Sandisk introduces iNAND CL EM181 to extend e.MMC support for IoT devices

Sandisk has introduced the iNAND CL EM181 embedded flash drive at electronica 2026. The e.MMC 5.1A solution offers 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB capacities for connected devices with long product lifecycles.

Dji Banner Inside Article - 728x90

Sandisk has expanded its embedded flash portfolio for physical AI and Internet of Things applications with the iNAND CL EM181 Embedded Flash Drive (EFD), introduced at electronica 2026 in Munich. The e.MMC 5.1A product is intended to help manufacturers move to newer NAND technology while retaining the established e.MMC interface in long-lifecycle devices.

Target applications include set-top boxes, over-the-top streaming devices, home gateways, smart televisions and appliances, smart security cameras and data-centre logging systems. Sandisk says the drive is designed to support transitions between iNAND generations with minimal host changes, reducing the integration and qualification work involved in refreshing a product line.

Up to 256 GB and 300 MB/s sequential reads

The iNAND CL EM181 comes in 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB capacities. Sandisk reports sequential read speeds of up to 300 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 225 MB/s, based on internal testing. Actual performance depends on the host device, operating conditions, drive capacity and other factors.

Every capacity uses a JEDEC-compliant 11.5 × 13 mm package. According to the company, this common footprint is designed to ease migration between iNAND generations without extensive changes to the host.

SmartSLC and a configurable SLC partition

Sandisk SmartSLC technology reserves SLC blocks within the NAND for writes. The company says it is designed to improve write performance and endurance while reducing write amplification. A configurable Enhanced User Data Area (EUDA) also provides a true SLC partition for applications requiring greater endurance or performance.

The specified operating temperature range is -25°C to 85°C. The drive includes an LDPC error-correction engine, automatic refresh and advanced power protection, which Sandisk identifies as features supporting data integrity and reliability.

Storage continuity for long-lived products

Russell Ruben, Sandisk’s Worldwide Automotive and IoT Segment Marketing Director, said many IoT products remain on the market for years, making continuity in storage technology important to manufacturers. He described the EM181 as a route to newer NAND while keeping e.MMC and limiting changes to existing designs, as well as a continuation of the company’s investment in e.MMC for physical AI, IoT and embedded applications.

At electronica 2026, Sandisk is presenting the drive at Hall C4, stand 126, alongside flash solutions for data centres, automotive and industrial applications, and original equipment manufacturers. Its wider memory portfolio spans enterprise SSDs supporting AI infrastructure, consumer devices and connected systems at the edge.

Capacity and performance notes: 1 GB equals one billion bytes and 1 MB/s equals one million bytes per second. Actual user capacity may be lower depending on the operating environment. Product specifications may change, and availability can vary by region.

Source: Sandisk’s press release dated 10 November 2026. Manufacturer’s product link.