topic eMMC implementation with MIMXRT1170 EVK in MCX Microcontrollers

eMMC implementation with MIMXRT1170 EVK

SK02 — Thu, 14 May 2026 06:14:01 GMT

Hello.
I am using MIMXRT1170 EVK board. I have an working implementation with SD card. Now I am planning to shift to eMMC instead of SD card. I am looking for the implementation steps. Can I interface eMMC with EVK board? If yes then to which pins I should connect it?
And I didn't find any eMMC examples so give a approach for it.
Any advice or pointers to working SDK examples would be greatly appreciated.

Re: eMMC implementation with MIMXRT1170 EVK

Celeste_Liu — Wed, 20 May 2026 11:09:42 GMT

Hello @SK02 ,

Thanks for your post.

The RT1170 has two uSDHC controllers that support SD and eMMC interfaces, and the datasheet clearly states support for eMMC 5.0.
However, the MIMXRT1170-EVK board itself does not include a native eMMC footprint or related circuitry. According to the EVK hardware manual, only the J15 microSD slot is populated, and it is connected to USDHC1. Therefore, if you want to use eMMC, you will need to consider external hardware solutions, such as fly wires or an adapter board, to connect the eMMC device to the RT1170 uSDHC signals.

There are two possible approaches:

1. Reuse USDHC1 (the microSD interface on the EVK)

These functions are already available on USDHC1 in the EVK ROM pinmux configuration.
The main advantage of this approach is that existing SD driver code, as well as the board-level clock and power initialization, can be reused with minimal changes. In our community, you can also find reference examples showing how to modify the sdcard_interrupt demo to work with MMC (RT1170 eMMC demo - NXP Community).
The limitation is that you will need to tap the SD-related signals on the board or design a small adapter board.

2. Refer to the MIMXRT1176-ADP for custom hardware design
The official RT1170 reference board that actually includes an eMMC device is the MIMXRT1176-ADP. This board features an onboard eMMC device (U13), and the UM12135 clearly states that it is connected to the i.MX RT1170 uSDHC controller. The schematics and design files of this board can serve as a solid reference for a custom hardware design.

Hope it helps.

Celeste

Re: eMMC implementation with MIMXRT1170 EVK

SK02 — Thu, 21 May 2026 07:43:04 GMT

Hello @Celeste_Liu

Thank you for sharing the approaches.

It is helpful for starting with eMMC. I will finalize between these with my team and will start working.

Thanks and regards,

Sakshi

Re: eMMC implementation with MIMXRT1170 EVK

Celeste_Liu — Thu, 21 May 2026 08:41:02 GMT

Hello @SK02 ,

Glad to help!

If that post answers your question, please click the "ACCEPT AS SOLUTION" button. Thank you!

Any new questions in the future, welcome to create a new post.

Celeste

Re: eMMC implementation with MIMXRT1170 EVK

Celeste_Liu — Thu, 21 May 2026 08:41:04 GMT

Hello @SK02 ,

Glad to help!

If that post answers your question, please click the "ACCEPT AS SOLUTION" button. Thank you!

Any new questions in the future, welcome to create a new post.

Celeste