Mellanox MCP1600-E003E26 100Gb/s QSFP28 Direct Attach Copper Cable

The Mellanox MCP1600-E003E26 is a high-performance, passive Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cable designed for 100Gb/s InfiniBand EDR and Ethernet applications. This 3-meter cable provides a reliable, low-latency, and power-efficient connectivity solution for short-reach interconnects within racks or between adjacent racks, serving as a cost-effective alternative to optical modules. The network card compatible interface ensures seamless integration with Mellanox switches and adapters. Its robust construction and rigorous testing guarantee out-of-the-box performance and durability, making it an essential component for modern high-density data centers. This specific model, also recognized under the alias mq9700, is part of a trusted lineage of high-speed interconnect solutions.

• High-Speed Data Rate: Supports aggregate data rates of up to 100 Gb/s (4x25 Gb/s lanes).
• Passive & Power-Efficient: Requires no signal retiming or active components, consuming less than 0.1W.
• Hot-Pluggable: Allows for safe insertion and removal without powering down the system.
• Superior Signal Integrity: Achieves a Bit Error Rate (BER) better than 10⁻¹⁵ when used with Mellanox systems.
• Durable & Eco-Friendly: Features an LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jacket and Lead-Free, Halogen-Free PCB.
• Comprehensive Management: Integrated EEPROM with product information, accessible via SFF-8636 compliant I²C interface.

This DAC cable is engineered to meet industry-leading standards for performance and interoperability. It is fully compliant with SFF-8685 for the QSFP28 form factor and SFF-8636 for management. The design ensures compatibility with 100Gb/s InfiniBand EDR and 100GbE Ethernet protocols. The inherent electrical characteristics, including controlled 100Ω differential impedance, minimize signal reflections and ensure data integrity over the specified 3-meter length. This makes the MCP1600-E003E26 a plug-and-play network card accessory that simplifies high-speed deployment.

As a passive copper cable, the MCP1600-E003E26 operates by directly transmitting electrical signals from the transmitter to the receiver across four shielded twin-axial copper pairs. Each pair carries a high-speed serial data stream at up to 25 Gb/s. The cable assembly includes integrated connectors with precise impedance matching to minimize insertion loss and signal degradation. The host system reads the cable's identification and capability data from the built-in EEPROM via the I²C bus, enabling automatic configuration and inventory management. This straightforward, direct-attach principle offers a low-latency and highly reliable link, ideal for expanding the capabilities of any compatible network card or switch.

The MCP1600-E003E26 is ideal for high-performance computing (HPC), enterprise data centers, cloud infrastructure, and storage area networks (SANs) where cost, power, and latency are critical. Typical use cases include:

• Interconnecting top-of-rack (ToR) switches to leaf or spine switches.
• Connecting servers equipped with Mellanox ConnectX-4/5 network card adapters to EDR switches.
• Building high-bandwidth clusters for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning workloads.
• Establishing short-reach links within a single rack or between adjacent racks.

Primary Specifications for MCP1600-E003E26:

Full Product Family Selection:

Compared to active optical cables (AOCs) or standard fiber optic transceivers, the MCP1600-E003E26 offers distinct benefits:

• Cost Savings: Significantly lower initial purchase price per port.
• Power Efficiency: Near-zero power draw reduces operational expenses (OPEX) and thermal load.
• Low Latency: Passive transmission ensures minimal signal delay, crucial for HPC and financial trading.
• Robustness & Simplicity: No delicate optics, more resistant to physical damage, and easier to deploy.
• Guaranteed Performance: Each cable undergoes rigorous testing for BER and impedance, ensuring reliable performance with Mellanox nic card and switch ecosystems.

This Mellanox LinkX cable is backed by a 1-year limited hardware warranty, covering repair or replacement for defects in materials or workmanship. We support our products with:

• Rapid Delivery: Leverage our large inventory for fast order fulfillment.
• 24/7 Technical Consultation: Access expert support for pre-sales queries and post-sales integration.
• Global Supply Chain: Reliable sourcing ensures consistent availability of genuine products like the mq9700 and other essential network card components.

Q: Is this cable compatible with non-Mellanox switches?
A: While designed and tested for optimal performance with Mellanox equipment, it is based on industry-standard QSFP28 specifications and may work with other vendors' compatible ports. However, full functionality and guaranteed BER are assured only with Mellanox systems.

Q: What is the maximum reliable distance for this passive DAC?
A: Passive DACs are designed for short reaches. The MCP1600-E003E26 (3m) is reliable for in-rack and adjacent rack connections. For longer distances (beyond 5m), active optical solutions are recommended.

Q: Does the cable require any drivers or software configuration?
A: No. It is a plug-and-play passive component. The host system automatically reads the cable's EEPROM information.

Q: What does the alias mq9700 refer to?
A: mq9700 is an alternative product identifier or alias sometimes used for this specific 3m Mellanox QSFP28 DAC cable model in certain distribution or inventory systems.

• Bending Radius: Adhere to minimum bend radii to prevent damage. For the 3m (26 AWG) model, maintain a single bend radius of ≥47mm and a repeated/assembly bend radius of ≥94mm.
• Operating Environment: Ensure ambient temperature is within 0°C to 70°C and relative humidity between 5% and 85% non-condensing.
• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): Handle with standard ESD precautions to protect the integrated connectors.
• Compatibility Verification: Confirm switch/nic card port compatibility (InfiniBand EDR or 100GbE QSFP28) before purchase.
• Installation: Ensure the cable is fully inserted and the latch engages securely. Support the cable strain relief to avoid stress on the connectors.