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Product Features
Technical Overview
This converter implements a USB 2.0 to SATA bridge controller that supports data transfer rates up to 480 Mbps. The interface handles M.2 SATA drives in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors, covering most common SSD sizes used in embedded and development applications.
The compact PCB measures just 3.50 inches in length and weighs under one ounce, minimizing board space consumption while maintaining full electrical compliance. Environmental certifications include CE and FCC marks, with RoHS, WEEE, and REACH compliance ensuring responsible manufacturing and disposal practices.
Relevant factors for this section include Color Family, Product Color, Height, Package Contents. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
This converter delivers practical storage expansion for development boards where internal storage options are limited or unavailable. The complete mounting kit and included USB cable provide immediate deployment capability without additional purchases.
These strengths make the product easier to deploy and manage in real environments, especially where reliability, usability, and day-to-day operational continuity matter. Notable benefits include Plug-and-Play Operation, Complete Mounting Solution.
Plug-and-Play Operation
No driver installation required across major operating systems, ensuring compatibility with Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, Windows, and macOS environments.
- OS Independent
- No Additional Software
- Immediate Recognition
Complete Mounting Solution
Includes both converter-mounting and drive-mounting hardware for secure installation, plus a USB-A to Micro-B cable for immediate connectivity.
- Converter Mounting Hardware
- Drive Mounting Hardware
- USB Cable Included
Deployment / Use Cases
Primary applications include expanding storage for Raspberry Pi-based projects where additional capacity supports data logging, media serving, or application development. The converter enables SSD storage advantages—including faster access times and improved reliability compared to SD cards—for embedded computing platforms.
Development teams can utilize this adapter for prototyping storage-intensive applications, creating portable development environments, or building network-attached storage solutions using Raspberry Pi hardware. Educational institutions benefit from the straightforward installation process when teaching storage expansion concepts in single-board computing courses.
Embedded Storage Expansion
Add M.2 SATA SSD storage to Raspberry Pi boards for applications requiring higher capacity or improved performance over microSD cards.
Development & Prototyping
Create portable development environments with fast storage access, ideal for software testing, data analysis, or IoT project development.
Physical Profile
The red PCB measures 3.50 inches in length, 2.20 inches in width, and just 0.40 inches in height, maintaining a minimal profile that fits within most Raspberry Pi cases and enclosures. The lightweight design at 0.74 ounces minimizes stress on mounting points while the included hardware provides secure attachment options.
The physical profile is practical for deployment planning because the dimensions and weight are clearly defined: 0.40" (10.16 mm), 2.20" (55.88 mm), 0.74 oz (21 g). This helps confirm rack, shelf, desk, or cabinet fit before installation.
- Width
- 2.20" (55.88 mm)
- Height
- 0.40" (10.16 mm)
- Weight
- 0.74 oz (21 g)
- Length
- 3.50" (88.90 mm)
What's in the Box
The package includes all necessary components for immediate deployment with Raspberry Pi development boards.
Highlights
- Add M.2 SATA SSD storage to Raspberry Pi development boards
- Supports 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 M.2 SATA drive form factors
- USB 2.0 interface with data transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps
- OS independent operation with no driver installation required
- Includes USB cable and complete mounting hardware set
- Compact red PCB measuring 3.50" x 2.20" x 0.40"
- CE and FCC certified for regulatory compliance
- RoHS, WEEE, and REACH environmental compliance
- 2-year limited warranty from StarTech.com
- TAA compliant for government procurement
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PIB2M21 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | USB to M.2 SATA Converter for Raspberry Pi and Development Boards |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | mSATA to USB Adapter |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Red |
| Product Color | Red |
| Height | 0.40" (10.16 mm) |
| Width | 2.20" (55.88 mm) |
| Length | 3.50" (88.90 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 0.74 oz (21 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | USB to M.2 SATA Converter for Raspberry Pi and Development Boards 1 x USB-A to Micro-B Cable 1 x Set of Converter-mounting Hardware 1 x Set of Drive-mounting Hardware 1 x Quick-start Guide |
| Certifications & Standards | CE FCC |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE),Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of M.2 drives does this converter support?
The StarTech.com PIB2M21 converter supports M.2 SATA solid-state drives in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors. These represent the most common SSD lengths used in embedded and development applications. The converter does not support M.2 NVMe drives or traditional 2.5-inch SATA drives.
What is the maximum data transfer speed of this USB to M.2 SATA converter?
This converter utilizes a USB 2.0 interface with a maximum theoretical data transfer speed of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). Actual performance may vary based on the connected SSD capabilities, file system implementation, and host system configuration, but the interface provides sufficient bandwidth for most development board storage applications.
Does this converter require driver installation on Raspberry Pi?
No driver installation is required for this converter on Raspberry Pi or most other operating systems. The device uses standard USB mass storage protocols that are natively supported by Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, Windows, and macOS. This plug-and-play functionality ensures immediate recognition and accessibility of connected M.2 SATA drives.
What mounting hardware is included with the converter?
The package includes two sets of mounting hardware: converter-mounting hardware for securing the adapter board to your development platform, and drive-mounting hardware for properly installing M.2 SATA SSDs onto the converter. Additionally, a USB-A to Micro-B cable provides the necessary connectivity between the converter and your Raspberry Pi or host system.
What certifications does this product carry for regulatory compliance?
This converter carries CE and FCC certifications, indicating compliance with European and United States electromagnetic compatibility and safety standards. Environmental compliance includes adherence to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), and Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) directives.
What warranty coverage does StarTech.com provide for this converter?
StarTech.com provides a 2-year limited warranty for the PIB2M21 USB to M.2 SATA Converter. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use conditions. The product is also TAA compliant, making it suitable for United States government procurement requirements where Trade Agreements Act compliance is necessary.