Mellanox (NVIDIA) MCA4J80-N005 DAC Direct Attach Cable – Product Launch and Key Feature Highlights

NVIDIA Mellanox MCA4J80-N005: 400G DAC Cable

As data centers accelerate their transition to 400G Ethernet, network architects and IT managers are constantly balancing the trade-offs between speed, power consumption, and deployment costs. Addressing these critical challenges, NVIDIA Mellanox has officially launched the Mellanox (NVIDIA) MCA4J80-N005, a high-performance Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cable designed for next-generation infrastructure. This solution focuses on delivering ultra-low latency and near-zero power draw for short-reach interconnects, making it an ideal choice for spine-leaf topologies within and across adjacent racks.

Addressing the 400G Challenge

The industry's shift to 400Gb/s speeds often forces architects to choose between expensive active optical cables (AOCs) or high-power optical transceivers. The MCA4J80-N005 eliminates this dilemma for short-distance applications. As a passive copper cable, it leverages the raw signal from the host's QSFP56 port without requiring additional power for signal amplification. This inherent design ensures that the MCA4J80-N005 400G DAC cable provides a total cost of ownership (TCO) advantage by significantly reducing power consumption in high-density Top-of-Rack (ToR) switch deployments.

Key Specifications and Design Excellence

Engineered for reliability, the NVIDIA Mellanox MCA4J80-N005 supports a 400Gb/s data rate over a passive copper twinax design, fully compliant with the QSFP56 form factor. It is meticulously tested to ensure signal integrity across its length, offering a plug-and-play experience that reduces deployment time. Below are the core technical attributes:

For engineers requiring precise design parameters, the MCA4J80-N005 datasheet provides detailed mechanical drawings and electrical characteristics, ensuring seamless integration into existing network fabrics. Whether deployed in a hyperscale data center or an enterprise colocation facility, the cable maintains the stringent performance standards expected from NVIDIA Mellanox hardware.

Deployment Versatility and Compatibility

One of the primary concerns for IT managers is ensuring that new components do not introduce vendor lock-in. The MCA4J80-N005 400Gb/s QSFP56 passive copper DAC is built to be fully compatible with standard QSFP56 ports, ensuring interoperability with a wide range of switches and network interface cards. Furthermore, for organizations seeking cost-effective scaling, the MCA4J80-N005 for sale through authorized channels offers a reliable and affordable alternative to optical solutions without compromising on link quality or longevity.

Summary: A Strategic Addition to the 400G Ecosystem

By introducing the MCA4J80-N005, NVIDIA Mellanox reinforces its commitment to providing a complete portfolio of connectivity solutions. It bridges the gap between the performance demands of 400G architectures and the practical constraints of power and space. For architects looking to optimize their network spine and leaf layers, the MCA4J80-N005 400G DAC cable solution represents a strategic component that balances high throughput with operational efficiency. To explore detailed specifications or verify compatibility with your current setup, consult the official datasheet or contact a Mellanox representative.