The EXLink MB408A4 adapter card extends PCIe x4 slots to SlimSAS 4i SFF-8654 interfaces, enabling high-speed PCIe Gen4 NVMe connectivity. An integrated Redriver restores signal integrity across four lanes, a 100 MHz clock buffer synchronizes data timing across long traces and cables. Sideband signal buffers for PERST#, WAKE#, CLKREQ#, SMBCLK, and SMBDAT ensure reliable operation. Platform support spans PCIe Gen2 through Gen5 slots with an ICY DOCK NVMe selection tool.
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EXLink MB408A4 Delivers 64Gbps PCIe Gen4 x4 Through SlimSAS
PCIe Gen4 NVMe Konnektivität für SlimSAS basierte Speicherlösungen (Foto: Cremax Europe GmbH)
The EXLink MB408A4 leverages a PCIe Gen4 x4 interface delivering a combined bandwidth of up to 64 Gbps. By utilizing SlimSAS 4i (SFF-8654) cabling, the adapter card consistently achieves high NVMe throughput, extending PCIe signals beyond typical motherboard trace lengths. This configuration ensures stable data transmission rates and reliable performance in environments where signal integrity could otherwise degrade. Engineers benefit from the cards ability to maintain speeds over extended distances.
Reliable signal restoration on four lanes enables NVMe performance
PCIe Gen4 data rates reaching 16 GT/s mandate high signal integrity to prevent degradation over distance. The MB408A4s integrated redriver compensates for attenuation and jitter by re-amplifying and equalizing signals across four lanes. By restoring voltage levels and timing margins, it ensures NVMe devices receive clean data streams. This signal reinforcement maintains peak transfer performance even in systems with extensive PCB trace lengths or external cabling for reliable, seamless NVMe expansion.
100MHz Clock Buffer Guarantees Precise Timing Across Routing Paths
A built-in 100 MHz PCIe clock buffer delivers precise synchronization between the host system and NVMe modules across routing paths. By providing consistent clock distribution, it reduces jitter and signal skew, ensuring reliable data transfers at high speeds. Additionally, buffered sideband and control signals?including PERST#, WAKE#, CLKREQ#, SMBCLK, and SMBDAT?enhance system stability. This robust management approach simplifies integration in enterprise environments, supports operation, and minimizes configuration complexity during long-term use.
Universal PCIe Gen2-through-Gen5 x4 Adapter with Tri-Mode RAID Support
PCIe Gen4 NVMe Konnektivität für SlimSAS basierte Speicherlösungen (Foto: Cremax Europe GmbH)
Engineered to seamlessly occupy any physical x4 PCI Express slot on modern motherboards, the MB408A4 adapter offers compatibility spanning PCIe 2.0 through 3.0 and 4.0 up to the latest PCIe 5.0 standard. Its Tri-Mode HBA/RAID compliance, adhering to SFF-9402 Revision 1.1, enables versatile storage protocol support without requiring additional drivers. This plug-and-play solution streamlines integration for OEMs, system integrators, and solution providers working within mixed hardware and software environments seamlessly.
Flexible SlimSAS Integration Optimizes PCIe Routing In Server Workstations
Server and workstation platforms with advanced PCIe routing benefit from SlimSAS integration to enhance storage flexibility and data throughput. The EXLink MB408A4 provides a dedicated evaluation platform for validating, benchmarking, and debugging PCIe Gen4 NVMe configurations. By isolating testing from customized mainboard designs, engineers and integrators can conduct tuning and interoperability assessments swiftly. Avoiding complex PCB redesign efforts, the adapter accelerates development timelines and minimizes time-to-market for high-speed storage architectures.
ICY DOCKs NVMe Storage Selection Tool Simplifies Compatibility Decisions
The interactive NVMe storage selection tool from ICY DOCK analyzes the available PCIe or M.2 slot type and installation requirements before recommending compatible enclosures, cables, and adapters. By offering a guided selection process with visual prompts and detailed specifications, it reduces the complexity of hardware configuration. System integrators and DIY enthusiasts can assemble a reliable, hot-swappable storage solution tailored to their unique performance and physical constraints, eliminating guesswork and delays.
EXLink MB408A4 Offers PCIe Gen4 x4, 64Gbps, SlimSAS Connectivity
PCIe Gen4 NVMe Konnektivität für SlimSAS basierte Speicherlösungen (Foto: Cremax Europe GmbH)
The EXLink MB408A4 adapter card delivers a PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with up to 64 Gbps for NVMe devices. Featuring a SlimSAS 4i (SFF-8654) connector, it integrates a PCIe Gen4 redriver and 100 MHz clock buffer to preserve signal integrity over long PCB traces or cables. Buffered sideband signals (PERST#, WAKE#, CLKREQ#, SMBCLK, SMBDAT) enhance stability. Supporting PCIe Gen2-Gen5 slots, it offers tri-mode HBA/RAID compatibility and includes a two-year limited warranty.
The ICY DOCK EXLink MB408A4 adapter card integrates PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe capabilities with advanced signal conditioning and compatibility. Featuring an integrated redriver, a precise 100 MHz clock buffer, and sideband signal buffers, it maintains stable 16 GT/s transmission rates across extended trace lengths and external cabling. Compatible with PCIe 2.0 through 5.0 slots and Tri-Mode HBA/RAID configurations, it delivers reliable expansion platform ideal for enthusiasts, integrators, and OEM applications.
