detect and correct errors that may occur in the stored data for data integrity.
High-Speed Interface: eMMC supports various high-speed interfaces such as HS400 and HS460 for faster data transfer rates between the host device and the storage.
Boot Support: eMMC can store boot code and firmware for devices to boot directly from the eMMC storage, streamlining the boot process, and reducing the need for separate boot memory.