PCI Express Mini Cards Provide Module Expansion

摘要

Stackable boards like PC/104 and its PCI Express variants offer developers a plethora of I/O expansion options. While compact, these boards are large compared to many module-based systems. These larger boards also often are overkill when it comes to peripheral expansion. Designers, then, have looked to deliver more compact expansion options like the PCI Express (PCIe) MiniCard (MiniPCIe). The MiniCard originally was designed for laptop expansion, but it has since been used in a variety of platforms. It comes in full-size and half-size form factors. Also, it has been hijacked to utilize other interfaces such as SATA for mSATA storage devices. The standard definition includes a single PCI Express lane, USB 2.0, and an I2C interface. The initial devices targeting laptops utilized the PCIe interface, but embedded solutions have taken advantage of the other interfaces as well.