NVIDIA MCP4Y10-N002 Twin-Port 2x400Gb/s OSFP Passive DAC Copper Cable

1. Product Overview

The NVIDIA® MCP4Y10-N002 is a high-speed, twin-port Direct Attached Copper (DAC) cable designed for ultra-low-latency, high-density data center interconnects. This network card accessory provides an aggregate bandwidth of 800Gb/s (2x400Gb/s) over a passive copper link, connecting two OSFP (Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable) ports. As a cost-effective and power-efficient alternative to active optical cables, this nic card solution is perfect for linking high-performance switches and computing platforms like the NVIDIA DGX™ H100. The MCP4Y10-N002, also known under the product alias mq9700 in some configurations, delivers reliable performance with minimal signal degradation across its 2-meter length.

2. Key Features

• Dual 400Gb/s Ports: Each port supports 400Gb/s data rates using 8 channels of 100G-PAM4 modulation.
• High-Speed Connectivity: Enables 800Gb/s aggregate bandwidth, making it ideal for backbone network card connections.
• Plug-and-Play Simplicity: Hot-pluggable, passive design requires no external power, reducing complexity and cost.
• Dual-Protocol Firmware: Automatically detects and supports both InfiniBand NDR and Ethernet (up to 800GbE) protocols.
• Robust Construction: Features LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jacket, lead-free PCB, and is RoHS compliant.
• Optimized Signal Integrity: Each cable length is factory-tuned to minimize internal noise and back reflections.
• Comprehensive Management: SFF-8636 compliant I²C interface with EEPROM for vital product information.

3. Core Technology & Standards

This DAC cable leverages industry-leading standards to ensure compatibility and performance. It is fully compliant with the OSFP MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) specification Rev 1.12. The electrical interface adheres to SFF-8665, while management is handled via the SFF-8636 I²C interface. The use of 100G-PAM4 modulation per lane allows it to achieve high data rates over cost-effective copper mediums. This technology is central to modern high-performance nic card ecosystems.

4. How It Works

The cable functions as a passive electrical bridge between two OSFP ports. Each of the eight differential copper pairs within the cable carries a 100Gb/s PAM4 signal. The host device (switch or adapter card) provides the 3.3V power and drives the electrical signals. The cable's fixed, tuned length and controlled impedance ensure signal integrity is maintained from transmitter to receiver with very low latency. The onboard EEPROM communicates the cable's identity, capabilities, and status to the host system, enabling automatic protocol configuration (InfiniBand or Ethernet). This seamless operation makes it a reliable mq9700 series component.

5. Typical Applications

• Data Center Spine-Leaf Fabric: Connecting NVIDIA Quantum-2 InfiniBand switches or Spectrum-4 Ethernet switches at 2x400Gb/s speeds.
• High-Performance Computing (HPC): Linking AI/ML clusters, such as connecting a switch to an NVIDIA DGX H100 system.
• Storage Area Networks (SAN): Providing high-bandwidth, low-latency links for storage arrays and servers.
• Network Aggregation: Ideal for any deployment requiring high-density, cost-effective 400G/800G interconnects as part of a broader network card strategy.

6. Product Specifications & Selection Guide

7. Key Advantages & Competitive Edge

Compared to generic or active optical solutions, the MCP4Y10-N002 offers distinct benefits crucial for a modern data center's network card infrastructure:

• Lowest Latency & Cost: Passive copper design eliminates conversion latency and is significantly more economical than AOCs or optical transceivers with separate fibers.
• Zero Power Draw: The passive operation contributes directly to lower Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE).
• Proven Reliability: Rigorous NVIDIA production testing ensures out-of-the-box performance and long-term durability, reducing total cost of ownership.
• Future-Proof Flexibility: Dual-protocol firmware adapts to your network's needs, whether running InfiniBand for HPC or high-speed Ethernet for cloud.
• Ecosystem Integration: Optimized for seamless performance with NVIDIA's Quantum-2 and Spectrum-4 platforms, ensuring full feature utilization.

8. Support & Services

We stand behind every product we supply. Each MCP4Y10-N002 mq9700 cable comes with full manufacturer warranty coverage. Our logistics network ensures reliable and fast delivery to meet your project timelines. Our technical support team, with deep expertise in high-speed networking and nic card integration, is available to assist with pre-sales consultation, deployment guidance, and post-sales support to ensure optimal performance in your specific environment.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is this cable compatible with both InfiniBand and Ethernet switches?

A: Yes. The cable's firmware auto-detects the connected switch's protocol. It natively supports InfiniBand NDR and a range of Ethernet speeds (100G/200G/400G/800G BASE-CR).

Q2: What is the maximum supported distance for this passive DAC?

A: The MCP4Y10 series is optimized for short-reach connections up to 2 meters (for the N002 model). For longer distances, active optical cables (AOCs) or transceivers with fiber are recommended.

Q3: Does it require external power or configuration?

A: No. It is a passive cable powered directly by the host OSFP port (3.3V). It is hot-pluggable and requires no software configuration, offering true plug-and-play functionality for your network card setup.

Q4: What is the difference between "Finned Top" and "Flat Top" versions?

A: Finned Top connectors are standard for air-cooled switches. Flat Top (designated -FLT) connectors are designed for liquid-cooled systems like the NVIDIA DGX H100 to allow for closer stacking.

10. Important Precautions

• Bend Radius: Observe minimum bend radii to prevent damage. For the 2m N002 model (26AWG), the minimum single bend radius is 44.5mm, and the repeated bend radius is 89mm.
• ESD Protection: Always follow standard ESD precautions when handling. Use grounded wrist straps when installing or removing the cable from equipment.
• Environmental Limits: Operate and store within specified temperature (0°C to 70°C operating, -40°C to 85°C storage) and humidity (5% to 85% non-condensing) ranges.
• Compatibility: Verify host equipment compatibility with OSFP form factor and desired data rate before purchase. This component is a key part of an 800G nic card interconnect solution.
• EMC Compliance: This is a Class A product. In a residential environment, it may cause radio interference, requiring the user to take corrective measures.

11. About Our Company

With over a decade of industry experience, we have established ourselves as a trusted partner in the global networking hardware market. We operate a large-scale facility backed by a strong technical team, enabling us to support complex infrastructure demands.

We are an authorized distributor for leading brands including NVIDIA Mellanox, Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme. Our extensive portfolio encompasses original, brand-new networking equipment such as switches, network cards, wireless access points, controllers, and high-speed cables like the mq9700 series.