EP-0236

Descriptions

This is a compact PCIE 3.0x1 expansion board specifically designed for the PCIe interface of the Raspberry Pi 5. It features an M.2 M-key specification, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of SSD devices.

Features

• Compact Design : The board is small and lightweight, making it ideal for space-constrained projects.
• PCIE 3.0x1 Interface : Supports the latest PCIe 3.0 standard with a single lane, offering high-speed data transfer capabilities.
• M.2 M-key Specification : Compatible with a variety of SSDs, providing flexibility in storage options.
• Aluminum Alloy Enclosure : The enclosure not only protects the SSD but also enhances heat dissipation, ensuring stable operation.
• Enhanced Cooling : The design includes effective thermal management to prevent overheating and prolong the life of the SSD.
• Plug-and-Play : Easy to install and use, requiring no additional drivers for most operating systems.
• High Compatibility : Designed to work seamlessly with Raspberry Pi 5, enhancing its functionality with additional storage or network capabilities.

Specifications

• Form Factor: Compact PCIe 3.0x1 expansion board for Raspberry Pi 5.
• Interface Type: PCIe 3.0, 1-lane interface.
• M.2 Slot Type: M-key (Key M) supporting both NVMe and SATA protocols.
• SSD Size Compatibility:

2230 (22mm width and 30mm length)
2242 (22mm width and 42mm length)
2260 (22mm width and 60mm length)
2280 (22mm width and 80mm length)

• SSD Power supply: Via PogoPin contact with soldering points on Raspberry Pi 5's GPIO.
• Physical Dimensions: Dimensions tailored to fit the Raspberry Pi 5 without obstruction.
• Material: Durable aluminum alloy casing for enhanced protection and heat dissipation.
• Heat Dissipation: Efficient cooling design to maintain optimal SSD performance.
• Operating Temperature: Suitable temperature range for reliable operation.
• Compatibility: Confirmed compatibility with various Raspberry Pi 5 models.
• Mounting: Secure mounting solution included for attachment to the Raspberry Pi.
• Connectors: Necessary PCIe and M.2 connectors for SSD integration.
• Software Requirements: Modify /boot/firmware/config.txt and adding `dtparam=pciex1` and `dtparam=pciex1_gen=3`

Gallery

TBD.

How to assemble it?

TBD.

How to enable PCIe on Raspberry Pi 5 ?

We assume that you are using Raspberry Pi OS 64bit on Raspberry Pi 5. (codename: bookworm) 

• Step 1. Modify /boot/firmware/config.txt file and adding following parameters:

dtparam=pciex1
dtparam=pciex1_gen=3  # Optional, force to use gen3 speed on NVMe SSD, if can support this function is depends on your NVMe SSD's feature.

• Step 2. Save it and reboot your Raspberry Pi 5 to take effect.

Disk Operations

• Check if SSD drive has been recognized by Raspberry Pi 5.

lsblk

• Make sure the PCIe devices information

• Create Partition

sudo fdisk /dev/nvme0n1 

create one partition by input following characters:

n -> p -> 1 > Enter -> Enter -> w  -> Enter 

n - new p - primary partition 1 - partition number Enter -> first cylinder Enter -> take the whole disk as last cylinder. w - write the partition table to SSD q - quit

• Format the partition

sudo mkfs.ext4 /dev/nvme0n1p1 

• Mount Partition to Raspberry Pi 5

 mkdir -pv disk1 
sudo mount -t ext4 /dev/nvme0n1p1 /home/pi/disk1 -v 

• Check if the partition has been mounted properly.

df -Th

• Automout the partition by modify /etc/fstab file, you can use vim or nano editor to modify this file /etc/fstab.

sudo vim.tiny /etc/fstab

NOTE: Please take care of the modifications due to wrong parameters may cause the system corrupted.

 
/dev/nvme0n1p1   ext4   /home/pi/disk1    defaults,noatime   0  0 

Save it and try to auto mount

sudo mount -a 

• Check it by using

df -Th 

Package Includes

TBD.

Keywords

• CN01 M.2 M-key PCIe3.0 adapter board, KZ-0067 pcie adapter, PCIe3.0x1.