External PCI Express (PCIe)

External PCI Express (PCIe)

External PCI Express is a new, multi-purpose, hot-pluggable input/output (I/O) interface that can be used across the computing industry, from mobile equipment through high-end servers as well as communication equipment. These connectors were designed to fit all popular mechanical architectures without special or custom versions.

Molex technology provides customers' future scalability and flexibility by supporting Generation 1 PCIe data rates at 2.5 Gbps through Generation 2 bandwidths of 5.0 Gbps. The broad usage and versatility of this technology allows for cabled-system extensions to external I/O subsystems, meeting the needs for specific applications which include:

• Split systems or disaggregate PCs, desktop "consoles" that contain removable media drives, memory modules, I/O ports and audio jacks
• I/O expansion to extend the I/O card capabilities of the main system for support of different form factors, including legacy systems for test and measurement and for instrumentation
• Server expansion I/O to support conventional PCI Express add-in cards and express modules
• Graphic subsystems (controller and memory) located external to the main system

Molex's full range of connectors and cables include a high durability x1 TDP (rated for 1500 mating cycles) and x4, x8 and x16 iPass configurations (rated for 250 mating cycles). Molex also provides a complete offering if PCIe test boards for testing requirements.