March 7, 2025
Gateworks Flexible Socket Adapters (FSAs): Solving Peripheral Expansion in Industrial Environments
The Flexible Socket Adapters (FSAs) on the VeniceFLEX Family of single board computers (SBCs) and the upcoming Catalina Family of single board computers introduce a structured yet flexible approach to peripheral expansion. This technology enables the integration of various small-form-factor (SFF) expansion cards, such as wireless radios and cellular modems in the NGFF (M.2) and Mini-PCIe form-factor. Applications within industrial automation, edge computing and IoT benefit from this approach because it enables quick adaptation to new technology while maintaining a robust design with a long lifecycle.
Addressing Peripheral Connectivity Challenges
Most SBCs rely on fixed expansion slots, riser boards or specific connectors for peripheral integration. Mini-PCIe and M.2 expansion cards have become standard for peripheral connectivity due to their size, mounting stability and flexibility. However, some predefined M.2 or Mini-PCIe slots restrict users to a specific keying or interface. If a different expansion card is needed, a new SBC variant or additional adapter is required. The many form factors and keying options make it difficult for a single SBC to support the wide variety of cards on the market. Some designs must rely on external riser boards or ribbon cables to adapt different peripherals, which can introduce signal integrity issues, increase mechanical failure points and add complexity to enclosure design.
Gateworks designed a Flexible Socket Adapter (FSA) to address these limitations. This technology enables a single SBC to support various M.2 and Mini-PCIe cards to simplify integration and improve system modularity.
Key Benefits of FSA Technology
The Flexible Socket Adapters (FSAs) provide a universal interface that supports multiple expansion cards through compact, high-density Hirose HR connectors. They have been designed to handle high-speed signals such as PCIe 3.0, USB 3.0, and other busses, including support for M.2 radios over SDIO, enabling compatibility with low-power Wi-Fi modules. These connectors maintain signal integrity while allowing customization. They also provide direct board-to-board connectivity, improving system reliability while simplifying assembly and enclosure design. Gateworks FSAs plug into the high-density header and are available in the M.2 and Mini-PCIe form factor.
Gateworks currently offers the following FSA models:
- GW16FE0 – FSA to M.2 E Key (Wi-Fi/BLE Radios)
- GW16FB0 – FSA to M.2 B Key (Cellular Modems)
- GW16FM0 – FSA to M.2 M Key (NVME Storage)
- GW16FP0 – FSA to Mini-PCIe (Wi-Fi/Cellular/Etc.)
The adapters allow indicator LEDs and other connectors such as nanoSIMs for cellular applications, to be directly supported on the adapter. Their design aligns with the SBC’s length to allow front panel access to critical connectors or indicator LEDs. This eliminates additional cabling and allows for a more rugged and simple design. Gateworks will also support custom FSA adapter development for unique applications if needed.
FSA Roadmap: VeniceFLEX & Catalina Family of SBCs
FSA sockets are included on the VeniceFLEX platform and will also be included on the upcoming Catalina family of SBCs based on the NXP i.MX 95 CPU. This enables the interchanging of expansion adapters so they can be easily updated with new technologies as they emerge. Developers can adopt next-generation wireless, storage or processing modules without replacing the core SBC, extending the lifecycle of deployed systems.
The GW8200 is the first member of the VeniceFLEX Family of SBCs and supports two FSA headers with multiple connectivity options. These headers provide high-speed connectivity and expansion capabilities for industrial applications.
| FSA 1 Header | FSA 2 Header |
| USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
| USB 3.0 | USB.30 |
| PCIe 3.0 (2x 1x lanes) | PCIe 3.0 (2x 1x lanes) |
| SPI | SPI |
| GPIO (3x) | GPIO (3x) |
| Power Enable | Power Enable |
| SDIO (1.8V) | |
| PCM | |
| UART (4-wire) |
The VeniceFLEX Family of industrial single board computers also provides high-performance computing and communication features:
- NXP i.MX 8M Plus Cortex-A53 64-bit ARM 1.6GHz Quad Core Processor with DDR4 DRAM
- Isolated CAN Bus for reliable industrial communication
- Isolated 802.3af/at PoE support and wide range 8-60VDC power input designed to meet the most stringent requirements for burst, surge and conducted emissions for CE compliance.
- Designed to meet FCC Class B radiated emission standards
By incorporating FSAs into the VeniceFLEX and upcoming Catalina SBC families of industrial single board computers, Gateworks ensures that customers can seamlessly integrate new peripherals and technologies as they emerge, reducing the need for costly redesigns and hardware replacements. This approach enhances modularity, scalability and long-term reliability, making Gateworks’ SBCs an optimal choice for industrial applications.
Resources and Further Reading
Explore Gateworks Industrial Single Board Computers with FSA Sockets
- VeniceFLEX GW8200 – 2x Ethernet, 2x Flexible Sockets, 1x USB
- View all Gateworks SBCs here.