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Axelera Embedded 113m: Installation Guide

This guide gives step-by-step instructions for safely installing the Axelera Embedded 113m. Proper handling, installation, and thermal management are essential for performance and longevity.

Handle with care

Improper handling, installation, or use may result in equipment damage, performance degradation, or a voided warranty. Follow these instructions carefully.

1. Safety information​

General handling​

  • Handle the card with care to avoid physical damage.
  • Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD).
  • Work on an anti-static mat and avoid touching the card's connector pins.
  • Disconnect the power source before handling, installing, or maintaining the card.

Installation precautions​

  • Use an M.2 2280 M-key slot (PCIe Gen 3.0, 4-lane). The Axelera Embedded 113m is not compatible with B-keyed or SATA-based M.2 slots.
  • Verify power compatibility: the M.2 slot must provide up to 11.55 W average power (peak: 23.1 W), per PCI-SIG M.2 specification revision 4.0.
  • Ensure proper airflow: the fan and heatsink must be unobstructed.
  • Operate within the specified ambient temperature range (-20 °C to 70 °C).

Clearance for the cooler​

Check clearance before you start

The fan-cooled Axelera Embedded 113m is 15 mm tall (to the top of the heatsink) and 25 mm wide — taller and wider than a bare M.2 module. Make sure your host has enough clearance above and around the M.2 slot for the heatsink and fan, and that no nearby components or covers obstruct them. Confirm against the mechanical drawings in the Axelera Embedded 113m datasheet for your build.

2. Installation​

Step 1: Install the M.2 AI Accelerator​

  1. Power down your system and disconnect it from the power source.
  2. Locate an available M.2 2280 M-key slot, and confirm there is enough clearance for the heatsink (see above).
  3. Align the Axelera Embedded 113m with the slot and gently insert it at a 20-30 degree angle.
  4. Push the card down until it is seated, and secure it with the bracket screw or M.2 standoff screw.

Step 2: Verify cooling and airflow​

  • Ensure the fan and heatsink are securely attached and unobstructed.
  • Confirm the system chassis has adequate airflow for heat dissipation.
  • For custom cooling solutions, see the Axelera Embedded 113m thermal design guide.

Step 3: Confirm power availability​

Check that your M.2 slot can supply the required power. Run this command to check PCIe power availability:

sudo lspci -vvv | grep -i "LnkSta" -A 10

Look for "MaxPower" in the output to verify the slot can supply 11.55 W (average) / 23.1 W (peak). If it cannot, check your motherboard specifications or use an alternative carrier board.

Step 4: Install the Voyager SDK​

The Voyager SDK is required for AI acceleration, model configuration, and optimisation. See Install Voyager SDK.

3. Post-installation checklist​

  • M.2 card is fully seated and secured with a screw.
  • Heatsink and fan are unobstructed, and chassis airflow is adequate.
  • System detects the card (lspci | grep Axelera).
  • Voyager SDK is installed and ready for AI inference.