Modern vehicles rely on memory and storage for far more than navigation and entertainment. Embedded systems use storage to boot operating systems, load applications, retain diagnostic information, install software updates and record data from cameras and sensors.
As vehicles add more connected features, advanced driver-assistance systems and centralized computing, engineers must choose storage that fits each system’s performance, capacity, endurance, environmental and lifecycle requirements.
There is no single best automotive storage format for every application. An instrument cluster, data logger, infotainment system and autonomous-driving computer may each require a different solution. This guide explains where eMMC, BGA SSDs, UFS, SD cards and conventional SSDs can fit within modern vehicle electronics.
Quick answer: Automotive systems may use eMMC or UFS for compact embedded storage, BGA SSDs for higher performance in a small package, SD or microSD cards for removable storage and data logging, and SATA or NVMe SSDs for systems requiring greater capacity or sustained performance.
Why Do Modern Vehicles Need More Storage?
Vehicles increasingly operate as connected computing platforms. A single vehicle can contain multiple electronic control units, cameras, displays, sensors and communication systems. Each system may create, process or retain data.
Common storage-dependent functions include:
- Operating-system and application storage
- Navigation maps and route information
- Infotainment and multimedia content
- Digital instrument clusters and head-up displays
- Advanced driver-assistance systems, or ADAS
- Camera, sensor and event data
- Diagnostic and maintenance records
- Telematics and fleet-management information
- Over-the-air software and firmware updates
Phison identifies infotainment, ADAS, telematics, diagnostics, event recording and over-the-air updates among the applications that depend on automotive storage. Its automotive portfolio includes eMMC, BGA SSD, UFS and SD or microSD technologies. The specific technology selected depends on the requirements of the system rather than the vehicle alone.
Where Automotive Memory and Storage Are Used
| Vehicle system | What it may store | Possible storage formats |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment | Operating systems, applications, navigation maps and multimedia | eMMC, UFS, BGA SSD or M.2 SSD |
| Instrument cluster | Firmware, graphics, display assets and configuration data | eMMC, UFS or BGA SSD |
| ADAS | Algorithms, maps, sensor information and event logs | UFS, BGA SSD or NVMe SSD |
| Telematics | Communication software, diagnostics and fleet data | eMMC, SD, microSD or BGA SSD |
| Data logger | Camera footage, test measurements, events and diagnostic records | SD, microSD, SATA SSD or NVMe SSD |
| Domain controller | Operating systems, applications and data shared across vehicle functions | UFS, BGA SSD or NVMe SSD |
These examples describe possible applications rather than a universal design rule. Engineers must evaluate the host interface, software architecture, workload and qualification requirements before selecting a device.
eMMC for Embedded Automotive Systems
Embedded MultiMediaCard, or eMMC, combines NAND flash memory and a controller in a compact BGA package. Manufacturers solder it directly to the system board, which makes it useful where space, power consumption and simplified integration matter.
eMMC can support operating systems, applications and retained system data in infotainment units, telematics systems, instrument clusters and other embedded controllers.
Important eMMC selection factors include:
- eMMC interface version
- Available capacity
- NAND type and endurance
- Package dimensions
- Operating-temperature range
- Product lifecycle and change-control requirements
UFS for Higher-Performance Embedded Storage
Universal Flash Storage, or UFS, also combines managed NAND storage in a compact package. Unlike eMMC’s parallel interface, UFS uses a high-speed serial interface and can handle simultaneous reading and writing more efficiently.
These characteristics make UFS relevant to systems that need faster application loading and greater data throughput. KIOXIA identifies richer infotainment, ADAS and domain controllers as applications for its automotive UFS technology.
Engineers comparing eMMC and UFS should review host compatibility, performance needs, capacity, thermal conditions, package size, software support and qualification requirements.
BGA SSDs for Compact, High-Performance Systems
A BGA SSD places an SSD controller and NAND flash in a compact surface-mount package. It provides SSD-style management and performance without requiring a removable drive or connector.
BGA SSDs can suit space-constrained computing platforms that require more performance than a basic embedded storage device can provide. Potential applications include infotainment, ADAS, data processing and centralized vehicle-computing systems.
Selection depends on the PCIe or SATA interface, package dimensions, power profile, performance, endurance, temperature range and supported security or power-management features.
