What does this PCIe to USB 3.2 Gen1 HAT+ do for Raspberry Pi 5?

It extends the PCIe interface to four USB 3.2 Gen1 ports for peripherals, and includes an onboard power monitoring chip and EEPROM for real time power status. It is driver free and plug and play.

Is it compatible with Raspberry Pi 5 and does it require any drivers?

Yes, it is designed for Raspberry Pi 5 and is driver free and plug and play.

What comes in the package and are the Pi 5 board and cooling fan included?

The package includes the PCIe TO USB 3.2 Gen1 HAT+, a standoff pack, and a 16P-Cable-40mm. The Raspberry Pi 5 and cooling fan are not included.

How many USB ports are available and can I control power to the USB ports via software?

The HAT+ provides 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and supports USB port power control via software.

How do I install the HAT+ on a Raspberry Pi 5 and are there any cooling or installation considerations?

Connect the HAT+ to the Pi 5 using the 16P-Cable-40mm to the 16PIN PCIe interface. The board includes a reserved airflow vent for cooling and a GPIO header for connecting the USB ports.