Manuals+

Geekworm X1010 V1.1

Geekworm X1010 V1.1 PCIe FFC Expansion Board User Manual

For Raspberry Pi 5

1. Introduction and Overview

The X1010 PCIe FFC connector to standard PCIe x4 slot expansion board is designed for effortless integration of various PCIe add-on cards such as Graphics cards (GPUs), RAID cards, USB expansion cards, High-speed ethernet cards, Wi-Fi cards, and SSDs to enhance the capabilities of your Raspberry Pi 5.

This expansion board features versatile power options, supporting 12V input via a common DC jack or an ATX 4-pin peripheral power connector. Equipped with high-efficiency DC/DC step-down converters, it delivers a maximum of 5.5A to power your Raspberry Pi 5 and provides 3.3V at 5.5A for your PCIe device.

By connecting to the underside of the Raspberry Pi 5, the X1010 eliminates the need for a GPIO passthrough, allowing you to seamlessly use your preferred HATs while maximizing the functionality of the expansion board.

Geekworm X1010 V1.1 expansion board assembled with a Raspberry Pi 5
Figure 1: Geekworm X1010 V1.1 expansion board assembled with a Raspberry Pi 5. Note: Raspberry Pi 5 is not included.

2. Safety Information

  • Be careful of static electricity and moisture-proof when handling the board.
  • This product contains small parts and is a choking hazard. Not suitable for children under 3 years.

3. Packing List

Please check the contents of your package against the list below:

  • 1 x X1010 V1.1 Shield
  • 2 x 37mm FFC cable (1pc is for backup)
  • 4 x M2.5*12 Female/Female Spacer
  • 8 x M2.5*5 Screw
Contents of the X1010 V1.1 packing list including the board, FFC cables, spacers, and screws
Figure 2: X1010 V1.1 Packing List components.

4. Product Features

  • Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5B.
  • PCIe 2.0x1 FFC connector to standard PCIe x4 slot, enabling compatibility with a wide range of PCIe expansion cards.
  • PCIE_DET_WAKE pin pulled high to automatically probe the PCIe bus at boot time.
  • Flexible powering options via a common DC jack or ATX 4-pin peripheral power connector.
  • Efficient power delivery to the Raspberry Pi 5 via pogo pin, streamlining the power supply to a single source.
  • Equipped with a high-efficiency DC/DC step-down converter, providing a maximum of 5.5A to power your Raspberry Pi 5.
  • Compatible with the HAT+ STANDBY power state, automatically powering off the PCIe device when the Pi 5 is shut down.

5. Product Layout and Connectors

Familiarize yourself with the various ports and connectors on the X1010 V1.1 board:

  • DC Power Jack: 5.5x2.1mm, polarity: center positive (+).
  • ATX Peripheral Power Connector: 4-pin, pitch 5.08mm.
  • PCIe Connector: x1 - 16-pin, pitch 0.5mm (for FFC cable).
  • PCIe x4 Connector: 64-pin (for standard PCIe x4 cards).
  • Pogo Pins: x3, for power delivery to Raspberry Pi 5.
  • 3.3V Power LED: Indicator for 3.3V power status.
Detailed view of the X1010 V1.1 board with labels for Pogo Pins, PCIe Connector, 3.3V Power LED, DC12V, ATX 4-pin Peripheral Power Connector, and PCIe x4 Connector
Figure 3: X1010 V1.1 Board Layout with labeled components.

6. Setup Instructions

Follow these steps to assemble your X1010 V1.1 expansion board with your Raspberry Pi 5:

  1. Connect the FFC Cable:
    • Pull out the actuator on the PCIe FFC connector.
    • Carefully plug in the FFC cable.
    • Push the actuator back in to securely hold the cable.
    • Ensure correct FFC cable orientation: The side labeled "TO PIP" must connect to the X1010 board, and the side labeled "TO PI5" must connect to the Raspberry Pi 5.
  2. Mount the Raspberry Pi 5:
    • Position the Raspberry Pi 5 on top of the X1010 board, aligning it with the provided spacers.
    • Securely fasten the Raspberry Pi 5 to the X1010 board using the four M2.5 screws.
Diagram showing the steps for connecting the FFC cable and mounting the Raspberry Pi 5 onto the X1010 board
Figure 4: FFC cable connection and Raspberry Pi 5 mounting steps.

