Description Waveshare PCIe TO MiniPCIe HAT+ is a compact Raspberry Pi 5 expansion board that converts the 16PIN PCIe interface of the Raspberry Pi 5 into a MiniPCIe slot. It is designed for users who want to add MiniPCIe wireless NICs, selected MiniPCIe AI modules, or other MiniPCIe peripherals to a Raspberry Pi 5 platform while keeping the build neat and mechanically stable. According to the official Waveshare product page, this adapter is focused on high-speed network expansion, MiniPCIe wireless card support, and USB Bluetooth signal passthrough for compatible modules. It is a practical board for Raspberry Pi 5 networking builds, wireless prototyping, and MiniPCIe-based edge systems where you need PCIe expansion without switching to a larger carrier platform. Important: the Raspberry Pi 5 is not included. The official installation flow also recommends attaching the thermal tapes first, then installing the Raspberry Pi 5 Active Cooler, and finally fixing the HAT in place. Features PCIe to MiniPCIe expansion: converts the Raspberry Pi 5 PCIe connection into a MiniPCIe slot. Built for Raspberry Pi 5: uses the native 16PIN PCIe cable connection of the Raspberry Pi 5 platform. MiniPCIe wireless NIC support: designed for MiniPCIe network cards and similar communication modules. MiniPCIe AI module compatibility: the official page also mentions selected MiniPCIe AI modules. USB Bluetooth signal support: supports routing Bluetooth signal into the Raspberry Pi through USB when using compatible wireless NIC modules. Driver-free plug and play positioning: marketed by Waveshare as a simple MiniPCIe expansion solution for Raspberry Pi 5 networking projects. Compact HAT+ form factor: easy to mount while preserving a relatively clean Raspberry Pi 5 stack. Official active-cooler installation path: designed to work with the Raspberry Pi 5 active cooling layout shown by Waveshare. Specifications Brand Waveshare Product Name PCIe TO MiniPCIe HAT+ Target Platform Raspberry Pi 5 Interface to Pi 16PIN PCIe cable Expansion Slot MiniPCIe Primary Use MiniPCIe wireless NIC and MiniPCIe module expansion Bluetooth Path USB Bluetooth signal passthrough for supported wireless NIC modules Mechanical Form HAT+ style Raspberry Pi 5 accessory board Weight 0.035 kg Applications Raspberry Pi 5 wireless expansion: add MiniPCIe Wi-Fi or communication modules to a Pi 5 build. Networking prototypes: useful for higher-end Raspberry Pi 5 network experiments based on MiniPCIe cards. Edge AI and embedded integration: suitable where a MiniPCIe AI or communication module is part of a compact edge platform. Industrial and maker projects: helpful for embedded systems that need a MiniPCIe module without moving to a larger SBC carrier. Lab testing and module evaluation: a convenient adapter for validating MiniPCIe hardware on Raspberry Pi 5. Product List PCIe TO MiniPCIe HAT+ x1 16PIN FFC cable x1 2 x 20PIN header x1 Screws pack x1 MiniPCIe mounting bracket x1 USB Type-A to SH1.0 2PIN cable x1 Other Content Installation note: the official installation flow is to attach the thermal tapes first, then install the Raspberry Pi 5 Active Cooler, and then secure the HAT. Bluetooth note: the official page states that USB Bluetooth connection is available only after a compatible wireless NIC module is connected. Compatibility note: Waveshare highlights MiniPCIe wireless NIC support and also mentions selected MiniPCIe AI modules, so this board is most useful for communication-focused Raspberry Pi 5 builds. Resources Waveshare Wiki: PCIe TO MiniPCIe HAT+ Raspberry Pi Documentation OpenELAB: What is Raspberry Pi 5? FAQ What does this board add to Raspberry Pi 5?It converts the Raspberry Pi 5 PCIe connection into a MiniPCIe slot, making it easier to use MiniPCIe wireless or communication modules on a Pi 5 build. Can it be used with MiniPCIe wireless NIC modules?Yes. That is one of the main use cases highlighted by Waveshare for this PCIe TO MiniPCIe HAT+. Does it support Bluetooth through the connected module?Yes, but the official note says this works only after connecting a compatible wireless NIC module. Is Raspberry Pi 5 included in the package?No. The official package content is only for the adapter and mounting accessories. Raspberry Pi 5 is not included. How is it different from a storage-oriented PCIe HAT?This board is centered on MiniPCIe module expansion, especially wireless NIC and related module use, rather than NVMe SSD storage.
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