Icy Dock EXLink interface cards/adapter

Bring PCIe Gen4 NVMe Connectivity to SlimSAS-Based Storage
The EXLink MB409A4 adapter card is designed to bridge PCIe Gen4 x8 slots with SlimSAS 8i (SFF-8654) connectivity, delivering up to 128Gbps of total bandwidth for high-speed NVMe signal transmission in advanced storage applications.

By integrating a PCIe redriver and optimized signal conditioning, the MB409A4 allows system designers and integrators to deploy SlimSAS-based NVMe solutions with greater flexibility, even in platforms requiring longer trace lengths or cable connections.

Designed for Flexible PCIe Gen4 Architecture
With a PCIe 4.0 x8 interface, the MB409A4 supports motherboards that enable PCIe lane bifurcation (x4 / x4). When bifurcation is enabled, the PCIe x8 interface can be split into two independent x4 NVMe links through SlimSAS 8i connectivity, supporting up to two NVMe SSDs via compatible cabling.

If the motherboard does not provide PCIe bifurcation support, only a single NVMe SSD may be recognized.

Expand High-Speed NVMe Storage with SlimSAS
The EXLink MB409A4 offers a scalable approach to expanding PCIe Gen4 NVMe storage using SlimSAS-based connectivity. *When paired with compatible SlimSAS 8i to dual SlimSAS 4i cabling and NVMe mobile rack solutions, system builders can configure dual front-accessible U.2 / U.3 PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD bays from a single PCIe x8 slot.

This configuration simplifies high-density NVMe deployment without requiring specialized backplanes, making it ideal for servers and workstations requiring removable NVMe storage.

Maintain Stable High-Speed Signals with Integrated Redriver
The MB409A4 integrates a PCIe Gen4 redriver to extend 16 GT/s, 8-lane differential pair signals, ensuring stable data transmission over extended trace lengths and cables.
This design supports full PCIe Gen4 performance even in complex system layouts where direct motherboard connections are not feasible.

PCIe Clock & Sideband Signal Management
To maintain accurate timing across connected devices, the MB409A4 features a built-in 100MHz PCIe clock buffer, supporting stable synchronization over extended routing paths.
In addition, buffered PERST#, WAKE#, and CLKREQ# signals enhance system stability and responsiveness, making the adapter suitable for enterprise-grade platforms and continuous-operation environments.

Flexible Platform Compatibility
The MB409A4 supports PCIe Gen2 through Gen5 host slots and can be installed in x8 or x16 physical PCIe slots on motherboards. With no operating system limitations, it is ideal for system integrators, OEMs, and solution providers building NVMe-enabled platforms across different hardware and software environments.