What Are the Two Small Connectors Beside the ZimaBlade PCIe Slot?
The two small four-pin connectors beside the PCIe slot on ZimaBlade can look similar to Qwiic or other JST-style I2C connectors. In the IceWhale Community thread, however, a reply identified them as two additional USB 2.0 ports rather than I2C connectors.
This distinction matters before connecting sensors or other Qwiic hardware. A connector can look mechanically familiar while carrying a completely different electrical interface. Treat these headers as USB expansion connections unless you have independently verified the pinout for your exact board revision.
Are These Qwiic or I2C Connectors?
No supported Qwiic or I2C use was established in the original discussion. The original question was prompted by the connector shape, but the reply described the ports as USB 2.0. Because Qwiic normally carries I2C signals and these headers are being used for USB, do not connect Qwiic peripherals simply because the plug appears similar.
What Is Known About the Connector and Pinout?
The original thread establishes the USB 2.0 purpose, but it does not provide a complete pin-by-pin mapping. A later community question specifically asked which pin on the small connector corresponds to each standard USB connection, and no pinout answer appears in that thread.
How Should You Use These Ports Safely?
- Do not assume the headers use the Qwiic I2C pinout.
- Do not connect a custom cable until the exact pin order has been verified.
- Check the connector orientation carefully before applying power.
- If you are building an expansion cable, verify VBUS, ground, D+, and Dโ electrically rather than relying only on connector appearance.
- For current hardware information, review the ZimaBlade product page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the two small ZimaBlade connectors I2C ports?
The community thread identifies them as additional USB 2.0 ports, not as Qwiic or I2C ports.
Is the USB pinout documented in the original thread?
No. A later reply asks for the pin mapping, but the thread does not contain a confirmed pin-by-pin answer.
Can I plug a Qwiic sensor into these connectors?
You should not. Similar connector shapes do not mean the electrical interface or pin order is compatible.
