# NGFF M.2 Simple Carrier A/E Key

A carrier to connect a NGFF M.2 Board to USB breaking out all other signals to TH testpoints

- **Seller:** [Pier42 Design](https://lectronz.com/stores/pier42design), Eastern Passage, Alberta, Canada
- **Price:** €26.00 (EUR, before shipping and taxes)
- **Availability:** In stock
- **Categories:** Prototyping, Test equipment, Accessories
- **HS code:** 84733011
- **Product page:** https://lectronz.com/products/ngff-m2-simple-carrier-ae-key

## Options

**M.2 Module Key**

- E Key (5 left)
- A Key (0 left)

**M.2 Module Length Mounting Standoff**

- 2230 / 3030 (5 left)
- 2242 / 3042 (0 left)

## Links

- [Documentation](https://github.com/wolfgangfriedrich/P42-Mdot2-SimpleCarrier)
- [Design Files](https://github.com/wolfgangfriedrich/P42-Mdot2-SimpleCarrier)
- [Schematics](https://github.com/wolfgangfriedrich/P42-Mdot2-SimpleCarrier/blob/main/Design/Mdot2_Carrier_r2/SCH%20P42_Mdot2_SimpleCarrier_r2.pdf)
- [Bom](https://github.com/wolfgangfriedrich/P42-Mdot2-SimpleCarrier/blob/main/Design/Mdot2_Carrier_r2/bom/ibom.html)

## Images

![NGFF M.2 Simple Carrier A/E Key](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzI0MTksInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--c972883706edb4fdac1c873b9a5140e548b7f11c/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2025-07-13T22-51-22.440Z-01-Front.jpg)
![NGFF M.2 Simple Carrier A/E Key](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzI0MjAsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--53a7e2ce691f34e197a9e1b24ffff7332cfc35f9/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2025-07-13T22-51-22.440Z-02-FrontAngle.jpg)
![NGFF M.2 Simple Carrier A/E Key](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzI0MjEsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--de2e0e907378ad4dd06a1d3224171bc56685913e/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2025-07-13T22-51-22.440Z-03-RightAngle.jpg)
![NGFF M.2 Simple Carrier A/E Key](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzI0MjIsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--c7bf7edf529ae7d460de476898ca8a5858ff7cc4/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2025-07-13T22-51-22.440Z-04-FrontWithModule.jpg)
![NGFF M.2 Simple Carrier A/E Key](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzI0MjMsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--7672a562f0881559608245d63955f199f85ff93c/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2025-07-13T22-51-22.440Z-05-ModuleClose.jpg)
![NGFF M.2 Simple Carrier A/E Key](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzI0NDAsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--5bc7449fd01b11158415efdbb071d6996cece681/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/06-ModulePoweredAngle.jpg)
![NGFF M.2 Simple Carrier A/E Key](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzI0NDQsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--6b078d22ed474246c323fbce389cd06046ebdd76/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/07-ModuleShortProtect.jpg)
![NGFF M.2 Simple Carrier A/E Key](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzI0NDgsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--d9bc314e21349fd6e7fe503bed6378f04026d18f/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/08-Testpoints.jpg)

## Description

#### What is it?
A carrier to connect to a M.2 2230/3030 or 2242/3042 Board through USB, UART or I2C. All other signals are broken out to to TH testpoints.  

List of features:

- M.2 slot with all pads on the board to accept any key slot M.2 module, if the correct connector is mounted.
- Specifically made for A key and E key, targeting WiFi, Bluetooth, WWAN adapter.  
- Works with a subset of signals for B key and M key, but not as a USB memory interface for SSDs.
- All signals available on through hole test points on a 2.54mm (0.1") grid.
- PCIe signals are routed as differential pairs.
- USB-C set up for 5V 3A max power draw.
- Switching regulator to generate 3.3V with 1A current limit to power the M.2 module.
- 1.8V LDO regulator to be able to work with the 1.8V UART and I2C signals.
- Power switch for the 3.3V to the M.2 module with an enable jumper and 500mA over-current protection.
- LEDs for 1.8V, 3.3V and switched 3.3V; LED for over-current condition.
- 4 mounting holes.
- Mounting holes for nuts to secure 2230 or 2242 modules.
- Level shifter and connector to make UART accessible on a 3-pin header.
- Level shifter and QWIIC connector to make I2C accessible on a 3-pin header.
- Extra testpoints for GND, VBUS, 3.3V, 1.8V
- Design in KiCAD.

#### Why did you make it?
The design came to life initially to test my M.2 RP2350 board (https://lectronz.com/products/p42-pico2-m-2). I needed a test platform to access all signals of the M.2 interface with E or A key. Single Board Computers with a M.2 port often don't access all pins, so I built this board and think it is very useful. 

#### What makes it special?
M.2 carrier boards are generally for B or M key SSDs to other internal interfaces. This module is unique as it uses an external USB interface. I am not aware of any breakout board for M.2 modules with enhanced connectivity/functionality. There are a few passive breakout boards available that simply connect all pins to standard headers.

## Shipping policy

All products are shipping from Canada with arrival times generally 1 to 3 weeks for (Europe and) North America. 
Canada Post is not accepting mail and parcels for European Union destinations due to the new EUR 3 customs duty per item.