Micron Technology has introduced e·MMC 4.4 standard, a new flash memory controller offering security options and NAND partition management, allowing handset manufacturers to change to the new features offered in NAND.
The company said that the new e·MMC 4.4 standard, ratified through JEDEC, supports Micron’s portfolio of managed NAND products. By combining the NAND and flash memory controller in one package, Micron’s e·MMC products reportedly simplify the application interface design and enhance the host processor from low-level flash memory management.
The company also said that the NAND partitioning feature of the e·MMC 4.4 standard would allow designers to configure partitions of the multi-level cell (MLC) NAND to act as single-level cell (SLC) NAND and store and execute handset boot code.
Eric Spanneut, director of mobile memory marketing at Micron, said: “As today’s mobile phones grow in content, features and functionality, there is a movement to ensure that the technology within these devices is flexible enough to evolve with the platforms. Micron is introducing products supporting the e·MMC 4.4 standard to allow our customers and partners to begin designing around a solution that reduces component count and bolsters system security.”
The e·MMC 4.4 standard’s security features reportedly restrict access to the phone’s critical software, including the boot code and operating system. In addition, the company claims that the product’s security features also include power-on write protection, permanent write protection and secure memory block.
