DFR1293 Mini Carrier Board

Introduction

The DFRobot DFR1293 Mini Carrier Board is a compact carrier platform for LattePanda Mu and LattePanda Mu Ultra compute modules. Measuring 110 mm × 94 mm, it brings high-speed external I/O, wired networking, display output, storage and wireless expansion options to these compute modules in a small embedded-computing form factor.

Its connectivity mix is technically notable: alongside USB 3.2 Gen2 and HDMI 2.0, the board provides 2.5Gb Ethernet, an OCuLink connection supporting up to PCIe 4.0 x4, and separate M.2 slots for storage and wireless expansion.

What it does

The DFR1293 provides the physical interfaces and expansion connections needed to build a system around a compatible LattePanda Mu compute module.

Two full-featured USB Type-C ports support USB 3.2 Gen2, USB 2.0, Power Delivery, and DisplayPort functionality. They are complemented by two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports and one HDMI 2.0 output for peripheral and display connectivity.

For networked systems, the board includes a 2.5Gb Ethernet port based on the Intel I226-V controller. A 3.5 mm microphone/headphone combo jack, using a Realtek ALC269 audio device, provides an integrated audio connection.

Expansion is available through an OCuLink port with support for up to PCIe 4.0 x4, an M.2 M Key slot supporting up to PCIe 4.0 x2 in 2230 or 2280 sizes, and an M.2 E Key slot for 2230 modules with PCIe x1 and optional CNVio support. A GPIO header is also provided for direct hardware interfacing.

Applications

• Compact embedded computers based on LattePanda Mu or LattePanda Mu Ultra modules
• Network-connected edge-computing systems requiring 2.5Gb Ethernet
• Systems with USB peripherals, external displays, and audio connections
• Storage-expanded systems using an M.2 M Key module
• Wireless-capable embedded systems using an M.2 E Key module
• PCIe expansion configurations using the OCuLink interface
• GPIO-connected control, monitoring, or prototyping hardware

Design considerations

The carrier board requires a compatible LattePanda Mu or LattePanda Mu Ultra compute module. Power input must be within the specified 12 V to 20 V range and can be connected through either the 5.5 × 2.5 mm DC power jack or the PH2.0 4-pin DC input connector.

Expansion modules should be selected for the appropriate keying, interface, and physical size. The M.2 M Key slot accepts 2230 and 2280 modules and supports up to PCIe 4.0 x2, while the M.2 E Key slot is intended for 2230 modules and provides PCIe x1 with optional CNVio. Designs using the OCuLink port should account for its PCIe 4.0 x4 capability and the required external interconnect hardware.

The 110 mm × 94 mm board size should also be considered when planning an enclosure, cooling arrangement, connector access, and cable routing.

Availability and further information

Further product information is available through the Mouser Electronics source link and any datasheet links provided on this page.