SD and microSD for Logging and Removable Storage
SD and microSD cards provide removable storage in a small format. They can support diagnostic equipment, mapping systems, fleet devices, test vehicles, camera systems and event data recorders.
Removable storage simplifies service and data transfer, but automotive and industrial workloads require more than capacity alone. Repeated recording, unexpected power interruption and continuous operation can place significant demands on the card.
Teams should evaluate:
- Sustained write performance
- Write endurance
- Power-interruption behavior
- Data-retention requirements
- Operating temperature
- Health monitoring and diagnostic features
SATA and NVMe SSDs for Greater Capacity
Vehicle computing and data-recording platforms may require more capacity or sustained performance than a small embedded device provides. SATA and PCIe NVMe SSDs offer a wider selection of capacities and form factors.
Possible formats include 2.5-inch SATA, M.2 SATA, M.2 NVMe, U.2 and E1.S. The host platform and available space determine which format fits the system.
SATA remains useful for established platforms that prioritize compatibility and predictable performance. NVMe can provide greater bandwidth and lower latency for camera data, ADAS workloads, centralized computing and high-volume logging.
What Makes Automotive Storage Different?
A vehicle presents different operating conditions from a desktop computer or consumer device. Storage may need to operate through temperature changes, vibration, frequent power cycles and long product lifecycles.
Engineers and purchasing teams should consider the following requirements.
Operating Temperature
The required temperature range depends on where the system sits inside the vehicle. A protected cabin system and a module installed near a heat source may have very different requirements.
Endurance and Workload
Navigation data may involve mostly reads, while a camera logger may write continuously. The expected workload helps determine the appropriate NAND, capacity and endurance level.
Data Integrity
Systems should account for unexpected power loss, read disturbances and data retention. Available protections vary by controller, firmware and finished product.
Lifecycle and Supply Continuity
Vehicle platforms can remain in production and service for years. A component change may require additional testing or system qualification, making product longevity and change management important sourcing considerations.
Qualification and Documentation
An industrial-temperature rating does not automatically make a product automotive-qualified. Teams should verify the exact part number, manufacturing controls, test documentation and required industry qualifications.
How to Select Automotive Memory and Storage
Begin with the system rather than a preferred storage format. Document the host interface, capacity and workload before comparing products.
- Define the application. Identify whether the device will boot a system, store applications, retain logs or continuously record data.
- Confirm the interface. Determine whether the host supports eMMC, UFS, SD, SATA or PCIe NVMe.
- Estimate the workload. Review how much data the system reads and writes each day.
- Set the environmental requirements. Document temperature, vibration, power and installation conditions.
- Review endurance and retention. Select a configuration that matches the expected service life.
- Confirm qualification requirements. Request documentation for the exact product and configuration.
- Plan for long-term availability. Review product lifecycle, change notifications and replacement strategies.
Evaluating AMP Memory and Storage Options
AMP’s memory and storage lineup includes embedded and removable formats such as eMMC, BGA SSD, SD, microSD, M.2 and 2.5-inch SSDs. Availability, features and qualifications vary by product family and part number.
When requesting an option for an automotive system, include the application, interface, form factor, capacity, workload, operating temperature, required qualifications and expected product lifecycle. AMP can use this information to help identify products for technical review.
Customers should verify all automotive qualifications and system requirements against the approved data sheet and supporting documentation for the exact part number before completing product selection.
Automotive Memory and Storage FAQs
Modern vehicles may use eMMC, UFS, BGA SSDs, SD or microSD cards, SATA SSDs and PCIe NVMe SSDs. The correct format depends on the application, interface, performance, capacity and environmental requirements.
Both provide managed storage in compact packages. UFS uses a high-speed serial interface and generally supports greater performance and more efficient simultaneous reading and writing, while eMMC remains common in established embedded systems.
ADAS platforms may need storage for operating systems, algorithms, maps, sensor information and event logs. BGA or NVMe SSDs can provide the capacity and performance required by more demanding systems.
No. An industrial-temperature rating does not automatically establish automotive qualification. Buyers should verify the qualifications, test documentation and approved data sheet for the exact part number.
Important information includes the application, host interface, form factor, capacity, read and write workload, temperature range, endurance, power conditions, required qualifications and expected product lifecycle.
Sources and Further Reading
Product availability, specifications and qualifications vary by part number and configuration. Confirm all requirements using the approved product data sheet and supporting documentation before qualification or deployment.
