Icy Dock EXLink

Bring PCIe Gen5 NVMe Connectivity to MCIO-Based Storage
The EXLink MB409A5 adapter card is designed to bridge PCIe Gen5 x8 slots that support lane bifurcation with next-generation MCIO 8i (SFF-TA-1016) connectivity, delivering up to 256Gbps of total bandwidth for high-speed NVMe signal transmission in advanced storage applications.

By integrating a PCIe redriver and optimized signal conditioning, the MB409A5 allows system designers and integrators to deploy MCIO-based NVMe solutions with greater flexibility, even in platforms requiring longer trace lengths or cable connections.

Designed for Flexible PCIe Gen5 Architecture
With a PCIe 5.0 x8 interface, the MB409A5 is designed to work with motherboards that support lane bifurcation (x4 / x4). When enabled, this allows the PCIe x8 interface to be split into two independent x4 NVMe links through MCIO connectivity, supporting up to two NVMe SSDs via compatible cabling.

If the motherboard does not provide PCIe bifurcation support, only a single NVMe SSD may be recognized.

Simple Way to Expand High-Speed NVMe Storage
The EXLink MB409A5 offers a clean and scalable approach to expanding PCIe Gen5 NVMe storage using MCIO-based connectivity. *When paired with ICY DOCK’s ToughArmor MB601V5K-B and the MB413L-B MCIO 8i to dual MCIO 4i cable, system builders can easily configure two front-accessible U.2 / U.3 PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSD bays from a single PCIe x8 slot.

This configuration simplifies high-density NVMe deployment without requiring specialized backplanes, making it ideal for servers and workstations that require removable NVMe storage while maintaining signal integrity and PCIe Gen5 performance.

Maintain Stable High-Speed Signals with Integrated Redriver
As PCIe Gen5 data rates increase, signal integrity becomes increasingly critical - especially when using longer PCB traces or external cables. The MB409A5 integrates a PCIe Gen5 redriver to equalize and restore signals, helping sustain stable 32 GT/s transmission across four PCIe lanes.

This design enables MCIO-based NVMe connections to maintain full PCIe Gen5 performance, even in complex system layouts where direct connections are not feasible.

PCIe Clock Buffer & Sideband Signal Management
To maintain accurate timing across connected devices, the MB409A5 features a built-in 100MHz PCIe clock buffer, supporting stable synchronization over extended routing paths.

In addition, buffered PERST#, WAKE#, and CLKREQ# signals enhance system stability and responsiveness, making the adapter suitable for enterprise-grade platforms and continuous-operation environments.

Flexible Platform Compatibility
The MB409A5 is compatible with a wide range of PCIe host environments. It supports PCIe Gen2 through Gen5 slots and can be installed in x8, or x16 physical PCIe slots on motherboards. With no operating system limitations, the adapter is well suited for system integrators, OEMs, and solution providers building NVMe-enabled platforms across different hardware and software environments.