Designed for creative, broadcast, audio, and post-production workflows, the AJA 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
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.
Workflow
The Io Xpand delivers high-performance Thunderbolt 5 connectivity for professional video and audio workflows. By placing a 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.