Overview

The PoE M.2 HAT+ is an advanced expansion board designed for the Raspberry Pi 5, enabling Power over Ethernet (PoE) and M.2 NVMe storage connectivity. Compliant with the IEEE 802.3af/at network standard, it delivers both power and data through a single Ethernet cable. It supports M.2 NVMe drives in 2230 and 2242 sizes, allowing high-speed storage and the ability to boot the Raspberry Pi 5 from an SSD for enhanced performance.

Key Features

  • Raspberry Pi HAT+ Standard Compliance: Adheres to the updated HAT+ standard, ensuring plug-and-play compatibility with Raspberry Pi 5 via the 40-pin GPIO interface.

  • Automatic Configuration: Equipped with an onboard EEPROM chip for seamless board configuration, simplifying setup and integration.

  • M.2 NVMe Support: Supports 2230 and 2242 M.2 NVMe SSDs, compatible with PCIe Gen2 and Gen3 modes for high-speed read/write operations.

  • Power over Ethernet (PoE): Supports IEEE 802.3af/at standards, providing network connectivity and power through a single Ethernet cable.

  • Power Output: Features onboard 5V (up to 4.5A) and 12V (up to 2A) headers, with a maximum combined output of 25W to power additional peripherals.

  • Active Cooling: Includes a high-speed active cooling fan paired with a metal heatsink for efficient heat dissipation, ensuring stable performance under load.

  • Status Indicators: Dual LED indicators (PWR for power status, ACT for read/write activity) provide clear operational feedback.

  • Physical Dimensions: Compact design measuring 56.5mm × 70.0mm, optimised for Raspberry Pi 5 compatibility.

Specifications

  • PoE Input Voltage: 37V–57V DC

  • GPIO Power Output: 5V at 4.5A (max)

  • 2-Pin Power Output: 12V at 2A (max)

  • Network Standard: IEEE 802.3af/at PoE

  • M.2 Compatibility: 2230 and 2242 NVMe SSDs

  • PCIe Modes: Gen2 or Gen3

  • Cooling: Active fan with metal heatsink

  • Product Size: 56.5mm × 70.0mm

  • Warranty: 12 months

Installation Guide

  1. Prepare Thermal Tapes: Attach the provided thermal tapes to the M.2 SSD and the PoE M.2 HAT+ board to ensure optimal heat transfer.

  2. Install Metal Heatsink: Secure the metal heatsink onto the HAT+ board using the provided screws, ensuring proper alignment with the thermal tape.

  3. Connect to Raspberry Pi 5: Use the included 16-pin 40mm cable to connect the HAT+ to the Raspberry Pi 5’s 16-pin interface. Ensure the 40-pin GPIO header is properly aligned for additional HAT compatibility.

  4. Mount the SSD: Insert the M.2 NVMe SSD (2230 or 2242) into the M.2 slot and secure it with the provided screw.

  5. Connect Power and Network: Attach an Ethernet cable from a PoE-capable switch or injector (IEEE 802.3af/at compliant) to the PoE M.2 HAT+.

  6. Power On: Verify that the PWR LED is on and the ACT LED flashes during SSD read/write operations.

Usage Notes

  • SSD Compatibility: Only NVMe protocol M.2 SSDs are supported. SATA-based M.2 drives are not compatible.

  • Booting from SSD: To enable SSD booting, update the Raspberry Pi 5 firmware and configure the bootloader to prioritise the M.2 NVMe drive. Refer to the official Raspberry Pi documentation for detailed instructions.

  • Power Supply: The onboard isolated switch-mode power supply (SMPS) ensures stable power delivery. Ensure the combined power draw of the Raspberry Pi 5 and peripherals does not exceed 25W.

  • Cooling: The active cooling fan and heatsink are critical for maintaining performance during intensive tasks. Ensure proper ventilation around the setup.

  • Stackable Design: The 40-pin GPIO header allows additional HATs to be stacked, but verify power requirements to avoid overloading the PoE input.

Packing List

  • 1 x PoE M.2 HAT+

  • 1 x Metal Heatsink

  • 1 x 16-Pin Cable (40mm)

  • 3 x Thermal Tapes

  • 1 x Screw Pack

Troubleshooting Tips

  • No Power (PWR LED Off): Verify the Ethernet cable is connected to a PoE-compliant switch or injector. Check the input voltage (37V–57V DC).

  • SSD Not Detected: Ensure the M.2 SSD is NVMe-compatible and securely inserted. Update the Raspberry Pi 5 firmware to the latest version.

  • Overheating Issues: Confirm that the thermal tapes and heatsink are correctly installed, and the cooling fan is operational.

  • Network Issues: Ensure the PoE switch or injector supports IEEE 802.3af/at standards and that the Ethernet cable is properly connected.

Resources

Official Documentation: https://www.waveshare.com/wiki/PoE_M.2_HAT+