PCIe 3.0 x1 to x1 Extension Cable, Male STR to Female STR with Open Connector

The PCIe 3.0 x1 to x1 Extension Cable, Male STR to Female STR with Open Connector is a high-performance passive extension cable designed for computing, testing, and development environments. This cable extends the connectivity of a PCIe 3.0 x1 interface using straight (STR) male and female connectors, featuring an open connector design that allows for enhanced accessibility, thermal management, and debugging capabilities. Engineered to maintain PCIe 3.0 signal integrity over extended distances, this solution is ideal for applications where physical space constraints, airflow optimization, or real-time monitoring of the connection are required.

Features

• PCIe 3.0 Compliance: Supports PCIe 3.0 specifications with a data transfer rate of 8.0 GT/s per lane, providing a bandwidth of ~984.6 MB/s for x1 configurations while ensuring backward compatibility with PCIe 2.0 and 1.0 devices.
• Open Connector Design: Features an exposed or open-style connector on one or both ends, facilitating better airflow, visual inspection, and access for probing or debugging during development and testing phases.
• Straight Connector Orientation: Utilizes straight (STR) male and female connectors with a standard PCIe x1 form factor (36-pin count), ensuring easy insertion and removal in confined spaces.
• Enhanced Signal Integrity: Employs 100-ohm differential impedance (standard for PCIe Gen 3) and multi-layer shielding (foil and braid) to minimize insertion loss, crosstalk, and electromagnetic interference (EMI), ensuring stable performance over extended lengths.
• Passive Extension: Requires no external power or active components, relying on high-quality copper conductors (e.g., 28 AWG) and precise impedance matching for reliable signal transmission.
• Durable Construction: Incorporates gold-plated contacts (0.8–2µm thickness, as per PCIe standards) and PVC insulation for corrosion resistance and longevity in commercial environments.

Specifications

• Product Model: PCIe 3.0 x1 to x1 Extension Cable, Male STR to Female STR with Open Connector
• Connector A: PCIe 3.0 x1, Male, Straight (STR), Open Design
• Connector B: PCIe 3.0 x1, Female, Straight (STR), Open Design
• Connector Gender: Male to Female
• Cable Type: Passive Copper Extension Cable
• Cable Length: Standard options: 0.3m, 0.5m, 1.0m (Custom lengths up to 1.5m available; beyond may require active components)
• Data Rate Support: Up to 8.0 GT/s (PCIe 3.0)
• Supported Protocols: PCI Express 3.0/2.0/1.0
• Impedance: 100 ohms (differential, compliant with PCI-SIG Gen 3 standards)
• Wire Gauge: 28 AWG (high-precision copper)
• Shielding: Foil and braid shielding for EMI protection
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to +70°C (commercial grade)
• Voltage Rating: 12V (max)
• Current Rating: 1.1A per pin (for power pins, as per PCIe Gen 3 specifications)
• Durability: Minimum 500 insertion cycles
• Safety Standards: RoHS compliant

Applications

• Testing and Development Benches: Facilitating hardware debugging, signal integrity testing, and prototyping where the open connector design allows for easy probing, monitoring, and thermal management during validation.
• Embedded and Industrial Systems: Enabling PCIe device connectivity in compact embedded systems, industrial PCs, or robotics where internal space is limited and external extension with enhanced airflow is required.
• Data Center and Server Maintenance: Supporting troubleshooting and hardware upgrades in servers by providing external access to PCIe slots for add-on cards (e.g., network adapters, HBAs) without full disassembly, while the open design improves cooling.
• Gaming and Workstation Customization: Allowing PCIe devices (e.g., capture cards, USB controllers) to be mounted in non-standard locations due to case design or cooling constraints, with the open connector aiding in heat dissipation.
• Research and Education: Used in academic or research environments for teaching PCIe architecture, signal analysis, and hardware experimentation, where accessibility and visibility of connections are crucial.
• Legacy System Upgrades: Extending the life of older systems by enabling the use of modern PCIe 3.0 devices in motherboards with hard-to-access slots, while the open design simplifies alignment and installation.