The M.2 interface

M.2 connector with key B+M
M.2 connector with key B+M

What is M.2?

M.2 is a specification for internal expansion cards on PC motherboards and laptops. M.2 was conceived as a successor of the mSATA interface and for the first time introduced by Intel in 2012 under the label Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF).

As for usage and interface variety, M.2 is more flexible because not only SATA signals can be transmitted via the M.2 interface but also USB and PCIe. Thereby extended functions are possible e.g. the application of WLAN, Bluetooth, GPS or NFC cards. 

For what is M.2 suitable?

There is already an M.2 interface in many PCs and notebook computers. It is ideally applicable to connect an SSD in a compact mobile device such as in a notebook computer and Ultrabook™ but also in a desktop PC.  

M.2 modules stand out for their compact design and flexible measurements. Thanks to the low power consumption M.2 SSDs can also easily be used as bootable drives within embedded systems.

Especially applicable for mobile devices and embedded systems

Which variants are there?

The M.2 standard contains variants with up to four PCIe lanes, one SATA 6 Gb/s and / or one USB 3.0 port. So, it is possible to connect PCIe as well as SATA SSDs.

How is the design and what are the form factors?

M.2 cards have a rectangular shape. At their front side they show a plug connector strip and at their back side a centered placed semicircular recess. The recess is needed to mount the card: it can be slotted into the appropriate port at the board and fixed with a screw. Components can be mounted on the card's topside as well as their bottom side.

The size of an M.2 module is marked by its form factor. The form factor defines the width by length in millimeters. For example, the form factor 2260 means the card has a width of 22 mm and a length of 60 mm. The longest components have a length of 110 millimeters. At present, the most common M.2 SSDs have a width of 22 mm and a length of 42, 60 or 80 mm.

Form factors e. g. >>>  1630 Key E  •  2230 Key E  •  3030 Key A  •  2242 Key B+M  •  3042 Key A   •  2260 Key M  •  2280 Key B+M
Form factors e. g. >>>  1630 Key E  •  2230 Key E  •  3030 Key A  •  2242 Key B+M  •  3042 Key A   •  2260 Key M  •  2280 Key B+M

What do the M.2 keys mean?

The shape of the M.2 connectors differs depending on the interface the M.2 port provides. According to the possible applications the M.2 module has recesses at certain points of the plug connector strip. The key signifies this connector form.

The different keys call for plug-in cards with recesses at these certain points. Currently the keys B, M, A and E together with B+M and A+E are in use. The slot and the module have to support the same key in order to be compatible.


Schematic figure of contact shapes of Key B, Key M, Key B+M

Schematic figure of contact shapes of Key A, Key E, Key A+E

Schematic figure of contact shapes of Key B, Key M, Key B+M

Schematic figure of contact shapes of Key A, Key E, Key A+E
Which key supports which signal transfer?
Key supports
Key B SATA
Key M PCIe ( x2 / x4 )
Key B+M SATA or PCIe *
Key supports
Key A PCIe (x2) and USB
Key E PCIe (x2) and USB
Key A+E PCIe (x2) and USB *
* Depending each on the internal connection

Please note: Theoretically and / or in future, the Keys listed here are able to support also other kinds of signals. Furthermore, Keys that are not listed here are reserved for coming variants or interfaces. The table depicted above is valid for Delock products.
Which key supports which signal transfer?
Key supports
Key B SATA
Key M PCIe ( x2 / x4 )
Key B+M SATA or PCIe *
Key A PCIe (x2) and USB
Key E PCIe (x2) and USB
Key A+E PCIe (x2) and USB *
* Depending each on the internal connection

Delock M.2 product examples

Adapters / Converters


Item 62721 

Adapter M.2 Key M to SFF-8643 NVMe

Connectors:
     1 x 67 pin M.2 Key M male >
     1 x 36 pin SFF-8643 female
Interface: PCIe (2 or 4 lanes)
Form factor: M.2 2260
Suitable for M.2 slot with key M based on PCIe
Data transfer rate up to 64 Gbps
Operating temperature: -10 °C ~ 85 °C

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Item 63909 

Adapter Mini PCIe to M.2 Key E slot

Connectors:
     1 x Mini PCIe male >
     1 x 67 pin M.2 key E slot
Interface: USB 2.0 / PCIe
Form factor: Mini PCIe full size / half size
Supports M.2 modules in format 2242, 2230, 3042 and 3030
      with key E or key A+E based on USB / PCIe
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.5 mm,
      application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Dimensions (LxW): ca. 54 x 30 mm

