Io Xpand

Io Xpand

Thunderbolt 5 PCIe Expansion Chassis

$499 US MSRP*

* Plus any applicable tariffs. Pricing is for US only. International pricing will vary.

Io Xpand

Overview

Tech Specs

Downloads

Mobile I/O

Overview

Designed for creative, broadcast, audio, and post-production workflows, the Io Xpand is a Thunderbolt 5 expansion solution that enables users to connect a full-height, half-length PCIe card to Mac, Windows, or Linux computers with Thunderbolt or USB4 ports. Modern laptops and small-form-factor systems deliver impressive processing power but often lack the PCIe expansion required for professional I/O, networking, storage, and media workflows. Io Xpand solves this by offering a x8 PCIe* 4.0 slot, support for single- or double-width cards, and up to 6000 MB/s bi-directional PCIe bandwidth. 

This lightweight aluminum PCIe card enclosure protects the installed PCIe card in demanding production situations, while providing quiet operation under load in a temperature-controlled environment. 

The Io Xpand is available with three optional KONA PCIe I/O card bundles offering cost-effective choices to match your needs. From single channel HD I/O with the KONA 1 to our flagship KONA 5, the Io Xpand bundles offer up to 4K HDR production proven solutions. 

The Io Xpand brings professional PCIe connectivity to compact desktop, laptop, and workstations via Thunderbolt 5. 

*x4 electrical support 

Key Features

  • Up to 6000 MB/s of bi-directional Thunderbolt 5 performance to the installed PCIe card 

  • Supports KONA and Corvid PCIe cards* 

  • Supports full height, ½ length, x4 Gen 4 PCIe cards  

  • Supports double-width PCIe cards and PCIe cards with daughter cards  

  • 6 pin auxiliary power connector and cable for cards requiring additional power 

  • Compatible with PCIe 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1 cards  

  • Nearly silent operation via temperature-controlled fan  

  • Thunderbolt 5, 4, 3 and USB4 compatible  

  • Includes Thunderbolt 5 cable and securing bracket  

  • Thunderbolt daisy-chain via second Thunderbolt port  

  • Lightweight and rugged aluminum enclosure  

  • Windows, macOS, and Linux compatible  

  • Two-year warranty 

*Corvid products are designed for developers, so some Desktop software features may not be available. Please contact AJA support for more information

 

Thunderbolt Connectivity

Simple to set up and use, the Io Xpand’s Thunderbolt 5 ports (also compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and 4) easily connect to a wide range of Apple, Windows, and Linux laptops and desktops, providing professional video and audio output from your favorite creative application. 

Dual Thunderbolt 5 ports allow convenient daisy-chaining for workflow expansion. 

Thunderbolt is widely available across both Mac, Windows, and Linux computers and supports the massive bandwidth needed for professional video, audio, data, and more.

 

Io Xpand KONA Bundles

In addition to the standalone Io Xpand, we have created bundles with our award-winning KONA PCIe I/O cards. From single channel HD to multi-channel 4K HDR, we have a bundle to match your needs and budget. 

Io Xpand Bundle 1 – includes KONA 1:  $1249 US MSRP  

Io Xpand Bundle 2 – includes KONA 4:  $2995 US MSRP  

Io Xpand Bundle 3 – includes KONA 5: $4455 US MSRP 

Learn more about KONA 1, KONA 4, and KONA 5 PCIe I/O cards.

Workflow

The Io Xpand / KONA 5 bundle delivers high-performance Thunderbolt 5 connectivity for professional video and audio workflows. By placing KONA 5 inside Io Xpand, users can connect a Thunderbolt 5 computer to power 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 I/O for capture, playback, monitoring, and output across 4K, UHD, 2K, HD, and SD formats. 

In this example workflow, 12G-SDI sources with embedded audio can be captured or routed through KONA 5, with outputs available for SDI monitoring, HDMI display, and recording to AJA Ki Pro Ultra 12G. AES/EBU digital audio connectivity supports integration with digital audio mixers, speakers, headphones, and microphone workflows for voice-over or punch-in recording. 

Combined with Thunderbolt 5 storage, Io Xpand and KONA 5 create a compact, high-bandwidth desktop workflow for editors, colorists, audio professionals, and production teams working in demanding creative environments. 

Download Workflow

Industry Leading Support

AJA’s technical support is recognized as among the best in the industry and is available to all AJA customers. If you need assistance with any aspect of your Io Xpand installation, configuration, operation or encounter any technical issues, AJA Support will work with you to get up and running. 

The Io Xpand is covered by a generous two-year warranty. Please see the product manual for additional specifics around warranty conditions for the product itself.

Related Products

KONA 1

HD/SD 3G-SDI
PCIe I/O Card

Visit Page

KONA 4

4K/HD/SD 3G-SDI
PCIe I/O Card

Visit Page

KONA 5

Avanced 8K/4K/HD/SD
PCIe I/O card

Visit Page

Tech Specs

Print Tech Specs

Thunderbolt Compatibility

• Thunderbolt 5, 4, 3

 

IO Card Compatibility

• Compatible with KONA 5, KONA 4, KONA 1, Corvid 44, Corvid 44 BNC

 

External Connectors

• Two Thunderbolt ports
• 12V power port

Internal Connector

• 6-pin Mini-Fit provides power for AJA cards that require supplemental power

 

Expansion Slot

• One 8-lane mechanical (4-lane electrical) PCIe 4.0 [Thunderbolt 5 spec]

Operating System Support

• Windows 10, Windows 11
• mac OS 14, mac OS Sonoma and all subsequent versions; including mac OS 15 Sequoia and mac OS 26 Tahoe, and later
• Rocky Linux versions 8.10, 9.5 and later
• Ubuntu Linux 20.04 LTS, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and later

Noise

• <50dBA (A-weighted at 1m in free air)

Regulatory Compliance

• RoHS 3
• IEC 62368-1: 2014 2nd Edition safety standard

Size (w x d x h)

• 3.0" x 11.125" x 5.75" (77.0 x 283.0 x 146 mm)

Weight

• 2.5 lb. (1.13kg)

Power

• Universal 60W, 100-240V, 50-60 Hz 
• NRTL Certified

Environment

• Safe Operating Temperature: 0 to 35 C (32 to 95 F)

Compliance

• RoHS 3 (Directive 2015/863)
• IEC 62368-1 and IEC 62368-2

Package Contents

• Io Xpand Thunderbolt Expansion System
• Universal power adapter
• Region-specific power cable
• 6-pin to 6-pin auxiliary power cable
• 0.8 meter Thunderbolt 5 cable
• ThunderLok-A connector lock
• Documentation

Software License Agreement

Contact Support

180 Litton Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945
Phone: +1-530-271-3190, Fax: +1-530-271-3140
Email: support@aja.com

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