The MultiMediaCard is a flash memory card for portable electronics that was first released in 1997 with 4MB of storage and eventually had up to 2GB available. Additionally, there have been various MMC variations introduced, including the encrypted SecureMMC, ROM-MMC used in Palm PDAs, and OTP versions. The MMC format was eventually replaced by SD cards, but both are still supported by SD readers. eMMC is a BGA package that combines flash memory with an MMC controller for direct attachment on a circuit board, while miCARD is a high-capacity MMC that can hold up to 2TB of data and can be inserted into an MMC slot using an adaptor and a USB port. These technologies were transferred to the EIA’s JEDEC section in 2008.

Flash Memory Card Technology: An Overview of MMCs

Flash memory cards have made it possible to store large amounts of data in small and portable devices such as telephones, PDAs, and other electronics. MultiMedia Cards (MMCs) were among the first types of flash memory cards on the market. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history, developments, and variations of MMCs.

What are MultiMedia Cards?

MMC was first released in 1997 by the MultiMediaCard Association, with a storage capacity of only 4MB. By the mid-2000s, MMCs had evolved, and 2GB of storage was common. MMCs are similar in size and shape to Secure Digital (SD) cards, which replaced them as the primary card format for portable devices.

What are the Versions of MMC?

Through the years, many variations of MMCs were introduced. Some of these versions are as follows:

• SecureMMC: This version is encrypted and stores license information on a memory card that cannot be tampered with.
• ROM-MMC: This version is read-only and was utilized in Palm PDAs.
• OTP: This version had a one-time programmable fuse that was blown permanently during programming to provide security.
• Smaller MMCs: Three new MMC variations were introduced, with smaller form factors. They are HS-MMC, DV-MMC, and MMCmicro.

What are the Advancements in MMC Technology?

MMC technology has continued to evolve. Here are two advancements in MMC technology worth noting:

• eMMC: Embedded MMC (eMMC) is a BGA package that combines flash memory with an MMC controller for direct attachment to a circuit board. This technology has become popular in the embedded space, such as in smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices.
• miCARD: The miCARD is a high-capacity MMC that can hold up to 2TB of data and can be inserted into an MMC slot using an adaptor and a USB port.

Summing up:

MultiMedia Cards (MMCs) have a long and rich history in the development of flash memory cards. Through the years, MMCs have evolved, and many variations of the technology have emerged, including eMMC and miCARD. MMCs and their variations continue to be used in many devices today, making it possible to store large amounts of data in small and portable formats.