Mellanox MMA2P00-AS 25GbE SR SFP28 Multi-Mode Optical Transceiver

The Mellanox MMA2P00-AS is a high-performance, pluggable SFP28 optical transceiver engineered for 25 Gigabit Ethernet networks. This critical optical interconnect component bridges the electrical interface of a host switch or network card to a multi-mode fiber (MMF) infrastructure. Designed for data center and enterprise applications requiring reliable, high-speed connectivity over short to medium distances, this transceiver delivers exceptional signal integrity and power efficiency.

Operating at an 850nm wavelength, it serves as a fundamental building block for modern 25G server access and switching layers, designed to work seamlessly with a broad ecosystem of Mellanox and standards-based equipment as a key part of your network card upgrade or deployment strategy.

• High-Speed Connectivity: Supports data rates up to 25.78125 GBd per channel for 25GbE applications
• Flexible Retiming: Features user-selectable Clock and Data Recovery (CDR) retiming for both transmit and receive paths, optimizing signal quality for 25Gb/s operation
• Advanced Signal Conditioning: Includes programmable input equalizer on the transmitter and programmable output amplitude/pre-emphasis on the receiver for superior link performance
• Low Power Operation: Typical power dissipation is only 0.7W with retiming enabled, adhering to SFP28 Power Level 1 specifications
• Extended Reach: Supports links up to 100 meters on OM4 and 70 meters on OM3 multi-mode fiber at the full 25Gb/s rate
• Comprehensive Management: Fully compliant with SFF-8472, providing Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM) via a standard I²C interface for real-time temperature, voltage, and optical power monitoring

This transceiver leverages Mellanox's proprietary integrated circuit technology to achieve high performance with low power consumption. It is fully compliant with the SFF-8402 specification for the SFP28 form factor and connector.

On the networking side, it meets the IEEE 802.3bm standard for 25GBASE-SR and is also backward compatible with 10GBASE-SR, offering a smooth migration path. The mq9700 series components, including optics like this, are known for their adherence to strict industry protocols, ensuring interoperability in mixed-vendor environments and making them a reliable choice for any network card interconnect solution.

The MMA2P00-AS functions as a bi-directional electro-optical converter. On the host (electrical) side, it receives high-speed electrical signals from the nic card or switch SerDes. Internally, these signals can be retimed and conditioned (if retiming is enabled) before being used to drive an 850nm VCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) transmitter.

The laser converts the electrical signal into an optical one, which is emitted into a multi-mode fiber via an LC connector. In the opposite direction, an optical receiver (photodiode) converts incoming light pulses from the paired fiber back into electrical signals, which are then equalized and sent to the host. This entire process is managed and monitored via the onboard controller and I²C interface.

This transceiver is ideal for creating cost-effective, high-bandwidth links within data centers, enterprise network cores, and high-performance computing clusters. Typical deployment scenarios include:

• Connecting top-of-rack (ToR) switches to 25G-enabled servers within the same or adjacent racks
• Providing inter-switch links (ISLs) for 25GbE spine-leaf network architectures over existing OM3/OM4 fiber plant
• Upgrading 10G links to 25G using the same multi-mode fiber infrastructure for increased bandwidth density
• Serving as the optical interface for high-performance Mellanox network card installations in storage and server nodes

• Superior Signal Integrity: The selectable retiming and programmable equalization features actively clean up electrical and optical signals, ensuring a Bit Error Rate (BER) better than 10⁻¹⁵, which is crucial for stable nic card and switch operation
• Investment Protection & Flexibility: Backward compatibility with 10GBASE-SR and the ability to disable CDR for lower rates allow seamless integration into existing 10G fiber infrastructure and future-proof network upgrades, a smart choice when expanding your network card capabilities
• Optimized Power Efficiency: Consuming typically only 0.7W, this transceiver helps reduce overall system power and thermal load compared to higher-power alternatives, contributing to lower operational expenses
• Rigorously Validated Reliability: Like all components in the mq9700 ecosystem, it undergoes extensive production testing to guarantee out-of-the-box performance and long-term durability in demanding data center environments
• Intelligent Network Management: Full DDM support provides network operators with real-time health monitoring, enabling proactive maintenance and simplified troubleshooting

Mellanox LinkX optical transceivers are protected by a 1-year limited hardware warranty, covering repair or replacement for defects in materials and workmanship. Our global distribution network ensures reliable availability. Comprehensive technical documentation and access to expert support are provided to facilitate smooth integration into your network infrastructure.

A: The primary difference is the operating temperature range. The standard AS model is rated for 0°C to 70°C case temperature. The ASHT (High Temperature) variant supports an extended range of 0°C to 85°C, making it suitable for environments with less controlled cooling or higher ambient temperatures.

A: Yes. The transceiver supports 10GBASE-SR operation. When used at 10Gb/s, the Clock Data Recovery (CDR) function is typically turned off, and it can achieve distances up to 100 meters on OM3 multi-mode fiber.

A: The MMA2P00-AS is built to industry standards (SFF-8402, IEEE 802.3bm). While designed for optimal performance in Mellanox equipment, it should be compatible with any standard SFP28 port. However, we always recommend checking your specific switch or nic card vendor's compatibility list before purchase.

A: You need a duplex LC-to-LC multi-mode fiber cable. For maximum distance at 25Gb/s, OM4 fiber is recommended (up to 100m). OM3 fiber supports up to 70m at 25Gb/s. The same cables are used for 10G connections.

Mellanox Technologies, now a pivotal part of NVIDIA, was a trailblazer in high-performance interconnect solutions for servers, storage, and hyper-converged infrastructure. The company's Ethernet and InfiniBand products have set the benchmark for speed, efficiency, and intelligence in data centers worldwide, powering breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, scientific research, and cloud computing.