1. Introduction
The Waveshare 4-Ch PCIe FFC Adapter is an expansion board designed for the Raspberry Pi 5, enabling the connection of up to four PCIe devices via FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) connectors. This HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) provides PCIe Gen2 transmission speeds, significantly expanding the connectivity options and capabilities of your Raspberry Pi 5 for various applications requiring high-speed peripheral access.
2. Package Contents
Verify that all items listed below are included in your package:
- 1x PCIe TO 4-Ch PCIe HAT
- 1x 2*20 Pin Header
- 1x Heatsink
- 1x Standoff pack (screws and standoffs)
- 5x 16P-Cable-40mm (FFC cable)
- 5x 16P-Cable-70mm (FFC cable)
Note: The Raspberry Pi 5 board and any PCIe peripheral devices are sold separately.
3. Setup Instructions
Follow these steps to properly install the Waveshare 4-Ch PCIe FFC Adapter onto your Raspberry Pi 5:
Heatsink Installation
Before mounting the HAT, attach the provided heatsink to the main chip on the PCIe HAT board. Carefully remove the release paper from the heatsink's adhesive backing and firmly press it onto the designated chip area.
Figure 3: Heatsink installation on the PCIe HAT chip. Connecting to Raspberry Pi 5
Connect the PCIe HAT to your Raspberry Pi 5 using one of the provided 16P FFC cables. Ensure the cable is correctly oriented and securely seated in both the HAT's PCIe connector and the Raspberry Pi 5's PCIe FFC connector.
Figure 4: PCIe HAT connected to Raspberry Pi 5. 
Figure 5: The PCIe HAT mounted on a Raspberry Pi 5. Mounting the HAT
Align the HAT with the Raspberry Pi 5's GPIO pins and mounting holes. Use the provided standoffs and screws to secure the HAT firmly to the Raspberry Pi 5 board. Ensure the 2*20 pin header is correctly aligned and inserted into the Raspberry Pi's GPIO header.
4. Operating Instructions
The Waveshare 4-Ch PCIe FFC Adapter expands the PCIe capabilities of your Raspberry Pi 5. Once physically installed, the Raspberry Pi's operating system (e.g., Raspberry Pi OS) should detect the PCIe interface.
Connecting PCIe Devices
The HAT provides four FFC connectors (PCIe1, PCIe2, PCIe3, PCIe4) for connecting external PCIe devices. Use appropriate FFC cables to connect your desired PCIe peripherals (e.g., NVMe SSDs, network cards, AI accelerators) to these connectors.
PCIe Gen2 Performance
The adapter supports PCIe Gen2 transmission speeds, offering a data rate of up to 5 Gbps per lane. Ensure your connected PCIe devices are compatible with PCIe Gen2 for optimal performance.
Software Configuration
Depending on the PCIe device connected, additional software drivers or kernel modules may be required. Refer to the documentation for your specific PCIe peripheral and the Raspberry Pi OS for necessary configuration steps.
Figure 6: Example of a modular Raspberry Pi 5 setup with multiple HATs.
5. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Waveshare 4-Ch PCIe FFC Adapter:
- Keep the board clean and free from dust and debris. Use a soft, dry brush or compressed air for cleaning.
- Avoid exposing the board to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight.
- Handle the board by its edges to prevent damage to components or static discharge.
- Ensure all FFC cables are securely connected and not bent sharply, which could damage the conductors.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your PCIe FFC Adapter, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- Device Not Detected:
- Verify that the FFC cable connecting the HAT to the Raspberry Pi 5 is correctly and securely seated at both ends.
- Ensure the PCIe peripheral device is properly connected to one of the HAT's FFC connectors.
- Check the Raspberry Pi 5's operating system for PCIe device detection using commands like
lspci. - Confirm that the Raspberry Pi 5's firmware and OS are up to date.
- Performance Issues:
- Ensure your PCIe peripheral is compatible with PCIe Gen2 speeds.
- Check for any power supply limitations if multiple high-power PCIe devices are connected.
- Physical Damage:
- Inspect the FFC cables for any kinks, tears, or damage.
- Examine the HAT and Raspberry Pi 5 for any visible damage to connectors or components.
For more advanced troubleshooting or specific device issues, refer to the official Waveshare wiki or support resources.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PCIe FFC Adapter HAT |
| Model Number | PCIe TO 4-CH PCIe HAT |
| Compatibility | Raspberry Pi 5 |
| PCIe Version | PCIe Gen2 |
| Number of Channels | 4 (via FFC connectors) |
| Max Transmission Speed | 5 Gbps (per lane) |
| Dimensions (L x W) | 58.00 mm x 56.50 mm (approximate, see diagram) |
| Battery Included | No |
| High-concerned chemical | None |
| Package Weight | 0.036 kg |
8. User Tips
No specific user tips or common questions were available from user reviews or Q&A for this product at this time. For general best practices:
- Always power down your Raspberry Pi 5 before connecting or disconnecting any HATs or PCIe devices.
- Ensure proper ventilation for your Raspberry Pi 5 and connected HATs, especially when running high-performance PCIe devices, to prevent overheating.
- Regularly check for firmware and operating system updates for your Raspberry Pi 5 to ensure compatibility and optimal performance with PCIe peripherals.
9. Warranty and Support
Waveshare provides professional technical support and rich resources for their products.
For detailed documentation, tutorials, and technical assistance, please visit the official Waveshare Wiki:
www.waveshare.com/wiki/PCIe_TO_4-Ch_PCIe_HAT
For further inquiries, please contact Waveshare customer support through their official channels.
