ICY DOCK EXLink MB408A5 MCIO 4i (SFF-TA-1016) to PCIe 5.0 x4 Adapter with Redriver

Bring PCIe Gen5 NVMe Connectivity to MCIO-Based Storage

The EXLink MB408A5 adapter card is designed to bridge standard PCIe (x4) slots with next-generation MCIO 4i (SFF-TA-1016) connectivity, enabling high-speed PCIe Gen5 NVMe signal transmission for advanced storage applications.

By integrating a PCIe redriver and comprehensive signal buffering, the MB408A5 allows system designers and integrators to deploy MCIO-based NVMe solutions with greater flexibility, even in platforms requiring longer trace lengths or cable connections.

Optimized PCIe Gen5 x4 Connectivity for NVMe Storage

With a PCIe Gen5 x4 interface delivering up to 128Gbps of total bandwidth, the EXLink MB408A5 is designed to enable high-speed NVMe connectivity through MCIO 4i (SFF-TA-1016) cabling. This adapter provides a practical solution for platforms adopting PCIe Gen5 architectures, allowing system builders to extend PCIe signals beyond standard motherboard trace limits while maintaining reliable NVMe performance in server and workstation environments.

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 MB408A5 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 MB408A5 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.

Validated Compatibility & Professional Integration Support

The EXLink MB408A5 is designed as a universal MCIO host adapter, supporting a wide range of MCIO-based NVMe storage solutions across server and workstation platforms.

In addition to its broad compatibility, the MB408A5 has been validated with ICY DOCK MCIO-based NVMe mobile racks and cables. This validation helps eliminate the need for additional compatibility testing during system integration, reducing deployment time and integration risk for system builders.

By choosing a validated ICY DOCK host adapter, customers also gain access to ICY DOCKs technical expertise and product support, ensuring a reliable and well-supported solution for high-speed removable NVMe storage deployments.

Flexible Platform Compatibility

The MB408A5 is compatible with a wide range of PCIe host environments. It supports PCIe Gen2 through Gen5 slots and can be installed in x4, 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.

Ideal Applications

The EXLink MB408A5 is well suited for:

1. PCIe Gen5 NVMe storage expansion
2. MCIO-based storage architectures
3. Server and workstation platforms requiring extended PCIe routing
4. System validation, testing, and development of PCIe Gen5 solutions