Launch of the SX-M2, a Shielded Card Edge Connector Compliant with the M.2 Standard

I-PEX Inc. (Headquarters: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Reiji Konishi; hereinafter referred to as I-PEX) has developed its first card edge connector, the SX-M2, a shielded connector for communication modules compliant with the M.2 standard and began sales on March 31, 2026.

The SX-M2 integrates a shielding structure into a card edge connector compliant with the M.2 standard (hereinafter referred to as the M.2 connector), effectively suppressing external noise and signal interference to ensure stable communication quality. The built-in shielding reduces the need for separate EMI countermeasure components, contributing to simplified design and space savings. Furthermore, the SX-M2 features an retractable cover that enables both EMI countermeasures and contact verification after mounting, providing greater design flexibility for products such as notebook PCs, desktop PCs, industrial PCs, and routers.

Shielded card edge connector, SX-M2

Click here to access the SX-M2 product page.

Development Background

In recent years, with the evolution of wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi and 5G, communication modules installed in notebook PCs and industrial PCs have rapidly become faster and more high-frequency. This trend has made signal integrity and EMI countermeasures more critical than ever for M.2 connectors.

Conventional M.2 connectors, due to their card edge structure, have no built-in shielding. EMI countermeasures required the implementation of additional components such as ground springs and metal shielding covers on the system side. As the frequency rises, the design burden of these countermeasures increases, leading to challenges such as an increased number of components and space constraints.

I-PEX has been contributing to connectivity solutions in the communication module field by developing the MHF^® series of ultra-compact RF coaxial connectors, widely used for antenna connections on M.2 communication modules. To further expand its product lineup in this field and give customers greater design flexibility, I-PEX has developed the SX-M2, an M-2 connector with an integrated shielding structure that connects the communication module and the host equipment board.

Features

• The M.2 connector incorporates a shield to suppress external noise and signal interference.
• The retractable cover allows for both visual inspection of the contact mounting area and EMI countermeasures.
• Ensuring signal integrity performance compliant with the M.2 standard.

Specifications

About I-PEX Inc.

I-PEX stands for “Innovative Product development & Engineering solutions eXpert” providing value in the form of inspiration and astonishment in the global marketplace. The company was founded in 1963 as Dai-ichi Seiko, a precision mold manufacturer, and has since produced numerous world-firsts and unique products and solutions. I-PEX currently operates in five business fields: Connectors, Contract Manufacturing (Automotive Components & Electronics Components), Molds & Equipment, MEMS Foundry, and Energy Solutions. By delivering the sharpest tip to the world, we will contribute to exciting value-creation in the digitalized society by working globally with every customer who opens up the new era.