EXSYS EX-11099-2 - interface cards/adapters

EXSYS EX‑11099‑2 Interface Card / Adapter

The EXSYS EX‑11099‑2 is a high‑performance internal USB 3.0 (USB 3.1 Gen 1) adapter that transforms a standard Mini PCIe slot into two full‑size USB 3.0 ports. Designed for server, workstation and embedded systems, it delivers blazing data rates, low latency and robust thermal management in a compact footprint.

Key Technical Specifications

• Form Factor: Mini PCIe (Mini‑PCI Express) – 30 mm × 50.95 mm
• USB Standard: USB 3.0 / USB 3.1 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gbps)
• Number of Ports: 2 x USB 3.0 connectors (Type‑A or Type‑B, depending on configuration)
• Operating Temperature: -20 °C to +80 °C
• Humidity Range: 5 % to 95 % RH (non‑condensing)
• Power Consumption: < 0.5 W idle, < 1.5 W active (typical)
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 7/8/10 (x86 & x64), Linux (kernel ≥ 3.10), macOS (via compatible drivers)
• Connector Type: Dual USB 3.0 Type‑A or Type‑B, with optional 2.5 Gbps SATA compatibility via alternate mode
• Backplane Interface: PCIe x1 lane (PCIe 2.0/3.0 compatible)
• Dimensions: 30 mm × 50.95 mm × 4.5 mm (including PCB and connectors)

Design Highlights

The EX‑11099‑2 incorporates a high‑speed USB controller chip that supports full duplex data transfer, ensuring minimal bottleneck when multiple high‑bandwidth devices are connected. The board is fabricated on a 4-layer PCB with controlled impedance traces to maintain signal integrity at the 5 Gbps line rate.

Thermal Management: A dedicated copper heat spreader and strategically placed thermal vias dissipate heat efficiently, allowing operation across a wide temperature range without throttling. The compact design also reduces airflow obstruction in densely populated server chassis.

Robust Connectorization: Each USB port uses a shielded 24‑pin connector that provides secure attachment and protects against EMI/RFI interference. The board’s edge connectors are rated for 1000 insertion cycles, ensuring long‑term reliability in industrial environments.

Installation & Compatibility

Installing the EX‑11099‑2 is straightforward: insert the card into a compatible Mini PCIe slot and secure it with the provided screw. The board’s low profile (<4.5 mm) allows installation in 3.5” or 2.5” drive bays without requiring additional clearance.

Because it uses a standard PCIe x1 interface, the card is fully compatible with most modern motherboards, including those used in:

• Enterprise servers (Dell PowerEdge, HP ProLiant)
• Workstation platforms (Lenovo ThinkStation, Dell Precision)
• Embedded systems and industrial PCs
• High‑density storage arrays and NAS devices

Driver & Software Support

The EX‑11099‑2 ships with a cross‑platform driver package that includes:

• Windows 7/8/10 x86 & x64 drivers (signed, compatible with Windows Driver Kit)
• Linux kernel modules for Ubuntu, CentOS and Debian (auto‑loaded via udev rules)
• macOS support through a third‑party USB 3.0 stack (requires macOS 10.12+)

The drivers expose standard USB class interfaces, so no additional software is needed to use storage devices, external GPUs or high‑speed peripherals.

Typical Use Cases

• Data Center Expansion: Add two extra USB 3.0 ports for hot‑swappable SSDs, backup drives or network adapters without occupying PCIe slots.
• High‑Performance Workstations: Connect external GPUs, capture cards or high‑speed storage arrays to leverage the full 5 Gbps bandwidth.
• Embedded Applications: Provide USB connectivity in compact industrial PCs for sensor interfaces, telemetry devices or edge computing modules.
• RAID & Storage Solutions: Use the adapter to attach multiple SATA SSDs via USB‑to‑SATA bridges, creating flexible storage pools.

Reliability & Quality Assurance

The EX‑11099‑2 undergoes rigorous testing procedures:

• Continuous operation test for 72 hours at maximum temperature and humidity conditions.
• Electrical stress test with voltage cycling between ±10 % of nominal values.
• Mechanical shock and vibration tests compliant with MIL‑STD‑810G.
• EMI/ESD compliance per IEC 61000‑4‑2, 4‑3, 4‑5 and 4‑6 standards.

All components are sourced from Tier‑1 suppliers, ensuring consistent performance across production batches.

Conclusion

The EXSYS EX‑11099‑2 delivers a compact, high‑speed USB 3.0 solution that seamlessly integrates into Mini PCIe slots. Its robust design, broad operating range and cross‑platform driver support make it an ideal choice for data centers, workstations and embedded systems requiring reliable, high‑bandwidth USB connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use the EX‑11099‑2 in a 2.5” drive bay? Yes – its low profile allows installation in both 3.5” and 2.5” bays.
• Does it support USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)? No – the card is limited to USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen 1 speeds.
• Is there a BIOS setting required? Most modern systems auto‑detect PCIe cards; no special configuration needed.
• What about power limits on low‑power motherboards? The card draws <1.5 W active, well within the 3.3V/5V rail limits of typical Mini PCIe slots.

For detailed schematics, pinouts and firmware updates, consult the technical documentation available from the manufacturer’s support portal.