Mellanox MFA1A00-E030 100Gb/s QSFP28 EDR Active Optical Cable 30m InfiniBand LSZH VCSEL

Mellanox MFA1A00-E030 100Gb/s QSFP28 Active Optical Cable

Core Advantages: The MFA1A00-E030 is a VCSEL-based active optical cable engineered for InfiniBand EDR 100Gb/s environments. It guarantees predictable ultra-low latency, consumes just 2.2W per end (with retiming enabled), and supports distances up to 30 meters — a significant extension over passive copper solutions. Equipped with hot-pluggable QSFP28 connectors, integrated retiming functionality, and programmable signal conditioning, this AOC is the optimal choice for high-performance computing clusters and dense data center topologies.

• ✔ Data Rate
  100Gb/s (4× 25G NRZ)
• ✔ Reach
  30 meters (OM3/OM4 MMF)
• ✔ Power Consumption
  2.2W typical (retiming on)
• ✔ Protocol Support
  InfiniBand EDR / 100GbE

Key Characteristics

• Four independent multi-mode fiber transceivers per end, each rated for 26Gb/s operation, providing ample margin for EDR signaling.
• Per-lane selectable retiming for both transmitter and receiver at 25–26Gbps; automatically adapts to lower data rates when retiming is bypassed.
• Fully programmable receiver output amplitude and pre-emphasis, plus programmable transmitter input equalization and squelch function.
• Standard SFF-8665 compliant QSFP28 electrical interface with I²C management per SFF-8636 specification.
• Bit error rate below 1E-15, low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) jacket, and RoHS compliant construction.

Technology & Standards

Advanced VCSEL + CDR Architecture: Each end of the MFA1A00-E030 integrates four 850nm VCSEL arrays with matching PIN photodetectors. The embedded clock and data recovery (CDR) circuits per lane can be enabled to retime both transmit and receive signals, effectively removing accumulated jitter and ensuring a clean eye diagram across the entire 30-meter link. The programmable input equalizer compensates for high-frequency losses on the host board, while output pre-emphasis shapes the signal to meet stringent InfiniBand EDR mask requirements.

Comprehensive Digital Diagnostics: Through the I²C interface (SFF-8636), host systems can access real-time monitoring of temperature, supply voltage, and optical power levels. Additionally, equalization settings and output swing can be adjusted dynamically, enabling fine-tuning for mission-critical applications or link optimization.

Working Principle

The MFA1A00-E030 converts incoming 25G NRZ electrical signals from the host QSFP28 port into optical signals using four parallel VCSEL lasers. These optical signals propagate through individual multimode fibers to the remote end, where PIN photodiodes perform optical-to-electrical conversion. The integrated CDR circuits can be selectively engaged to re-time the data streams, eliminating signal degradation caused by PCB trace losses or connector reflections. All active components are powered directly by the standard 3.3V supply from the host slot, and the complete optical conversion occurs within the connector housing, presenting a seamless plug-and-play experience.

Applications & Typical Deployments

• InfiniBand EDR clusters in HPC environments (Top500 supercomputers, research institutions, simulation labs).
• 100G Ethernet leaf-spine interconnects within virtualized data centers and cloud provider networks.
• High-throughput storage-to-switch connectivity for NVMe-oF and distributed file systems.
• Short-to-medium reach optical links where DAC cables are too heavy, inflexible, or limited to shorter distances.

Technical Specifications

Selection Table (Partial)

Why Choose MFA1A00-E030?

• Extended Reach Over DAC: At 30 meters, this AOC easily spans top-of-rack to end-of-row distances where passive copper cables would require active repeaters or become too cumbersome to route.
• True Retiming Capability: Unlike passive or linear optical solutions, the MFA1A00 series features dedicated CDR circuits on all four lanes, guaranteeing compliance with strict InfiniBand EDR signal integrity specifications.
• Industry-Leading Power Efficiency: Consuming only 2.2W typical (with retiming enabled), it minimizes thermal load in high-density switches and network cards, contributing to improved data center PUE.
• Field-Programmable Signal Optimization: Fine-tune equalization and pre-emphasis via I²C interface — an invaluable tool for troubleshooting marginal links or custom system integration.

Service & Support

• Inventory: Over $10 million USD stock holding, including complete MFA1A00‑Exxx series from 1m to 100m lengths.
• Warranty: 1‑year limited hardware warranty covering parts repair or replacement.
• Technical Support: 24/7 engineering assistance for deployment, compatibility, and troubleshooting queries.
• Delivery: Global shipping with real‑time tracking; majority of orders fulfilled within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Important Precautions

• ESD Sensitivity: Although the cable assembly is mechanically robust, the QSFP28 connectors contain static‑sensitive components. Always handle using grounded wrist straps and anti‑static mats.
• Minimum Bend Radius: Do not bend the fiber tighter than 30mm to prevent optical degradation or permanent damage.
• Temperature Range: Operate only within 0‑70°C case temperature; prolonged exposure outside this range may impact VCSEL reliability.
• Connector Cleaning: Inspect and clean the optical contacts inside the QSFP28 cage before each insertion using approved optical cleaners.
• Class 1 Laser Product: Complies with IEC 60825‑1. Avoid direct eye exposure to the aperture.

Company Profile

With over ten years of experience in high‑speed networking, we operate a large factory supported by a strong technical team. Our portfolio includes authorized brands: Mellanox, Ruckus, Aruba, Extreme. We specialize in original brand new network switches, network interface cards (NICs), wireless access points, controllers, and all types of interconnect cables — including the entire Mellanox MFA1A00 series of active optical cables.

We maintain more than $10 million in inventory, ensuring competitive pricing and prompt delivery. Every order receives 24/7 customer service and technical support, guaranteeing accurate fulfillment and post‑sales assistance. Our professional sales and engineering teams have earned a solid reputation among global clients.