Connectors:
     1 x Mini PCIe male >
     1 x 67 pin M.2 key E slot
Interface: USB 2.0 / PCIe
Form factor: Mini PCIe full size / half size
Supports M.2 modules in format 2242, 2230, 3042 and 3030 with key E or key A+E based on USB / PCIe
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.5 mm, application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Dimensions (LxW): ca. 54 x 30 mm


Item 62591 

Adapter M.2 to mSATA

Connectors:
     1 x 59 pin M.2 key B+M male >
     1 x mSATA slot (half size / full size)
Interface: SATA
Suitable for full size and half size modules
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 80 x 31.5 x 4.7 mm


Item 62993 

Converter SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps with USB Type-C™ female to
1 x SATA / 1 x M.2 Key B / 1 x mSATA

Connectors:
     1 x SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2) USB Type-C™ female >
     1 x SATA 6 Gb/s 22 pin female
     1 x 67 Pin M.2 key B slot
     1 x mSATA slot (half size / full size)
Interface: SATA
Chipset: Asmedia ASM1351
Supports M.2 modules in format 2280, 2260 and 2242
      with key B or key B+M based on SATA
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.35 mm,
      application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Suitable for 2.5″ SATA HDD / SSD: Supports 3.3 V / 5 V HDD / SSD
Supports SATA 1.5 Gb/s, SATA 3 Gb/s and SATA 6 Gb/s
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca.90 x 40 x 8 mm

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Converter SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps with USB Type-C™ female to 1 x SATA / 1 x M.2 Key B / 1 x mSATA

Connectors:
     1 x SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2) USB Type-C™ female >
     1 x SATA 6 Gb/s 22 pin female
     1 x 67 Pin M.2 key B slot
     1 x mSATA slot (half size / full size)
Interface: SATA
Chipset: Asmedia ASM1351
Supports M.2 modules in format 2280, 2260 and 2242 with key B or key B+M based on SATA
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.35 mm, application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Suitable for 2.5″ SATA HDD / SSD: Supports 3.3 V / 5 V HDD / SSD
Supports SATA 1.5 Gb/s, SATA 3 Gb/s and SATA 6 Gb/s
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca.90 x 40 x 8 mm

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All available connectors on front and back side
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Item 62848 

Converter M.2 Key A+E male to 1 x Mini PCIe Slot half size / full size

Connectors:
     1 x 59 pin M.2 key A+E male >
     1 x Mini PCIe slot
Interface: PCIe + USB
Form factor M.2: 2230
Form factor Mini PCIe: half size and full size
Suitable for M.2 slot with key A or key E based on PCIe and USB
PCI Express Rev. 1.1
Operating temperature: 0 °C ~ 80 °C
Dimensions (LxWxH):
     M.2 board: ca. 30 x 22 x 3 mm
     Mini PCIe board: ca. 69 x 45 x 6 mm


Item 62843 

Converter M.2 Key B+M male to 2 x USB 3.0 Pin Header

Connectors:
     1 x 59 pin M.2 Key B+M male >
     2 x 19 pin USB 3.0 pin header male
     1 x 4 pin pin header power connector (optional for power supply)
Interface: PCIe
Form factor: M.2 2280 (resp. 2260)
Suitable for M.2 slot with key M or B+M based on PCIe
Chipset: Renesas
Data transfer rate up to 5 Gbps
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 82 x 22 x 14 mm


Item 62704 

3.5" Converter SATA 22 Pin / SFF-8643 to 1 x M.2 Key M + 1 x M.2 Key B

Connectors:
     1 x SATA 6 Gb/s 22 pin female (for SATA SSDs)
     1 x 36 pin SFF-8643 female (for PCIe SSDs 2 or 4 lanes)
     1 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot (PCIe SSD)
     1 x 67 pin M.2 key B slot (SATA SSD)
Interface: SATA / PCIe (2 or 4 lanes)
Supports M.2 modules in format 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230
      with key M or key B+M based on PCIe or SATA
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.5 mm,
      application of double-sided assembled modules supported
SATA 15 pin power connector always necessary
Supports NVM Express (NVMe)
Maximum output current: 4 A (PCIe) and 3 A (SATA)
Dimensions (LxWxH):
     Board incl. installation frame: ca. 140 x 100 x 23 mm
     Board without installation frame: ca. 120 x 87 x 16 mm

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Connectors:
     1 x SATA 6 Gb/s 22 pin female (for SATA SSDs)
     1 x 36 pin SFF-8643 female (for PCIe SSDs 2 or 4 lanes)
     1 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot (PCIe SSD)
     1 x 67 pin M.2 key B slot (SATA SSD)
Interface: SATA / PCIe (2 or 4 lanes)
Supports M.2 modules in format 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230 with key M or key B+M based on PCIe or SATA
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.5 mm, application of double-sided assembled modules supported
SATA 15 pin power connector always necessary
Supports NVM Express (NVMe)
Maximum output current: 4 A (PCIe) and 3 A (SATA)
Dimensions (LxWxH):
     Board incl. installation frame: ca. 140 x 100 x 23 mm
     Board without installation frame: ca. 120 x 87 x 16 mm

