This section provides an overview for expansion boards as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 22 expansion board manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked expansion board companies as of November, 2024: 1.TERADYNE, 2.Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc., 3.DoorKing, Inc..
Table of Contents
Categories Related to Expansion Boards
An expansion board is a hardware component used to enhance the functionality of a PC or CPU board. It is added to the main board, which may house a one-chip microcontroller, to augment the device's capabilities.
Commercially available personal computers and CPU boards come with predefined specifications intended for general use. However, these may not always meet specific user needs. Expansion boards offer a solution by adding extra functionalities.
In PCs and CPU boards, expansion boards are typically connected directly to the motherboard. While the PCI bus was once the standard interface for motherboards, it has largely been replaced by the faster PCI Express interface.
Expansion boards vary in type, including I/O boards for additional input/output capabilities, LAN boards for Ethernet connections, USB expansion boards for more USB ports, graphics boards for improved visual performance, soundboards for enhanced audio, and TV tuner boards for watching TV on a PC.
Desktop PCs generally have PCI or PCI Express slots on the motherboard for attaching expansion boards. However, due to physical limitations, notebook PCs typically cannot accommodate these boards.
Expansion boards require more than just hardware; they often need corresponding device drivers and, depending on the board, utility applications as well.
USB expansion boards are commonly used to increase the number of available USB ports. While PCs typically come with a standard TYPE-A USB port, the number of ports is limited. Modern devices often use TYPE-C USB USB connectors, known for their reversible plug orientation and compact size. Expansion boards are sometimes used to add these TYPE-C ports.
IO expansion boards are unique in that they can gather analog information such as temperature and humidity, convert it to digital data (A/D conversion), and input it into the CPU.
PCI, short for "Peripheral Component Interconnect," is a high-speed bus standard used not only for computer expansion slots but also in other applications. It operates at bus speeds of either 33 MHz or 66 MHz, with the 33 MHz speed being standard for 32-bit PCI.
PCI Express is an interconnect technology introduced in 2002, replacing PCI as the standard. It's also used in aviation and automotive industries. To overcome the limitations of the PCI bus, such as difficulty in synchronizing data with faster clock speeds, PCI Express was developed as a more advanced standard.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
Sort by Area
North Hills, based in New York, USA, is a manufacturer of transformers, inductors and other magnetic components for various industries and applications. Established in 1953, the company offers a wide range of products, including power transformers, current sense transformers, pulse transformers, and more. These transformers provide efficient power conversion and signal isolation in electronic systems. Moreover, the company manufactures inductors that are used for filtering, energy storage, and inductance applications. Apart from transformers and inductors, they also produce other magnetic components like chokes, and coils, which are essential in various electronic and communication systems.
ifm efector (ifm) is a subsidiary of ifm electronic, founded in Germany in 1969. ifm has developed, manufactured and marketed sensors and controls technology to industries that include assembly and robotics, automotive, material handling, metal forming, mobile equipment, plastics, and food and beverage. Ifm produces sensors, condition monitoring equipment, image processing, safety technology, industrial communication, IO-link, systems for mobile machines, displays, software, connection technology, voltage supplies, as well as other accessories.
VersaLogic Corp. is a manufacturer of embedded computers and related products established in 1976 and is headquartered in Tualatin, Oregon, USA. The company’s products include embedded computers designed for reliability in critical applications such as in medical and military devices, and single board computers with a range of expansion capabilities and processor specifications. It also offers various expansion boards including power supply, I/O, and ethernet modules. The company’s products are used by clients in the defense, aerospace, and medical industries.
Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc. was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 1945 developing the forerunner of the proximity switch. Pepperl+Fuchs continues to develop proximity sensors as well as other industrial sensors including ultrasonic sensors, rotary encoders, positioning systems, display and signal processing, vibration monitoring, industrial communication, and signal processing as well as related accessories and software. Explosive protection products include safety barriers, surge protection, wireless solutions, HMI systems, power supplies, electrical explosion protection equipment, level measurement, and related software.
