I-PEX have started selling the "SX-M2" 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 the "SX-M2," a shielded connector for communication modules compliant with the M.2 standard, as I-PEX's first card edge connector, and began sales on March 31, 2026.

The "SX-M2" effectively suppresses external noise and signal interference by integrating a shielding structure into a card edge connector (hereinafter referred to as the M.2 connector) compliant with the M.2 standard, ensuring stable communication quality. This reduces the need for EMI countermeasures components that were previously required, contributing to simplified design and space savings. Furthermore, the adoption of an openable cover enables both EMI countermeasures and contact verification after mounting. This contributes to increased design flexibility in products such as notebook PCs, desktop PCs, industrial PCs, and routers.

Shielded card edge connector "SX-M2"

Click here for 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. As a result, ensuring signal quality and EMI countermeasures have become more important than ever for M.2 connectors.

Conventional M.2 connectors, due to their card edge structure, lack shielding capabilities on their own. EMI countermeasures required the implementation of additional components such as ground springs and metal shielding covers on the system side. As the frequency increases, 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 used for connecting antenna modules on M.2 communication modules. Now, with the aim of further expanding the product lineup in this field and increasing the degree of freedom in our customers' product designs, we have developed the "SX-M2," which integrates a shielding structure into the M.2 connector 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 quality performance compliant with the M.2 standard.

specification

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.