Mellanox MFA2P10-A003 SFP28 Active Optical Cable - High-Density 25GbE Data Center Solution

1. Product Overview

The Mellanox MFA2P10-A003 is a high-performance SFP28 Active Optical Cable (AOC) designed for 25GbE Ethernet systems. This 3-meter cable integrates Mellanox's advanced IC technology to deliver exceptional performance with remarkably low power consumption. It provides a reliable, hot-pluggable connectivity solution that significantly extends reach compared to passive copper alternatives, ideal for modern high-density data center environments.

2. Key Characteristics

• Ultra-low power consumption: 0.5W typical per end (with retiming)
• Hot-pluggable SFP28 form factor, compliant with SFF-8402
• Selectable retiming functionality for optimal signal integrity
• Programmable Tx input equalizer and receiver output amplitude
• Bit Error Rate (BER) better than 1E-15
• Fully compliant with RoHS environmental standards

3. Technology & Standards

This Active Optical Cable incorporates Mellanox's integrated circuit technology to ensure high-speed data transmission at up to 25Gb/s. It complies with IEEE 802.3 25GBASE-SR and 10GBASE-SR standards and features an SFF-8472 compliant I²C management interface for enhanced monitoring and control capabilities.

4. Working Principle

The AOC contains fiber optic transceivers at both ends that convert electrical signals to optical signals and vice versa. The electrical interface connects to the host system via a standard SFP28 port, while optical transmission occurs over integrated fiber strands. The cable features selectable retiming technology that regenerates the digital signal to maintain integrity over longer distances, with programmable equalization and pre-emphasis to compensate for signal degradation.

5. Applications

Ideal for high-speed interconnects in various environments:

• Data center spine-leaf architectures
• High-performance computing clusters
• Enterprise storage area networks (SANs)
• Cloud infrastructure and hyper-scale computing
• Financial trading systems

6. Specifications & Selection Guide

7. Advantages

• Superior reach compared to passive copper cables
• Lower power consumption than competitive AOC solutions
• Enhanced signal integrity through selectable retiming
• Flexible rate compatibility from 10G to 25G operation
• High port density and easy installation

8. Service & Support

This Active Optical Cable comes with a 1-year limited hardware warranty covering parts repair or replacement. We offer global shipping with multiple logistics options, 24/7 technical consultation, and integration support for large-scale deployments. Our team provides expert guidance for optimal implementation in diverse network environments.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this cable compatible with 10GbE switches?
A: Yes, the cable supports rate selection and can operate at 10GbE speeds by turning off CDR functionality.

Q: What is the maximum operating distance?
A: The MFA2P10 series supports lengths up to 100m, with the A003 model specifically designed for 3-meter connections.

Q: Does this AOC require special drivers?
A: No, the cable is plug-and-play compatible with standard SFP28 ports and requires no additional drivers.

10. Precautions

• Do not exceed minimum bend radius of 30mm during installation
• Ensure proper ESD precautions when handling
• Verify compatibility with host equipment before deployment
• Observe operating temperature range of 0°C to 70°C
• Avoid exposing connectors to contaminants before installation

11. Company Introduction

With over a decade of industry experience, we operate a large-scale factory supported by a strong technical team. We represent leading brands including NVIDIA Networking (Mellanox), Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme Networks. Our inventory includes over 10 million units of network switches, adapters, wireless controllers, and Active Optical Cables. We provide competitive pricing, bulk supply capabilities, and round-the-clock customer and technical support to clients worldwide.