Neousys Technology America, Inc., established in 2010 and located in Northbrook, Illinois, is a manufacturer of industrial-grade, rugged embedded computers and systems. The company’s range of products includes fanless computers, a GPU computing platform, and a PCIe/PoE expansion card for machine vision, in-vehicle, and smart automation applications. These products are used in industrial automation, machine vision, transportation, smart automation, and other related sectors. The company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification, meeting the management system standard.
Broadcom Inc., established in 1961, and headquartered in San Jose, California, is a manufacturer and supplier of semiconductor and connectivity solutions. The company specializes in producing products, such as semiconductors, infrastructure software, networking products, storage products, wireless products in which their products cater to industries such as telecommunications, data centers, and consumer electronics. Their products are used for various applications, including wireless communication, networking equipment, data storage, and multimedia devices, providing components for advanced technologies in numerous industrial and commercial sectors.
Teradyne, founded in 1960, is an American automatic test equipment designer and manufacturer based in North Reading, Massachusetts. The company provides wireless test solutions for the development and manufacturing of wireless devices such as notebooks, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices. These enable efficient and accurate testing processes during the production of these devices. Their products are used in computing, communications, consumer, identification, and internet applications, and are certified by ISO 9001:2015 industry standards.
Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc., founded in Melville, New York, in 1906 is a manufacturer of electrical wiring devices, security and home automation and commercial data infrastructure products. The company's product portfolio includes Circuit Breakers, Smart Circuit Breakers, Covers and Doors, Smart Dimmer Switches and Fan Speed Controller. the company serves markets including Automotive and Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage and Electronics and IT Infrastructure. The company also provides services including national distribution, product selection, installation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and customer service.
ACCES I/O Products, Inc. was established in 1987 and is based in San Diego, California as a manufacturer and supplier of sensor and I/O solutions. The company’s product portfolio includes analog, digital, serial, isolated, wireless, and computer-on-module products, among others. The sensor and I/O products offered by the company are vital components in measurement and feedback systems, enabling accurate and dependable sensing. The products are used in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, industrial, medical, and motorsport.
SF Cable Inc., established in 2002 and based in San Francisco, California, is a wholesale supplier of electronic products like power cables, adapters, and fiber optic products. The company has an inventory of over 8,000 items and accepts purchase orders from organizations such as government agencies, hospitals, and universities. Since it does not accept middlemen, the company offers wholesale prices and additional discounts on volume orders, and all adapters, cables, and non-electronic products come with a lifetime guarantee. The company sources its products from ISO 9001:2000 certified manufacturers and donates 2% of its net profits yearly to a cancer-related non-profit.
American Portwell Technology is a global company that specializes in designing and manufacturing a wide range of embedded computing solutions, including single-board computers and industrial motherboards. Established in 1993, it has provided embedded computing solutions to various industries, including automation, gaming, medical, and military. The Company has received several industry recognitions for its quality products and services. Its products are proven by customers around the world for their reliability, scalability, and flexibility. The company's aim on research, development and technology has enabled it to stay ahead in the fast-paced and rapidly evolving embedded computing industry.
Tripp Lite, since 1911, is a manufacturer of power, cables & connectivity, racks & cooling, networking & KVMS, and infrastructure products. Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the company offers product support by offering extended warranties & onsite services, adding or replacing UPS batteries, UPS & battering recycling, and return services. The power products produced by the company include USB power banks, power distribution units, surge protectors, power strips, and charging stations. Rack & cooling products include server racks & cabinets, environmental sensors, and IT storage and shipping containers. These items are used in data centers, IT antimicrobial, industrial, and retail industries.
AAEON Technology Inc., founded in 1992 and now a subsidiary of ASUSTeK Computer Inc., is a Taiwanese manufacturer headquartered in Taipei City, specializing in industrial and embedded computing platforms. They provides single-board computers, embedded motherboards, and network appliances. AAEON offers applications, including Smart City, Smart Manufacturing, and Smart Office, incorporating Industry 4.0 solutions, leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and machine learning. Furthermore, AAEON provides Design and Manufacturing Service (DMS), encompassing every stage of the product development process. This service is tailored to meet the specific needs of industries such as automation, energy, and transportation.
