Ethernet Mellanox Qsfp DAC Cable MCP1600-C003E30L 100GbE 3m

Mellanox MCP1600-C003E30L 100GbE QSFP28 Direct Attach Copper Cable

1. Product Overview

The Mellanox® MCP1600-C003E30L is a high-performance 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GbE) QSFP28 Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cable, engineered for reliable, short-reach data center interconnections. This 3-meter passive copper cable assembly provides a power-efficient and cost-optimal alternative to optical transceivers, delivering robust performance for high-bandwidth applications. It is designed to support 100Gb/s data rates through four integrated copper channels, each operating at 25 Gb/s. This passive copper cable is an ideal solution for interconnecting switches, routers, and servers within racks or across adjacent racks.

2. Key Characteristics

• Supports 100GbE data rates (4x25Gbps) for high-bandwidth applications.
• Hot-pluggable QSFP28 form factor for easy installation and maintenance.
• Low power consumption (<0.1W) for enhanced energy efficiency.
• Compliant with IEEE 802.3bj CA-25G-L specification with RS-FEC for extended 3m reach.
• Features a Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) jacket and Lead-Free, Halogen-Free PCB for improved safety.
• Includes an SFF-8636 compliant I²C management interface for device identification and diagnostics.
• Designed for superior signal integrity with a characteristic impedance of 100Ω.

3. Technology & Standards

This Direct Attach Copper cable leverages advanced electrical signaling technology to achieve high data rates. It is rigorously tested to ensure compliance with key industry standards, including SFF-8685 for the QSFP28 form factor and SFF-8636 for the management interface. For error-free data transmission over its 3-meter length, it utilizes Reed-Solomon Forward Error Correction (RS-FEC) as mandated by the IEEE 802.3bj CA-25G-L standard. This makes the QSFP28 Direct Attach Copper cable a reliable and interoperable component in modern data center networks.

4. Working Principle

The passive fiber cable operates by transmitting electrical signals directly over bundled twin-axial copper wires. Each end of the cable is terminated with a QSFP28 connector that interfaces directly with the host system's port. The connector houses an EEPROM chip, which stores vital product information such as serial number, manufacturer, and cable characteristics. This data is read by the host via the I²C interface, enabling automatic identification and configuration. As a passive copper cable, it requires no signal retiming or active components, resulting in minimal latency and power draw, making the signal path exceptionally efficient for short-distance data transmission.

5. Application & Usage

The MCP1600-C003E30L is deployed in high-performance computing environments where low latency and high bandwidth are critical. Its primary applications include:

• Data Center Interconnects: Connecting top-of-rack (ToR) switches to leaf/spine switches or high-density servers.
• High-Frequency Trading (HFT) Networks: Where minimal latency is paramount for financial transaction systems.
• Cloud Infrastructure: Building scalable and efficient backend networks for cloud service providers.
• Enterprise Network Core: Aggregating traffic in the core layers of large enterprise networks.
• Storage Area Networks (SANs): Connecting storage arrays to servers for high-speed data access.

6. Specifications & Selection Guide

The following table details the key specifications of the MCP1600-C003E30L model and serves as a guide for selection against other variants.

7. Advantages & Selling Points

• Cost-Effectiveness: Offers significant savings over active optical cables (AOCs) and transceiver-based solutions for short reaches.
• Ultra-Low Latency: Passive design ensures near-zero latency, crucial for performance-sensitive applications.
• High Reliability: Undergoes rigorous production testing to guarantee superior performance and durability out-of-the-box.
• Eco-Friendly Design: Constructed with LSZH and HF/LF materials, meeting stringent environmental and safety standards.
• Seamless Integration: Hot-pluggable and compliant with industry standards, ensuring broad compatibility with Mellanox and other vendors' equipment.

8. Service & Support

This product is backed by a 1-year limited hardware warranty, covering repair or replacement of defective parts. We guarantee a stable supply chain with a vast inventory, enabling quick delivery to meet urgent project timelines. Our dedicated technical support team is available 24/7 to provide pre-sales consultation and post-sales technical assistance, ensuring a smooth integration into your network infrastructure.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between CA-N and CA-L link codes?
A: CA-N (No-FEC) is for shorter cables (up to 2m) without Forward Error Correction. CA-L (Long), used in this 3m cable, enables Reed-Solomon FEC (RS-FEC) to ensure signal integrity over longer distances.

Q: Is this DAC cable compatible with non-Mellanox switches?
A: While optimized for Mellanox systems, QSFP28 DAC cables are based on industry standards and are often compatible with equipment from other major vendors. We recommend checking the specific switch's compatibility matrix.

Q: Does this passive cable require external power?
A: No. A passive Direct Attach Copper cable draws minimal power (<0.1W) directly from the host port and has no active components, leading to its low power consumption.

Q: What is the minimum bend radius for this cable?
A: The minimum bend radius for a single, non-repetitive bend is 5x the cable diameter (35.5mm for 30AWG). For repeated bends during installation, maintain a bend radius of 10x the cable diameter (71mm).

10. Precautions

• Compatibility: Verify compatibility with your specific switch and port configuration before purchase.
• Handling: Avoid sharp bends beyond the specified minimum bend radius to prevent damaging internal conductors.
• Environmental Conditions: Operate and store within the specified temperature (0°C to 70°C) and humidity (5% to 85% non-condensing) ranges.
• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): Always use an ESD wrist strap when handling the cable connectors to prevent static damage to sensitive components.
• Installation: Ensure the system is powered down or the port supports hot-plugging before inserting or removing the cable.

11. Company Introduction