Feature Request: PCIe add-on card that accepts two Expansion Cards (plus case mod to expose it)

Framework Desktop
1

I believe there is a missed opportunity on the Framework Desktop to make it even more Framework and to expand the Framework ecosystem.

Using the super accurate method of “holding Expansion cards against the case in various ways and imagining”, I determined that there is enough blank space on the back of the Framework Desktop case between the I/O shield and the power supply for two Expansion cards (including the ethernet cards) and an ejection mechanism to fit. This also happens to be in-line with the PCIe slot. While a standard PCIe bracket won’t fit there (half or full height), this card could be designed in such a way that it would have tabs at either end to screw into the case, or screw into a standard PCIe bracket for use in standard cases.

I’m not skilled at CAD (yet), but something along the lines of this CardBus to PCI adapter (see below). This could be sold as a standalone adapter card, or with the modified back plate.

Steps needed:

  1. Design a PCIe card with a USB controller (possibly two to allow each card to function at higher speeds).
  2. Modify existing Expansion Card bracket designs to include the eject mechanism and be mounted to a PCB (possibly use the Framework Desktop base CAD models as a starting point since they’re already injection-molded).
  3. Expand the hole for the PSU on the back plate of the Framework Desktop case to accommodate the card and add two screw holes (one on each end) to secure the card as if it were a PCIe bracket.
  4. Design a PCIe bracket to include in the kit.
  5. Bonus: Since the hole is already there, an additional OCuLink adapter card could be made.
  6. Extra Bonus: This mod could work on the DeskPi rack mount shelf as well (probably).

pci2pcmcia1e.main
pci2pcmcia1e.main2000×2000 229 KB

2

Now this really needs to happen. With the new 10G ethernet Expansion Card coming, this would be a perfect upgrade.

I’ve got an idea on how to make this fit in the Expansion Bay of the FW 16 as well. Instead of making this plug directly into the PCIe slot, put some FX-Beam connectors on the back edge and make a pig tail that goes to the PCIe slot (also takes care of any slight misalignment with the PCIe slot and the new hole on the back of the case). Then design some daughter boards with pogo pins that line up with leads on the edge of this module to control the fans in the expansion shell. The Graphics Interposer would connect to this board on the same FX-Beam connectors, and a redesigned shell would have a void on the bottom and back that lines up with the Card slots.

I just need some time to play around with the CAD files, it’ll make more sense with some visuals.

3

The 10Gbit expansion card is going to take 120% of the available USB(10Gbit) bandwidth, so that particular use case would not lend itself very well splitting a port.