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PCI Express Cards


Item 90054

PCI Express x16 Card to
4 x internal NVMe M.2 Key M with heat sink - Bifurcation

Connectors:
     4 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot
     1 x PCI Express x16, V4.0
Interface: PCIe
Supports M.2 modules in format: 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230
      with key M or key B+M based on PCIe
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.5 mm,
      application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Dimensions heat sink (LxWxH): ca. 134 x 93 x 10 mm

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PCI Express x16 Card to 4 x internal NVMe M.2 Key M with heat sink - Bifurcation

Connectors:
     4 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot
     1 x PCI Express x16, V4.0
Interface: PCIe
Supports M.2 modules in format: 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230 with key M or key B+M based on PCIe
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.5 mm, application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Dimensions heat sink (LxWxH): ca. 134 x 93 x 10 mm

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Item 47003

Mobile Rack PCI Express Card for 1 x M.2 NMVe SSD

Connectors
     PCIe card:
     1 x PCI Express x4, V3.0
     1 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot
     M.2 tray:
     1 x 67 pin M.2 key M male
     1 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot
Interface: PCIe / NVMe
Supports M.2 modules in format: 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230
      with key M or key B+M based on PCIe
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.5 mm,
      application of double-sided assembled modules supported
M.2 tray made of metal
Data transfer rate up to 32 Gbps

Connectors
     PCIe card:
     1 x PCI Express x4, V3.0
     1 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot
     M.2 tray:
     1 x 67 pin M.2 key M male
     1 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot
Interface: PCIe / NVMe
Supports M.2 modules in format: 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230 with key M or key B+M based on PCIe
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.5 mm, application of double-sided assembled modules supported
M.2 tray made of metal
Data transfer rate up to 32 Gbps

For the fast exchange of M.2 modules

This mobile rack for installation in a PC slot adds an M.2 slot to the system. Thanks to a special mechanism, it can be used to quickly and easily replace SSDs, e.g. for data backups. The stable carrier of metal has springs on the top and bottom to reduce vibrations. - Mobile rack with M.2 slot, low profile bracket, heat sink, thermal conductive pad and screws.


Item 89517

PCI Express Card >
1 x internal NVMe M.2 PCIe / 1 x internal SFF-8643 NVMe

Connectors:
     1 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot
     1 x PCI Express x4, V3.0
     1 x 36 pin SFF-8643 female
Interface: PCIe
Low profile form factor
Supports M.2 modules in format 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230
      with key M or key B+M based on PCIe
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.35 mm,
      application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Supports NVM Express (NVMe)
Short circuit protection, over heating protection

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PCI Express Card > 1 x internal NVMe M.2 PCIe / 1 x internal SFF-8643 NVMe

Connectors:
     1 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot
     1 x PCI Express x4, V3.0
     1 x 36 pin SFF-8643 female
Interface: PCIe
Low profile form factor
Supports M.2 modules in format 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230 with key M or key B+M based on PCIe
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.35 mm, application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Supports NVM Express (NVMe)
Short circuit protection, over heating protection

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Item 90303

PCI Express x16 (x4 / x8) Card to 1 x NVMe M.2 Key M for Server

Connectors:
     1 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot
     1 x PCI Express x16 (4-Lane), V4.0
Interface: PCIe
Supports M.2 modules in format: 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230 with key M or key B+M based on PCIe
Bootable, ex UEFI Version 2.3.1
Holes in the PCB for cooling SSD
Dimensions (LxWxH) without PCIe connector: ca. 90 x 24 x 5 mm


Item 90409

PCIe x8 / x16 Card to 4 x internal NVMe M.2 Key M

Connectors:
     1 x PCI Express x8 / x16, V3.0
     4 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot
     1 x SATA 15 pin power connector
     1 x Molex 4 pin power connector
     1 x 2 pin pin header for fan
Chipset: Asmedia ASM2824
Interface: PCIe
Supports M.2 modules in format 22110, 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230
      with key M or key B+M based on PCIe
Data transfer rate up to 32 Gbps

The ideal PCIe card for gaming and servers!

Especially in the demanding server and gaming areas, this card is perfect to expand the existing system with four fast M.2 NVMe slots. All slots can be used simultaneously. The large heatsink and fan ensure adequate cooling of the modules.

