PCIe 3.0 x4 Male to x1 Female Extension Cable

The PCIe 3.0 x4 Male to x1 Female Extension Cable is a specialized passive interconnect solution designed for expanding connectivity options in development, testing, and customized computing environments. This cable adapts a larger PCIe x4 slot interface to a smaller PCIe x1 slot interface, allowing the use of x1 cards in x4 slots. Engineered for PCIe 3.0 systems operating at 8.0 GT/s per lane, this extension cable supports a maximum bandwidth of approximately 3.94 GB/s (x4 configuration) while operating at ~985 MB/s when connected to an x1 device. The cable assembly consists of a male x4 connector on one end and a female x1 receptacle on the other, constructed with precision impedance-matched wiring and comprehensive EMI shielding. This solution is ideal for hardware developers, test engineers, and system integrators working in research laboratories, prototype development, and diagnostic applications where form factor adaptation is required.

Features

• Form Factor Adaptation: Enables physical and electrical compatibility between PCIe x4 and x1 interfaces, allowing x1 devices to be used in x4 slots while operating at x1 speeds
• PCIe 3.0 Electrical Compliance: Supports PCIe 3.0 specifications with a data transfer rate of 8.0 GT/s per lane while maintaining backward compatibility with PCIe 2.0/1.0 devices
• Enhanced Signal Integrity: Utilizes multi-layer shielding with low-loss materials to minimize insertion loss, crosstalk, and electromagnetic interference, ensuring stable performance at high speeds
• Passive Design: Requires no external power or active components, relying on high-quality conductors and precise impedance control for reliable signal transmission
• Durable Construction: Built with gold-plated contacts and reinforced connector housings to withstand repeated mating cycles in development and test environments
• Flexible Cable Design: Incorporates flexible flat or twin-axial cable construction with typical thickness of 1.4mm for improved routing capability in constrained spaces

Specifications

• Product Model: PCIe 3.0 x4 Male to x1 Female Extension Cable
• Connector A: PCIe 3.0 x4, Male, Edge Connector
• Connector B: PCIe 3.0 x1, Female, Receptacle
• Connector Gender: Male to Female
• Cable Type: Passive Copper Extension Assembly
• Pinout Configuration: Standard PCIe-compliant with x4 to x1 lane mapping
• Cable Length: Standard lengths from 15cm to 50cm; custom lengths up to 60cm available (recommended maximum for PCIe 3.0 signal integrity)
• Data Rate Support: Up to 8.0 GT/s (PCIe 3.0 specification)
• Supported Protocols: PCI Express 3.0/2.0/1.0
• Lane Configuration: x4 mechanical interface to x1 electrical interface
• Impedance Characteristics: 85 ohms differential (target, compliant with PCIe standards)
• Shielding System: Multi-layer foil and braid shielding for comprehensive EMI/RFI protection
• Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to +70°C (commercial grade)
• Durability Rating: Minimum 500 insertion cycles
• Compliance Standards: RoHS compliant

Applications

• Hardware Development and Testing: Facilitates compatibility testing and validation of PCIe x1 devices in systems with only x4 slots available
• Prototype Systems: Enables flexible component integration in research and development projects where form factor adaptation is necessary
• Diagnostic and Debugging Environments: Used for system diagnostics, signal integrity testing, and troubleshooting PCIe communication issues across different slot sizes
• Space-Constrained Configurations: Provides solutions for compact systems where direct motherboard access is limited or unavailable
• Industrial and Embedded Computing: Supports custom PCIe implementations in specialized computing applications requiring specific slot adaptations