This new 'DockFrame' expansion card can transform a PC's USB-C port into swathe of features and functions — Multimeter, Microcontrollers and Mini SSDs among new hot-swappable expansion card ecosystem

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The maker is also releasing a range of custom ‘Tool Cards.’

DockFrame prototype
(Image credit: HW Media Lab LLC's DockFrame)

There’s a new USB Type-C dock on the block. So far, so ordinary. But the new DockFrame from HW Media Lab LLC has caused a stir by (unofficially) supporting Framework’s range of modular expansion cards. Furthermore, the maker is promising its own ‘Tool Cards,’ Lego brick compatibility, and more.

The first prototype photos of the DockFrame were released over the weekend, showing some capabilities, customizations, and other options. In the Tweet above, the HW Media Lab director said, “We're iterating on the PCB now (power + routing + port behavior) and we're incorporating the community's requirements into the spec.”

Encouragingly, DockFrame is still on the lookout for device/expansion/tool card suggestions. So, don’t feel you’ve missed the chance to mail in your idea for a USB-powered scone warmer, mechanized bottle opener, or whatever.

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DockFrame prototype
(Image credit: HW Media Lab LLC's DockFrame)

DockFrame’s site shows that its first product is set to have four slots for hot-swappable Framework computer-compatible expansion cards. At the time of writing, Framework offers 24 types of expansion cards directly. This range spans offerings for USB-A, DP, HDMI, audio, Ethernet, and more. There are various color options just for fun.

HW Media Lab plans to expand the hot-swap modular docking ecosystem with its Tool Cards. These currently include the following:

  • Multimeter card
  • Power supply card
  • Microcontroller dev card
  • Mini SSD card
  • Dual USB-C card

The dock maker states that its Tool Cards can be plugged directly into USB-C devices like phones and computers – so they aren’t tied to the DockFrame docking product in any way.

At the time of writing, we don’t have pricing for the DockFrame. Pre-orders are not live, but the firm has a list that you can sign up for. We’d hope the DockFrame is as affordable as it looks, and thus follows the spirit of the official Framework expansion cards, which are available for just $11. Buyers will probably want at least four expansion cards or tool cards to populate their DockFrame.

Remember, the DockFrame should work with any USB-C computer. However, to fully support the full range of expansion cards and tool cards, we’re certain you’ll have to plug it into a ‘full function’ USB-C port. That is a Type-C port which offers power delivery, video (DP Alt Mode), and high-speed data (USB 3.X, USB4, Thunderbolt). You might also want a few Legos.

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Mark Tyson
Mark Tyson
News Editor

Mark Tyson is a news editor at Tom's Hardware. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason.

7 Comments Comment from the forums
  • bit_user
    I wonder what the sampling frequency of the multimeter card is. If it's high enough, it could effectively turn a framework laptop into a portable oscilloscope! Even if its not very high, just having the ability to make timestamped, automated measurements seems like it'd be a useful capability to have.
    Reply
  • decembermouse
    With everything going on in the world, I just have to say I'm glad things like this are being made. We all need healthy diversions. I want a world with many things not as they currently are, but one thing we are getting is a seemingly-thriving enthusiast-level builder hardware market.
    Reply
  • terabite
    bit_user said:
    I wonder what the sampling frequency of the multimeter card is. If it's high enough, it could effectively turn a framework laptop into a portable oscilloscope! Even if its not very high, just having the ability to make timestamped, automated measurements seems like it'd be a useful capability to have.
    I doubt it will be higher than 1 MSPS. In any case, any PC/laptop with a microphone input is already an oscilloscope up to ~96 KHz, usually even 24 bit
    Reply
  • bit_user
    terabite said:
    I doubt it will be higher than 1 MSPS.
    Right. I'm not optimistic that it would be a very compelling alternative to a true digital scope, unless/until they actually decide to make a proper digital scope module.

    terabite said:
    In any case, any PC/laptop with a microphone input is already an oscilloscope up to ~96 KHz, usually even 24 bit
    Uh, not sure that input is going to be very linear, close to DC, nor above the audible range. Also, could have some soft-clipping and I wouldn't generally trust its voltage measurements. Better than nothing, but I think maybe more trouble than it's worth?
    Reply
  • LordVile
    So you can now get an overpriced, limited dock for your overpriced, unrepairabke framework laptop?
    Reply
  • guraldunix
    Does this do anything an existing USB-C adapter/dongle can't do? I guess I'm confused why this is unique. There are already USB-C adapters for almost anything.
    Reply
  • thesyndrome
    guraldunix said:
    Does this do anything an existing USB-C adapter/dongle can't do? I guess I'm confused why this is unique. There are already USB-C adapters for almost anything.
    The main selling point of this is that it's a modular dock, you can add and remove modules very easily to swap out what the dock can do, whereas existing docks are completely set in their I/O and to add more would require messy and technical customisation; want 2 HDMI ports on your dock instead of one, or want to replace one of them with a displayport? Want to swap out the USB-A ports with USB-C ports? want to add a memory card reader where there wasn't one before? These are all things you can do with this dock compared to others, where you only option is "buy a whole new dock with the one port that is missing from your current functioning dock"

    Think of the difference between a laptop having RAM soldered to the motherboard compared to a laptop having accessible SODIMM slots, and that should help make it clearer.

    The reason this is viable is because Framework has already developed the modules for their laptops (with the same design ethos mentioned above), so there is a readily available store of different ports and features you can add and remove as you see fit.
    Reply