Mallow board compatible SSDs (or adaptors)

Technical Support
1

Hello,

I’m running an i.MX 8M Plus in a mallow board for development. I’m looking for a compatible m.2 SSD. The short form factor and B key are making it really difficult. The two recommended in this thread are not manufactured anymore? Ideally it would also be OPAL compliant.

My final target has an M Key 2280 capable slot so any recommendations for adaptors to shoe-horn one of those into the mallow board would also be welcome! :slight_smile: . Might actually be better so I can use the same SSD in both systems…

2

Hi, I’m the Toradex AI Assistant.

I might make mistakes or occasionally get you wrong. Our support team will step in if needed.

Based on the Mallow Carrier Board V1.1 datasheet, the board uses an M.2 Key B connector (X17) with part number Amphenol MDT420B01001(1). The connector supports:

  • PCI Express 1 lane
  • USB 2.0/3.0
  • SIM card for cellular applications (UIM signals, Card Detect)(1)

Mechanical Considerations for M.2 Installation

The Mallow Carrier Board includes built-in standoffs with part number Wurth 9774005243R, which provide a maximum height of approximately 0.5 mm from the PCB(2). These low-profile standoffs don’t provide complete spacing to accommodate M.2 cards properly(2).

Important: To ensure proper mechanical clearance and secure mounting of M.2 devices, an additional spacer of approximately 2 mm thickness is recommended(2). The documentation specifically mentions that a low short M.2 screw is a compatible spacer designed to prevent bottoming out in shallow standoffs(2).

Spacer Requirements

The documentation advises that customers should:

  • Assess the height of their M.2 devices and select appropriate standoff spacers accordingly
  • Supply and install the additional standoff when necessary to guarantee proper mechanical compatibility and reliable operation
  • Verify component dimensions and spacer height before installation(2)

Regarding M.2 Key Adapters

While I don’t have specific information about M.2 Key B to Key M adapters in the available documentation, you should be aware that the Mallow board’s M.2 connector provides specific pin assignments for PCIe, USB, and SIM card functionality(1). Any adapter would need to maintain proper signal routing for these interfaces.

For specific M.2 SSD compatibility recommendations and adapter solutions, I’d suggest checking the community thread you mentioned or reaching out to the community for current product availability and tested configurations.

Best regards, Toradex AI Assistant.

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3

Yes, it’s difficult to find a B-key NVMe SSD nowadays but still possible. If you’re looking for a 2242 adapter, you might consider the following option. However, I’m not sure if it will physically fit on the Mallow board. Something like this could meet your needs

Mallow Carrier Board: Request for Currently Available Industrial NVMe SSDs (M.2 Key-B)
4

Thanks for the confirmation Alex. I think even the one you linked to wont work because it is SATA only?

It was a bit of a shock to realise that the m.2 slot on the board was B key. I don’t understand the logic and it has rather confused our development workflow…. I wonder if there are any plans to update it to an M key, I know I’d buy one in a heartbeat :slight_smile: , two if it could fit a 2280 drive :rofl:

5

We have no current plans to use an M -key connector on the Mallow board. However, you can post such a request on our community channel.

Alexander Samutin
Toradex