1 Molex power connector  2 SATA power connector  3 Asmedia ASM2824  4 M.2 key M slot  5 PCIe x8 / x16

Enclosures


Item 42018

USB4™ 40 Gbps Enclosure for 1 x M.2 NVMe SSD - toolfree

Connectors:
     external: 1 x USB4™ 40 Gbps (Gen 3x2) USB Type-C™ female
     internal: 1 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot
Chipset: Intel JHL7440, Realtek RTL9210B
Suitable for M.2 modules im format 2280
      with key M or key B+M based on PCIe (NVMe)
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.5 mm,
      application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Metal housing
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 100 x 60 x 14 mm
Package content: External enclosure, Thunderbolt™ 3 cable 50 cm,
      2 x thermal conductive pad, 2 x rubber nipple, user manual

Connectors:
     external: 1 x USB4™ 40 Gbps (Gen 3x2) USB Type-C™ female
     internal: 1 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot
Chipset: Intel JHL7440, Realtek RTL9210B
Suitable for M.2 modules im format 2280 with key M or key B+M based on PCIe (NVMe)
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.5 mm,application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Metal housing
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 100 x 60 x 14 mm
Package content: External enclosure, Thunderbolt™ 3 cable 50 cm, 2 x thermal conductive pad, 2 x rubber nipple, user manual

Product description

This enclosure is for the toolfree mounting of a M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD. Thanks to the USB4™ compatibility, it can be connected via Thunderbolt™ 3 and 4, as well as the USB Type-C™ interface, and so connected to a PC or laptop. The robust metal housing with cooling fins ensures an optimum temperature for the memory. The maximum data transfer rate depends on the host device.


Item 42001

External Enclosure for M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD with SuperSpeed USB 20 Gbps USB Type-C™ female

Connectors
     external: 1 x SuperSpeed USB 20 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2x2) USB Type-C™ female
     internal: 1 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot
Chipset: Asmedia ASM2364
Supports M.2 modules in format 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230
      with key M or key B+M based on PCIe (NVMe)
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.5 mm,
      application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Metal housing
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 119 x 46 x 15 mm
Package content: External enclosure, cable USB-C™ male to USB-C™ male,
      length ca. 30 cm, 1 x thermal conductive pad, user manual

Connectors
     external: 1 x SuperSpeed USB 20 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2x2) USB Type-C™ female
     internal: 1 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot
Chipset: Asmedia ASM2364
Supports M.2 modules in format 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230 with key M or key B+M based on PCIe (NVMe)
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.5 mm, application of doublesided assembled modules supported
Metal housing
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 119 x 46 x 15 mm
Package content: External enclosure, cable USB-C™ male to USB-C™ male, length ca. 30 cm, 1 x thermal conductive pad, user manual

Product description

This enclosure allows the installation of an M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD in 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230 format, and can be connected to a PC or notebook via USB. The robust design of the metal housing also has cooling fins, which ensures an optimal temperature of the memory. The maximum data transfer rate at the USB-C™ port is 20 Gbps.

Memory


Item 54080

M.2 SSD PCIe / NVMe Key M 2280 - 512 GB

Connector: 1 x 67 pin M.2 key M male
Interface: PCIe x4 Rev. 3.0
Controller: SMI SM2263XT
Flash type: TLC
Capacity: 512 GB
Maximum speeds: write 2000 MB/s - write 1600 MB/s
Maximum write cycles: 1000
Supports TRIM, S.M.A.R.T. and NVMe 1.3
Operating temperature: 0 °C ~ 70 °C
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 80.0 x 22.0 x 2.1 mm

Also available with:
Item 54079  Capacity 256 GB
Item 54078  Capacity 128 GB

Depending on the memory capacity, the read and write speeds of the flash memory vary.

Accessory


Item 64178 

M.2 Docking Station for 2 x M.2 SATA SSD with Clone function

Connectors:
     1 x SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2) USB Type-C™ female
     2 x 67 pin M.2 Key M slot
     1 x USB Type-C™ female (power supply)
Supports M.2 modules with key B+M based on SATA
Chipset: Asmedia ASM1352R, VIA VL160
Data transfer rate up to 6 Gbps
LED indicator for power, access and copy status
Function keys: 1 x Clone button, 1 x On / Off switch
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 72 x 79 x 18 mm

Thanks to the clone function, the content of one SSD can be copied to another without using a PC. The robust housing is ideally suitable as test equipment. The memory is simply plugged and can be used immediately.

Item 18285

Heat Sink flat 70 mm for M.2 module

Material: aluminium
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 70.0 x 22.0 x 5.2 mm
Package content: Heat sink, 3 x thermal pad

All Delock M.2 products
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