Laajennusliitännös

Laajennusliitännös, often translated as expansion interface or expansion slot, refers to a general-purpose connection point on a computer's motherboard that allows for the addition of hardware components or peripherals. These components, known as expansion cards or adapter cards, provide enhanced functionality or connect the computer to external devices.

Historically, various expansion bus standards have been developed to facilitate this connectivity. Early examples include ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) and EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture). Later, PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) became a dominant standard, offering higher bandwidth and Plug and Play capabilities. More modern systems have seen the introduction and widespread adoption of PCIe (PCI Express), a serial expansion bus that offers significantly faster data transfer rates and greater flexibility compared to its predecessors.

The purpose of expansion slots is to provide a modular approach to computer design. Instead of integrating every possible feature onto the motherboard, manufacturers can offer a base system with slots for users to customize their hardware. Common expansion cards include graphics cards for enhanced visual processing, network interface cards for internet connectivity, sound cards for audio capabilities, and storage controllers for additional hard drives or SSDs. The specific types and number of expansion slots available vary depending on the motherboard's form factor and intended use.