7. Powering the X1010

The X1010 board offers flexible power input options:

  • Provide 12Vdc +/-5% power via the DC power jack (5.5x2.1mm, center positive).
  • Alternatively, provide 12Vdc +/-5% power via the ATX 4-pin peripheral power connector.

Important Safety Note: Do NOT power the X1010 and the Raspberry Pi 5 at the same time from separate power sources. The X1010 is designed to power the Raspberry Pi 5 via its pogo pins.

Diagram illustrating the two power input methods for the X1010 board: via DC power jack or ATX 4-pin peripheral power connector
Figure 5: Power input options for the X1010 board.

8. Operating Instructions

Once the X1010 board is correctly assembled and powered, it acts as an expansion interface for your Raspberry Pi 5. The Raspberry Pi 5 will automatically detect connected PCIe devices at boot time due to the PCIE_DET_WAKE pin being pulled high.

To use a PCIe add-on card, simply insert it into the PCIe x4 slot on the X1010 board. Ensure the card is fully seated. The X1010 will provide the necessary power and data connection to the Raspberry Pi 5.

The board supports the HAT+ STANDBY power state, meaning that connected PCIe devices will automatically power off when the Raspberry Pi 5 is shut down, conserving energy.

9. Specifications

AttributeValue
Brand NameGeekworm
ModelX1010 V1.1
Compatible WithRaspberry Pi 5
Accessory TypeExtension Board
OriginMainland China
Battery IncludedNo
Typical Application FieldsEducation and Learning
High-concerned chemicalNone
PCB Size85mm x 82mm
Power Input12Vdc +/-5% via DC jack (5.5x2.1mm) or ATX 4-pin peripheral connector
Power Output to Pi 5Max 5.5A
Power Output to PCIe Device3.3V at 5.5A

10. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your X1010 V1.1 expansion board, consider the following maintenance tips:

  • Keep the board clean and free from dust. Use a soft, dry brush or compressed air for cleaning.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation around the board and any connected components to prevent overheating.
  • Avoid exposing the board to extreme temperatures, high humidity, or direct sunlight.
  • Handle the board by its edges to minimize contact with electronic components and prevent static discharge.

11. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your X1010 V1.1 board, try the following troubleshooting steps:

  • No Power / Board Not Functioning:
    • Verify that the 12Vdc power supply is correctly connected to either the DC jack or the ATX 4-pin connector.
    • Ensure that only one power source is connected to the system (either to the X1010 or directly to the Raspberry Pi 5, but not both simultaneously).
    • Check the power supply for proper voltage output.
  • PCIe Device Not Detected:
    • Confirm that the FFC cable is securely connected at both ends (X1010 and Raspberry Pi 5) and that the actuators are locked.
    • Double-check the FFC cable orientation ("TO PIP" to X1010, "TO PI5" to Raspberry Pi 5).
    • Ensure the PCIe add-on card is fully and correctly seated in the PCIe x4 slot.
    • Restart the Raspberry Pi 5 to re-initialize the PCIe bus.
  • System Instability:
    • Ensure your power supply is sufficient for both the X1010 and the connected PCIe device, especially for high-power cards.
    • Check for any loose connections or short circuits.
    • Ensure proper cooling for the Raspberry Pi 5 and any high-power PCIe devices.

12. Warranty and Support

For technical assistance, hardware, and software support, please refer to the following resources:

  • Email Support: support@geekworm.com (Please include your order number for faster service).
  • Online Wiki/Documentation: For detailed hardware and software information, visit the official Geekworm Wiki: https://wiki.geekworm.com/X1010.
  • User Manual (PDF): A PDF version of the user manual is available for download here.