Nice. (as in, there is nothing extraneous and can fail)
Since that, I might grab a USB hub, I guess.
1 Like
Considering that there are tiny DAC/headphone amp dongles that have 110 dB SINAD, I’d love to see what a fully fleshed-out audiophile module could look like. Limiting ourselves to staying under -100 dB THD+N, it should definitely be doable to throw >250 mWrms/channel into 16 ohms and >40 mWrms/channel into 300 ohms using rails derived from USB’s 5 V power supply and off-the-shelf parts.
I know this can be done. The E1DA 9038S referenced above is able to outdo those numbers, and fits in a volumetric space about equivalent to the expansion card size. There are still others, albeit larger, which can perform even better. Using a 10 volt rail instead of a 5 volt rail is all it would take to achieve 1 Wrms/channel, and that can be achieved with either an IC charge pump or PD shennanigans.
Since Framework’s USB implementation has all the bells and whistles of PD, perhaps we can make use of higher voltage rails for increased power output. I’ll gladly pay $200+ for a module that can do a full watt rms per channel into 16 ohms with ~100 dB SINAD. It would not only integrate into the laptop seamlessly, it’d be entering legendary-tier performance and the module would probably sell like hot cakes even to people outside the Framework ecosystem.
Hmu if you’re willing to work on this! I’m drafting a design for a module that can do all of that but could use some help and would love to collaborate.
7 Likes
Hello guys! One of the coolest features of the Framework laptop is the fact that you can choose your own ports! I’m curious what expansion cards you guys are using and what you would like to see in the future!
I may be wrong, But i guess the intel wireless pci-e card offered by framework already supports monitor mode under linux
to check Supported interface modes run iw list
if it’s not supported, u can replace existing card with ath10k mini pci-e card which will save an expansion slot
1 Like
As a content creator, a full-sized high-speed SD Card reader will be a nice thing to have as a module.
Like this?
Slightly niche but CANBUS would be cool for robotics work: CANable: USB to CAN Adapter – Openlight Labs
I thought framework is making a microcontroller board with a few of these stuff broke out (I2C, for example. SPI too)
However, as I mentioned earlier, it’s probably more useful to make them to be available to other devices as well (not just framework).
Like the CSR Bluetooth thing
I’ve actually completed a prototype, only issue that it works at low speed and can only provide 100mA. I should be able to solve the speed issue by modifying the pull up/down resistors.
1 Like
Read the post above.
1 Like
I think it would be awesome to see DIY stylus option in the framework, and such expansions that actually the old Amiga had as option. Eg. processor card with memory slot, or external GPU option via USB C but as docking option - being attachable on the bottom part of the laptop, cellular support via your own phone using as a module (eg. phone screen can be your touchpad/numpad extension and more). If you guys are doing smart way, you have to only design once the framework laptop, and the extensions/DIY kits will do the rest for you.
I might have some input on the possible Hi-Fi Audio expansion card, through my own experience with audiophile equipment. Ideas on DAC chips and OP-AMPS.
2 Likes
Any update on the Ethernet Expansion card?
Framework released one, it’s big so hangs out of the side of the laptop, but it does 2.5GbE as well as Gigabit.
1 Like
I was asking about updates to that one. When will it be in stock?
I do know that, but I’m asking in case I missed some post about it.
1 Like
A KVM Switch Expansion Card
Essentially allows a Framework laptop to function as ‘lapdock’.
Theoretically, the laptop could could cycle thru video and data connections of approximately 4-5 individual computers (Framework laptop, the other 3 expansion ports, a possible pass-through port on KVM card). Each expansion port could be connected to a different external PC, phone, server, or even another Framework device.
The Framework laptop’s keyboard/trackpad/speakers/monitor will become available to whatever external computer is currently selected using the KVM expansion card.
The outside of the card would feature 1-4 small buttons allowing the user to cycle thru:
a. the laptop’s internal mainboard.
b. the other 3 available expansion slots (each connected to an external computer).
c. maybe the card itself could also have an external USB-C pass-through port.
Other Features:
- The Framework’s battery can act as a battery bank to power any connected SFF computers (phone/SBC).
- Facilitates a LAN between all connected computers.
- Bonus: Synergy and ‘screen in screen’ functionality.
Note:
The expansion card would house the hardware/firmware needed to add this functionality.
Would a BIOS or mainboard change also be required? It would be great to use the Framework’s ‘peripherals’ even when the Framework’s computer is sleeping/suspended.
5 Likes
2 Likes
I need to do another production batch, so I have a couple of expansion cards that I can do. Note that the USB hub doesn’t exactly work the best as a data transfer hub but more for basic devices like a keyboard, mouse or phone. Do not ask me what this thing is, if you don’t know what it is you more than likely do not need it. I’m also going to be selling basic USB2.0 breakout boards that I already have stock of but just waiting for my reel of 5.1k ohm resistors. (posted in niche expansion cards thread aswell)
- USB-A 2.0 4 port hub
- Optoisolated USB-A
- Basic DB9 serial
- RS422 to DB9 connector
- RS485 to DB9
- RJ45 serial for networking gear
0 voters
2 Likes