PCIe 4.0 x1 to x1 Extension Cable, Male STR to Female STR, 85-ohm Low Impedance

The PCIe 4.0 x1 to x1 Extension Cable, Male STR to Female STR, 85-ohm Low Impedance is a high-performance passive extension cable designed for next-generation computing systems, data centers, and high-speed applications requiring strict impedance matching. This cable extends a PCIe 4.0 x1 interface using straight (STR) male and female connectors with a precise 85-ohm differential impedance, ensuring optimal signal integrity and minimal reflection losses at data rates up to 16.0 GT/s. Engineered with low-loss materials and robust shielding, this solution is ideal for applications where impedance continuity is critical, such as high-density servers, test benches, or systems requiring compliance with PCI-SIG standards for PCIe 4.0 implementations.

Features

• 85-Ohm Impedance Matching: Precisely engineered to maintain 85-ohm differential impedance across the entire cable assembly, reducing signal reflections and ensuring compliance with PCIe 4.0 specifications for improved signal integrity in high-speed applications.
• PCIe 4.0 Compliance: Supports data transfer rates up to 16.0 GT/s per lane (PCIe 4.0), providing a bandwidth of ~1.969 GB/s for x1 configurations while maintaining backward compatibility with PCIe 3.0/2.0/1.0 devices.
• Enhanced Signal Integrity: Utilizes low-loss twin-axial cables (e.g., 31 AWG, as referenced in 3M's designs) with multi-layer shielding (foil and braid) to minimize insertion loss, crosstalk, and electromagnetic interference (EMI), ensuring stable performance even in electrically noisy environments.
• Straight Connector Design: Features straight (STR) male and female connectors for easy insertion and removal in standard motherboard and device slots, simplifying installation in space-constrained environments.
• Passive Extension: Requires no external power or active components, relying on high-quality copper conductors and precise impedance control to maintain signal integrity over extended lengths.
• Durable Construction: Incorporates gold-plated contacts (e.g., min. 0.76µm thickness, per PCI-SIG standards) and robust insulation materials (e.g., PVC) for corrosion resistance and longevity in commercial and industrial environments.
• Plug-and-Play Installation: Requires no drivers or software configuration, supporting hot-plug functionality (where enabled by the host system) for seamless integration.

Specifications

• Product Model: PCIe 4.0 x1 to x1 Extension Cable, Male STR to Female STR, 85-ohm Low Impedance
• Connector A: PCIe 4.0 x1, Male, Straight (STR)
• Connector B: PCIe 4.0 x1, Female, Straight (STR)
• Connector Gender: Male to Female
• Cable Type: Passive Copper Extension Cable
• Cable Length: Standard options: 0.25m, 0.5m (Custom lengths up to 1.0m available; beyond may require validation for signal integrity)
• Data Rate Support: Up to 16.0 GT/s (PCIe 4.0)
• Supported Protocols: PCI Express 4.0/3.0/2.0/1.0
• Impedance: 85 ohms (differential, compliant with PCIe 4.0 standards)
• Wire Gauge: 31 AWG (high-precision copper, typical for PCIe 4.0 low-loss applications)
• Shielding: Foil and braid shielding for EMI protection
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to +70°C (commercial grade); -40°C to +85°C (industrial options)
• Voltage Rating: 12V (max)
• Durability: Minimum 500 insertion cycles
• Safety Standards: RoHS compliant

Applications

• High-Density Data Centers: Deploying in servers and storage systems where PCIe 4.0 extensions are required for add-on cards (e.g., NICs, accelerators), with the 85-ohm impedance ensuring minimal signal loss in cramped racks and high-speed environments.
• Test and Development Benches: Facilitating hardware debugging and signal integrity validation where precise impedance matching is critical for probing PCIe 4.0 signals without introducing reflections or attenuation.
• Enterprise Equipment: Supporting enterprise-grade systems requiring compliance with PCIe 4.0 specifications for reliable performance in business-critical applications.
• Gaming and Workstation Customization: Enabling flexible component placement in custom PC builds where motherboard slots are obstructed, with the 85-ohm cable ensuring stable performance for high-speed devices like capture cards or NVMe adapters.
• Legacy System Upgrades: Extending PCIe 4.0 capabilities to older systems with limited slot accessibility, where the 85-ohm impedance helps maintain signal integrity during compatibility upgrades.