Embedded MultiMediaCard is a solid-state storage package that combines NAND flash memory and a flash memory controller on a single silicon die. It solders directly onto the motherboard, eliminating the need for a card slot or separate drive interface. It is heavily used in budget laptops, tablets, and embedded systems as a cheap, low-power alternative to solid-state drives.
The bootloader is stored on the eMMC, so if that chip dies, the whole board is bricked.
Related terms
Flash memory
An electronic non-volatile computer storage medium that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed.
SSD
A solid-state drive is a storage device that uses flash memory instead of spinning magnetic platters.
NVMe
A high-speed interface protocol designed for accessing solid-state drives over a PCIe bus.