Flexible MiniPCI Express to two PCI Express Splitter

The Flexible MiniPCI Express to two PCI Express Splitter (Splitter) was designed to expand the modern motherboard (ATX, mini ATX, etc.) with a limited number of PCI Express connectors. It allows you to connect up to two x1 or x4 PCI Express add-in boards to the motherboard’s standard MiniPCI Express connector.

The Splitter includes an x1 or x4 PCI Express adapter board with a PCI Express flat cable (up to 2 boards), and a MiniPCI Express host board.

Each PCI Express adapter board has a standard x1 or x4 PCI Express connector for plugging in the  PCI Express add-in board (downstream). The MiniPCI Express host board connects to the motherboard MiniPCI Express connector (upstream). The PCI Express flat cable (12 inches) is used for connecting the host board and adapter board, and it provides a flexible connection between the PCI Express add-in boards and the motherboard.

The power (12V and 3.3V) for the PCI Express add-in board is supplied via a female PCI Express connector placed on the PCI Express adapter board. Power for the PCI Express adapter board is supplied via 4 pin “floppy disk” power connector. Depending on the PCI Express adapter board type, it can utilize different power sources:
— a standard ATX power supply (12V and 5V)
— an external power supply (12V only)

The PCI Express Adapter board has mounting holes for its mechanical fixation inside the computer chassis (embedded computer), and support tabs for mechanical stabilization of the add-in PCI Express board (US Patent 7,255,570).