The Vivid Unit Extender is an advanced expansion motherboard for the Vivid Unit, designed to enhance both functionality and versatility. With the same dimensions as the Vivid Unit, the Extender adds essential features like active and passive cooling (VCOOL), additional power management and RTC backup battery etc.
Vivid Unit Extender also comes with a Mini PCIe slot for developing custom expansion boards. It is one of the two expansion methods suggested by the Vivid Unit Expansions Specification.
Vivid Unit Extender is open-sourced. The firmware and software source code can be found in its GitHub repository. The schematic will be released on Vivid Unit’s website.
Key Features
- Mini PCIe Expansion Slot: As a true expansion motherboard, the Extender routes all signal lines from the Vivid Unit to a Mini PCIe slot, providing a versatile platform for users to develop custom expansion boards. This slot supports a wide range of applications, from prototyping to final product deployment.
- Active and Passive Cooling: Utilizing the same cooling system (VCOOL) as the Cooler Panel Kit, the Extender is equipped with an integrated fan and configurable cooling strategy. It ensures optimal thermal management, automatically controlling the fan based on real-time temperatures to maintain performance while minimizing noise.
- Efficient Power Management: The Extender provides an additional USB-C power input and a dedicated power button. When the Vivid Unit is shut down, the Extender cuts power to it, reducing idle current from approximately 11-12mA to under 1mA—ideal for conserving power in long-term deployments.
- Overvoltage and Undervoltage Protection: The Extender’s input voltage can withstand up to 30V DC, but its expected normal input voltage is 5V DC (±5%). The Extender continuously monitors input voltage. Based on the readings, it can automatically power down or disconnect to protect the Vivid Unit and attached components. This protection mechanism ensures stability without requiring specialized hardware circuits.
- Watchdog Functionality: Prevent system freezes and ensure reliability with the Extender’s watchdog timer. If the Vivid Unit becomes unresponsive, the watchdog function can trigger a restart, keeping your device running smoothly.
- RTC Backup Battery: An onboard battery maintains the Vivid Unit’s real-time clock (RTC) for 1-2 days, even when the device is completely powered off, depending on the battery’s charge level. This feature helps keep the system clock accurate across power cycles.
Technical Specifications
- Expansion Interface: Mini PCIe slot for custom board development
- Power Input: 5V DC (±5% expected), withstands up to 30V DC, via USB-C connector or the reserved pads on the PCB
- Idle Current: <1mA in standby mode
- Cooling: Active and passive with automated fan control
- Over/Undervoltage Protection: Configurable tolerance levels
- RTC Backup: Battery backup for RTC, lasting 1-2 days
Package Content
- Assembled Vivid Unit Extender PCB x 1
- M3 screw x 4
- Plastic 3.2x7x2.5 standoff x 4
- Copper heatsink (with adhesive thermal tape) x 1
- Thermal pad x 1
- M2 screw x 4
- MX1.25 dual head cable x 4
Applications
The Vivid Unit Extender is ideal for developers looking to expand their Vivid Unit’s capabilities, whether through custom hardware solutions or by integrating additional features directly. With comprehensive power management, efficient cooling, and easy expansion options, it’s suitable for applications in embedded development, IoT, industrial control, and more.
With its robust design and thoughtful feature set, the Vivid Unit Extender offers everything needed to elevate your Vivid Unit setup. Whether you aim to boost performance, manage power more effectively, or protect against system downtime, the Vivid Unit Extender is a reliable and essential upgrade for your projects.