Emergent Vision Technologies Inc., established in 2007 and headquartered in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada, is a designer and manufacturer of imaging innovations with cameras of high resolution, speed, and ease of integration. The company's products include area scanning cameras, line scanning cameras, and networking accessories. These products and systems have applications in high-speed imaging solutions for sports, aerial imaging and mapping, and highway and traffic monitoring by law enforcement and road tolling operators. It serves various industries, including transport, agriculture, and industrial automation.
Marvell Technology Inc., founded in 1995 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, is a manufacturer of semiconductor solutions used to move, store, and process data. The company has over 10,000 patents worldwide, and its products include data processing units, ethernet controllers, and storage accelerators. Its ethernet portfolio includes switches, transceivers, and bridges that support network speeds from 100Mbps to 10Gps. It serves markets such as data centers, carrier infrastructure, and enterprise networking and recorded $5.5 billion in revenue in FY24. The company also has a FOCI-mitigated subsidiary that delivers custom ASIC design and development to the aerospace and defense industries.
Softing Industrial Automation, headquartered in Haar, Germany, is a manufacturer of industrial communication products and technologies for manufacturing and process automation. They offer products such as gateways for multi-protocol process control, network access parallel to the controller and access for controller data, UA software platform, integration platform, and Docker container, providing secure data exchange between different systems and devices. These products are used in various industries such as automotive, industrial, and IT networks.
WinSystems, Inc. is an American ISO certified manufacturer of embedded computer systems headquartered in Grand Prairie, Texas, and founded in 1982. The company manufactures single board computers, panel PCs, power supplies, I/O expanders, and network adaptors. Its computer systems are capable of controlling drones, machine learning, and monitoring and transmitting data with applications in energy, automation, aerospace, transportation, and internet of things industries. The company supplies its products domestically and internationally and has various technology partners including AMD, Intel, Linux, Windows IoT, and the PC/104 Consortium.
Doorking Inc. (DKS) is a manufacturer of products and supplier of solutions for the Access Control industry since 1948 and is based in Inglewood, California. The company manufactures a wide range of access control systems and products including telephone entry systems, digital keypads, electric or magnetic locks, card readers, and gate operators and they also offer barrier gates, warning signs, and signals. Accessories such as elevator control boards, push buttons, mounting posts, camera or handset kits, and many other related products are also available for applications in apartments, commercial buildings, security, and traffic control industries.
Gao Tek Inc., started in 2001, and headquartered in Manhattan, New York, is a supplier of test and measurement equipment like embedded development tools, electronic measurement instruments, and telecommunication testers. The company is a B2B tech supplier that also stocks drone products, commercial gas detectors, and transceivers and is incorporated in the USA and Canada. It provides a one-year product warranty against defective material or workmanship and offers overnight delivery in the continental USA and Canada. It is a member of the GAO group and has served customers in over 50 countries worldwide.
Computer Network Accessories Inc., based in Dayton, Ohio, is an online supplier of several electronic products, such as power adapters, network hardware, and bulk cabling. The company also stocks computer hardware and accessories like keyboards, hard drives, and modems and sells toner cartridges compatible with several brands like HP, IBM, and Epson. The company has an online catalog of its products where customers can make orders, and it allows purchase orders. It provides free shipping for all orders over $99, and customers can return goods if unsatisfied within 30 days of purchase.
Elma Electronic, with its headquarters located in Fremont, California, has been a manfuacturer of computer hardware since its establishment in 1960. The company specializes in the development of open standards-based backplanes, modular enclosures, cabinets, sub-system assemblies, and integration solutions. Additionally, it also manufactures precision rotary switches, encoders, and audio solutions that are integral components in critical and emergency radio systems. Its backplanes are customizable, and the company offers an optional conformal coating for enhanced protection against environmental factors.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | TERADYNE |
50.0%
|
2 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. |
25.0%
|
3 | DoorKing, Inc. |
25.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the expansion board page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 11 | 84.6% |
Singapore | 1 | 7.7% |
Taiwan | 1 | 7.7% |
36 products are listed.
