Free USB-A Dual Expansion Card
The Free USB-A Dual Expansion Card is a community-designed concept with a working prototype that adds a "free" USB-A 2.0 port to the Framework Laptop 16 alongside a full-featured USB-C, without sacrificing an expansion card slot1. Created by boarchuz and published on March 21, 2026, it taps into one of the unused USB 2.0 interfaces exposed on the FW16 midplate pogo pins1.
Design
The Framework 16 midplate exposes five USB interfaces via an internal USB 2.0 hub, but only three are typically used by input modules (e.g., LED Matrix + Keyboard + LED Matrix)1. In a typical configuration with a centered keyboard, the keyboard occupies three of these ports: one for its own connection and two obscured by magnetic connectors1. These unused interfaces are essentially "free" ports1.
The design uses a flexible PCB (FPC) that snakes through the vent in the midplate and exits via the locking pin hole of expansion card slot 11. The keyboard holds the FPC firmly in place1. A custom expansion card PCB then breaks out this USB 2.0 interface as a USB-A port alongside a full-featured USB4 USB-C port1.
The USB-C connectors were selected for 240W / 40 Gbps ratings, and the USB-A receptacle was chosen to match the height of the USB-C. The outer limbs of both female receptacles were trimmed with a Dremel to fit1. The enclosure slides over the PCB without fixtures, locked only by the expansion card locking pin — so removing it like a normal card slides out the enclosure alone rather than tearing the FPC1.
A less hacky alternative to the snaking FPC would be to design a custom midplate cable using the official midplate connectors (10156000-051100LF and 10156001-051100LF)1.
Cost
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flex PCB (JLCPCB, 5 pcs) | $2.00 |
| Card PCB (JLCPCB, 5 pcs) | $5.20 |
| USB-A receptacle (DigiKey) | $1.28 |
| USB-C receptacle (DigiKey) | $1.62 |
| USB-C connector (LCSC, 6 pcs) | $1.16 |
| FPC connector (LCSC, 5 pcs) | $1.45 |
| Passives (ESD, choke) | a few cents |
| Total | ~$13 USD (excluding enclosure and shipping)2 |
The CNC aluminum enclosure (JLC) cost $29.21, though a 3D-printed enclosure would be under $12.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Target laptop | Framework Laptop 161 |
| Ports added | USB-A 2.0 + full-featured USB-C (USB4, 240W)1 |
| USB source | Unused FW16 midplate USB 2.0 interface1 |
| Internal connection | Flexible PCB through midplate vent and locking pin hole1 |
| Total cost | ~$13 USD (excluding enclosure)2 |
| Status | Working prototype (concept)1 |
| Source | Community thread1 |
Related Projects
| Project | Description |
|---|---|
| Dual USB-C Expansion Card | Community card adding a second USB-C port |
| DongleHider+ | Recessed USB-A card for internal dongles |
| OSHE Mouse Dongle Hiding Card | Recessed USB-A card for wireless dongles |