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DongleHider+

The DongleHider+ is an open-source Framework expansion card that hides up to three USB wireless dongles (such as Logitech Unifying Receivers) inside the card while still providing an external USB-A port12. Created by community member LeoDJ and released in March 2024, it uses an integrated USB hub to connect internal dongles and the external port simultaneously13.

Motivation​

Many Framework users rely on wireless dongles (Logitech Unifying, mouse receivers, etc.) for low-latency peripherals. These dongles typically occupy an entire expansion card slot by sticking out from a USB-A port. The DongleHider+ eliminates this waste by embedding the dongle PCB inside the card, leaving the external USB-A port free for other devices1.

Design​

The DongleHider+ contains a USB hub built around the CH334 hub IC, which provides one external USB 3.0 Type-A port and internal connections for 1–3 bare dongle PCBs13. The dongles must be removed from their plastic shells and soldered directly to pads on the board1.

Key Features​

  • External USB-A 3.0 port — Functions as a standard USB-A expansion card when no dongles are hidden inside
  • 1–3 internal dongle slots — Solder pads for permanently mounting bare dongle PCBs1
  • CH334 USB hub IC — Connects internal dongles and external port through a single USB-C connection to the laptop1
  • ESD protection on all external-facing ports1
  • 3D-printed shell — Designed in OnShape, compatible with standard expansion card form factor1

Dongle Preparation​

Logitech Unifying dongles must be disassembled before installation1:

GenerationDisassembly Method
Gen 1Carefully break off plastic from metal part using pliers (can be reglued if needed)
Gen 2Slide flat screwdriver between metal and orange plastic, pry open metal shell until it slides off

Other USB dongles may fit — users can check by comparing their bare PCB dimensions against the CAD model1.

Technical Specifications​

SpecificationDetails
Hub ICCH3341
External PortUSB 3.0 Type-A1
Internal Dongles1–3 (soldered, permanently mounted)1
Power Draw~20 mA (hub) + ~25 mA (Unifying dongle) active; <1 mA when sleeping1
PCB Fastening3 × M2×3 self-tapping screws1
SourceLeoDJ/FW-EC-DongleHiderPlus (GitHub)3
LicenseCERN-OHL-W-2.0 (CERN Open Hardware Licence v2, Weakly Reciprocal)3
CADOnShape1

Compatibility​

The card has been tested on Framework 13 and Framework 16 with AMD processors1:

ConditionBehavior
Non-USB4 slot + USB 3 device externalInternal dongle works normally
Non-USB4 slot + USB 2 device externalInternal dongle works normally
USB4 slot + USB 2 device externalInternal dongle works normally
USB4 slot + USB 3 device externalInternal dongle stops working until device unplugged1
No external deviceInternal dongle works normally on all slots

The USB4 compatibility issue is believed to be related to redriver behavior on AMD Framework laptops. Behavior on Intel laptops and under Linux has not been fully documented1.

  • Dongle Hider — The original community thread about hiding dongles in expansion cards (90 replies)
  • USB-A-ugment — A similar project that trades the standard expansion card form factor for an internal USB socket
  • Dual USB-C Expansion Card — Another community expansion card adding port multiplicity

Footnotes​

  1. DongleHider+ - Multiple dongles and a normal USB A socket — Framework Community (LeoDJ, March 2024) ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15 ↩16 ↩17 ↩18 ↩19 ↩20

  2. DongleHider+ is a cunning new Framework laptop Expansion Card for hiding up to three dongles — Tom's Hardware (March 2024) ↩

  3. LeoDJ/FW-EC-DongleHiderPlus — GitHub (CERN-OHL-W-2.0) ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4