Mini PCIe

Blade 3 has one Mini PCIe socket on the top of the board. It carries both PCIe 2.0 and USB 2.0 signals, so it accepts modules that use either interface, such as Wi-Fi cards.

Figure 1. Mini PCIe slot of Blade 3

Specifications

• Standard 52-pin Mini PCIe socket
• Accepts 30 × 52 mm modules
• Carries PCIe 2.0 and USB 2.0
• 3.3 V supply to the module, up to 3 A across all its power pins
• No SIM card signals: pins 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 are not connected

Pin Assignments

Pin#	PinName	PinType	Input/Output	Signal Description
1	MINIPCIE20_WAKEN_3V3_L	signal	Input	Wake up signal from mini-PCIe device
2	VCC3V3_MINIPCIE	Power	Output	Power supply for mini-PCIe device,3.3V output MAX 3A in all pins
3	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
4	GND	Power	NA	Power and signal reference ground
5	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
6	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
7	MINIPCIE20_CLKREQN_3V3_L	signal	Input	PCIe2.0 Channel Reference clock request
8	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
9	GND	Power	NA	Power and signal reference ground
10	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
11	PCIE20_2_REFCLKN	LVDS	Output	PCIe20 Port2 differential clock Negative
12	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
13	PCIE20_2_REFCLKP	LVDS	Output	PCIe20 Port2 differential clock Positive
14	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
15	GND	Power	NA	Power and signal reference ground
16	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
17	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
18	GND	Power	NA	Power and signal reference ground
19	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
20	W_DISABLEN	signal	Output	PCIE device wireless disable
21	GND	Power	NA	Power and signal reference ground
22	MINIPCIE20_PERSTN	signal	Output	PCIE device reset
23	PCIE20_2_RXN	LVDS	Input	PCIe20 receive differential Negative
24	VCC3V3_MINIPCIE	Power	Output	Power supply for mini-PCIe device,3.3V output MAX 3A in all pins
25	PCIE20_2_RXP	LVDS	Input	PCIe20 receive differential Positive
26	GND	Power	NA	Power and signal reference ground
27	GND	Power	NA	Power and signal reference ground
28	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
29	GND	Power	NA	Power and signal reference ground
30	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
31	MINIPCIE20_TX_N	LVDS	Output	PCIe20 transmit differential Negative
32	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
33	MINIPCIE20_TX_P	LVDS	Output	PCIe20 transmit differential Positive
34	GND	Power	NA	Power and signal reference ground
35	GND	Power	NA	Power and signal reference ground
36	MINIPCIE_USB_DM	LVDS	BI	USB20 HOST Port1 Data Minus
37	GND	Power	NA	Power and signal reference ground
38	MINIPCIE_USB_DP	LVDS	BI	USB20 HOST Port1 Data Plus
39	VCC3V3_MINIPCIE	Power	Output	Power supply for mini-PCIe device,3.3V output MAX 3A in all pins
40	GND	Power	NA	Power and signal reference ground
41	VCC3V3_MINIPCIE	Power	Output	Power supply for mini-PCIe device,3.3V output MAX 3A in all pins
42	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
43	GND	Power	NA	Power and signal reference ground
44	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
45	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
46	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
47	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
48	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
49	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
50	GND	Power	NA	Power and signal reference ground
51	NC	float	NA	Not connected to this pin
52	VCC3V3_MINIPCIE	Power	Output	Power supply for mini-PCIe device,3.3V output MAX 3A in all pins

Install a Module

1. Shut down Blade 3 and disconnect the power adapter.
2. Line up the notch in the module's edge with the key in the socket.
3. Insert the module into the socket at a 30-degree angle.
4. Press the module down flat, and secure it with the screw.
5. If the module has antenna connectors, connect the required antennas before using the module.
6. Reconnect the power adapter. Blade 3 starts up.

warning

Do not force the module into the socket.

Figure 2. Mini PCIe module installed in the Blade 3 socket.

Verify the Module

Log in to the board, see Connect to Blade 3, and check that the module is listed:

• A module that uses PCIe appears in the output of lspci:

  Blade 3

  lspci

• A module that uses USB appears in the output of lsusb:

  Blade 3

  lsusb

To work, the module also needs a Linux driver and, for many modules, firmware in the running system.