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

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

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.