Umeda Electric
50+ people viewing
■ Current issues / problems Raspberry Pi is a popular product as an industrial one -board PC solution in the price performance ratio, but it does n...
Advanet
30+ people viewing
■ Overview ・ ADPMC1548A is a PCI mesanin card with a 4ch RS-232C serial interface function. ・ As a serial controller, two TI NS16C2552 equivalent...
Advanet
30+ people viewing
■ Overview -ADPCI1558 is a PCI bus board with ARCNET and 4chuart functions on one board. -Equipped with SMSC COM20022 as an ArcNet controller, and ...
Advanet
30+ people viewing
■ Overview ・ ADEXP1587 is Low Profile PCI Express® Add-In Card type 1G EXPEther ™ Host Bus Adapter. -EXPEther ™ is a technology that propagates th...
Advanet
30+ people viewing
■ Overview ・ A6PCI1427A is a 6U size compact PCI board that supports Full Hot Swap, which provides a digital input / output function that supports...
Advanet
30+ people viewing
■ Overview ・ A3PCI1586 is 1G EXPETHER ™ Slave Adapter of 3U CompactPCI® form factor. -EXPEther ™ is a technology that propagates the PCI Express® ...
Fuji Soft Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
The board size is a mini-ITX standard Abar Data COM Express platform, and a COM Express image input processing carrier board for the board size min...
Advanet
40+ people viewing
■ Overview A3PCI0104 is a COMPACTPCI 3U size PMC carrier board. It has one PCI Mesanin Card (PMC) slot, can be used as a 3U size compactPCI board b...
Advanet
30+ people viewing
■ Overview ・ A6PCI1570 is a 6U single-sized compactPCI board with 8ch RS-232C serial interface function. ・ As a serial controller, 4 PC16552/NOPB...
NMR Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
PCI Express mini 3G MPC adapterboard, ROHS
NMR Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
PCI Express Mini Card Dual-Port RS-232/422/485, 16-Bit GPIO, Full Size, ROHS
NMR Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
PCI Express mini GBE LAN Module, MPCIE-LAN-R10 Full size, ROHS
NMR Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
PCI Express Mini Dual Intel® GBE LAN MPCIE-DLAN-R10 Module, Full Size, ROHS
Fuji Soft Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
We have a Bittware ARRIA® 10 GX Loped Trofile PCIe board equipped with QSFP and DDR4.
NMR Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
PCI Express Mini Card QUAD-PORT RS-232/422/485, full size, Rohs
Rocky Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
This is an I/O module that complies with the FMC (FPGA MEZZANINE CARD) standard with A/D devices. By combining this product with a carrier board wi...
NMR Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
The IDP connector is mounted on IEI products. You can connect to VGA, HDMI, DVI-D and LVDS through the IDP conversion board. ・ DP extension board...
Advanet
30+ people viewing
■ Overview A3PCI1534B is a 3U size 1 slot -width CompactPCI board that provides the communication function of DeviceNet and CAN. Renesas SH-2E (SH7...
Advanet
30+ people viewing
■ Overview The ADEXP1560A is a LowProfile PCI size based on PCI Express Base Specification Revision 2.0, PCI Express Card Electromechanical Specifi...
Advanet
20+ people viewing
■ Overview ・ A3PCI1571 is a 3U single size CompactPCI board with EthernCat® master communication function. -The CPU uses ARM® Cortex®-A9 mounted o...
Advanet
30+ people viewing
■ Overview The ADPCI1535 is a board compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 and has a DeviceNet/Can communication function. This bo...
Advanet
20+ people viewing
■ Overview ・ ADPCI1552A is an ARCNET board based on PCI Local Bus Specification Rev2.3. ・ The ARCNET controller uses a Microchip COM20022. ・ In ...