Problems with M2 M-Key slot and Coral Dual Edge TPU/Intel AX200

[Sascha]

Hello,

I’m looking to use a Coral Dual Edge TPU with an adapter in the M.2 M-Key slot of the x1, but the device isn’t being detected. I’ve also tried another adapter with an Intel AX200 Wi-Fi card, which is also not recognized under Linux. However, a Samsung 980 Pro SSD is detected without any issues. Interestingly, both the TPU and Wi-Fi card are recognized when I place them in the E-Key slot. Additionally, both adapters work flawlessly with the M-Key slots of other computers.

Since both adapters require a PCI Express lane in the slot, and the x1 schematic indicates at least one available lane, I’m wondering if my device is defective. What steps should I take to troubleshoot this issue?

Thank you!

[Sascha]

On the bottom of the X1, the M-Key port says PCIeX2, which suggests that PCIe devices should work there… but none of them work for me… Has anyone already managed to operate a PCIe device there?
What about the bios settings? I’ve tried various things, none of which had any effect…
If there is no solution, I will have to switch to the Lattepanda Delta 3.

[CharlesChen]

For more information on using the AX200, see this article.

Flashing Debian on youyeetoo X1, adapting WiFi 6 AX200

[Sascha]

Hi and thank you for your response.
Sadly this does not address my problem… The AX200 was only an example. If I put the AX200 in the E-Key port it is found and installed without any problem under Ubuntu 22.04.

The M2 M-Key Port should accept PCI Express devices other than NVME SSDs but it does not. Even without proper installed drivers the PCIe devices should show up under linux with lspci -vvv . I tried many different BIOS settings but none worked for me. I want to add an external GPU or TPU to the X1 for ML and for this I need a fully functional PCIe port.

Any tipps or hints to get this working?

[Sascha]

I found out that some mini pc manufacturers lock their M2 M-Key ports so that only SSDs will work in them. There the behavior is the same as with the X1: NVME SSDs work with full connectivity, but other devices do not.

Is the X1 also locked and if so, can you provide a BIOS that fully unlocks the port?

[CharlesChen]

[Compatibility] youyeetoo x1 M.2 E-key

the Coral M.2 Accelerator with Dual Edge TPU M.2 Accelerator with Dual Edge TPU | Coral Connector parameter ：M.2 E-key (with two PCIe Gen2 x1 lanes)* the X1 M.2 socket 2230 [image] ps.the pin 22,32,34,36 with"CNVI" is the PCIE signal，should work with the Coral TPU module Recommend to use the M.2 socket 2280(with PCIE signal) [image] and buy a Adapter boad M-KEY → E-key like this [image] maybe it will work

Are you linking through like this?

M.2 M key to A+E KEY adapter?

Can you give a link to your purchase?

[peter]

look at this post

[Compatibility] youyeetoo x1 M.2 E-key

I wanted to ask about the NVMe M.2 E-key slot on the X1 SBC that accepts the WIFI/BT/4G modules. Specifically, I’m curious about its compatibility with other M.2 E-key modules, such as the “Coral M.2 Accelerator with Dual Edge TPU” and “Coral M.2 Accelerator A+E key.” Could you please confirm if these modules are compatible with the X1 SBC’s NVMe M.2 E-key slot? This information will be crucial for our hardware compatibility testing.

[ladnene]

Hi Sascha,
Did you find any solution ? i also have the same issue.
The coral TPU works fine in the wifi m.2 slot but when i install a coral TPU in the m.2 m key slot (for SSD) it is not recognized and it doesn’t appear in the windows device manager after boot