NVIDIA 100Gb Ethernet VCSEL-Based Active Fiber Cable

Overview

The NVIDIA MFA1A00-C005 is an active optical cable designed to deliver 100 Gb Ethernet connectivity using QSFP28 connectors on both ends. It employs VCSEL technology with four multimode fiber transceivers per side, each capable of 25 Gb/s, combining to provide a total bandwidth of 100 Gb/s over distances up to 100 meters. This cable is ideal for data centers and high-performance computing environments where reliable, high-speed connections between servers, switches, and storage devices are essential.

Key features

• Delivers high-speed 100 Gb Ethernet links over multimode fiber for distances up to 100 meters, supporting large-scale network deployments.
• Four 25 Gb/s lanes use VCSEL technology to maintain consistent throughput and low latency across the connection.
• Hot-pluggable QSFP28 connectors simplify installation and maintenance without disrupting network operations.
• Selectable per-lane retiming, programmable input equalizers, and output pre-emphasis enhance signal integrity in electrically noisy environments.
• Low power consumption of approximately 2.2 W per end on a single 3.3 V supply helps meet strict power budgets in dense rack setups.
• Built-in I2C management interface supports real-time monitoring and diagnostics, ensuring reliable operation and easy troubleshooting.
• Compliance with SFF-8665 and SFF-8636 standards guarantees compatibility with a wide range of 100 Gb Ethernet QSFP28 equipment.

Key specs

• Bandwidth: 100 Gb/s aggregated from four 25 Gb/s lanes
• Connector type: QSFP28 on both ends
• Fiber type: Multimode fiber with VCSEL transceivers
• Maximum cable length: 100 meters
• Power supply: Single 3.3 V
• Power consumption: Approximately 2.2 W per end
• Standards compliance: SFF-8665 QSFP28, SFF-8636 management interface

Connectivity and compatibility

This cable integrates seamlessly with networking equipment that supports QSFP28 active optical cables, making it a versatile choice for modern data center infrastructures. Its adherence to industry standards ensures broad compatibility with servers, switches, and storage appliances designed for 100 Gb Ethernet connections.

Performance and reliability

Advanced signal conditioning features such as selectable lane retiming, input equalization, and output pre-emphasis work together to maintain signal quality even in electrically noisy rack environments. This ensures stable, high-throughput connections that are critical for demanding applications in enterprise and HPC settings.

Ideal uses and environments

The MFA1A00-C005 is well suited to data centers and high-performance computing clusters requiring high-bandwidth, low-latency connections over moderate distances. Its low power draw and hot-pluggable design make it a practical choice for dense rack installations where power efficiency and easy maintenance are priorities.