The first next Generation Wireless Form Factors standardized in the PCI SIG for ultrabook and tablet

Abstract

This paper reviews the predecessor form factors and the first samples of the Next Generation Wireless Form Factors (NGWFF) standardized in the PCI SIG. The NGWFF was officially re-named as M.2 form factor by the PCI SIG. Lenovo proposed several requirements and recommendations [1] for standardizing the M.2 form factor in the PCI SIG in 2012 based on the Lenovo's custom SFF(Small Form Factor) and TFF(Thin Form Factor) which were integrated into ThinkPad X1 Carbon Ultrabook, ThinkPad Tablet 2 and ThinkPad Helix Ultrabook Convertible. The first wireless module samples of the M.2 form factor were integrated into ThinkPad X230s and T431s ultrabooks. The M.2 form factor will replace the existing PCI Express minicard form factor for ultrabook and tablet.