NVIDIA® Mellanox MFA1A00-C015 100Gb/s QSFP28 Active Optical Cable (AOC)

Product Model: MFA1A00-C015 | Interface: QSFP28 | Data Rate: Up to 100Gb/s | Cable Length: 15 meters

1. Product Overview

The NVIDIA® Mellanox MFA1A00-C015 is a high-performance Active Optical Cable (AOC) engineered for 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GbE) and InfiniBand EDR applications requiring a 15-meter reach. This solution integrates VCSEL-based optical transceivers into a durable cable assembly, providing a complete, reliable link between switches, routers, or servers. The MFA1A00-C015 model is specifically designed for cost-effective, high-density connections within a rack or between adjacent racks, making it an ideal replacement for bulkier and less flexible DAC cables. As a critical component in modern data paths, this product functions seamlessly with your existing NIC card infrastructure. In some configurations and markets, this series is also referred to by the alias mq9700.

2. Key Characteristics

• Data Rate: Supports up to 100 Gb/s aggregate bandwidth (4x 25.78 Gb/s lanes).
• Form Factor: Standard QSFP28 (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 28) on both ends.
• Reach: Effective transmission distance of up to 15 meters over OM3/OM4 multi-mode fiber (MMF).
• Power Efficiency: Typical power dissipation of 2.2W per end (with retiming enabled).
• Hot-Pluggable: Fully compliant with hot-pluggability specifications for zero-downtime maintenance.
• Digital Diagnostics: SFF-8636 compliant DDM for monitoring temperature, voltage, TX bias, and optical power.
• Cable Construction: Robust LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jacket, minimum bend radius of 30mm.

3. Core Technology & Standards

This AOC leverages advanced VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) technology for efficient and reliable optical transmission. It is built to strict industry standards to ensure broad interoperability:

• Electrical Interface: Compliant with SFF-8665 for QSFP28.
• Management Interface: SFF-8636 for I2C-based digital diagnostics and control.
• Protocol Support: 100GBASE-SR4 Ethernet (IEEE 802.3bm) and InfiniBand EDR.
• Signal Integrity Features: Incorporates per-lane selectable retiming, programmable Tx input equalization, and Rx output pre-emphasis for optimal signal quality across various host platforms, including different network card designs.

4. How It Works

The MFA1A00-C015 operates as a self-contained electro-optical conversion system. Electrical data signals from the host device's QSFP28 port (on a switch or network card) are received by the integrated circuitry in the cable's connector. This circuitry drives VCSEL lasers, converting the electrical signals into optical signals that travel through four parallel multi-mode fibers within the cable. At the opposite end, integrated photodetectors convert the optical signals back into electrical signals, delivering them to the connected device. This all-in-one approach ensures signal integrity over the 15-meter distance while presenting a simple, plug-and-play interface to the host, much like an advanced, extended-reach NIC card interconnect.

5. Application Scenarios

• Data Center Intra-Rack Connectivity: Linking servers to Top-of-Rack (ToR) or leaf switches within the same rack.
• High-Density Switching Fabrics: Interconnections between aggregation switches in a clustered configuration.
• Enterprise Network Core: Short-distance, high-bandwidth links in campus or large enterprise network cores.
• Cloud and Hyper-scale Infrastructure: Connections within a pod or between closely located server racks.
• Storage and Server Clusters: High-speed links for SANs or parallel file systems requiring low-latency, high-throughput connections.

6. Technical Specifications & Selection Guide

Quick Selection Reference (Partial List):

7. Competitive Advantages

• Ideal Length for Rack Density: The 15-meter length is optimized for modern, deep racks and cable management, providing flexibility without excess cable bulk, a perfect match for high-density network card deployments.
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Lower power consumption and reduced cooling requirements compared to active electrical solutions translate to significant operational savings over time.
• Superior Reliability: The fully integrated design has fewer connection points than discrete optic+cable solutions, leading to higher mean time between failures (MTBF) and greater overall system stability.
• Enhanced Deployability: Lightweight and flexible, it is easier to route through tight spaces in crowded racks, improving airflow and simplifying installation—a key consideration when integrating with various NIC card types.
• Future-Ready Technology: Supports the latest high-speed protocols and features like programmable settings, ensuring compatibility with next-generation equipment. This forward-looking design is characteristic of the mq9700 technology family.

8. Support & Services

We provide comprehensive support for the MFA1A00-C015 and all our interconnect solutions, ensuring a seamless procurement and integration experience:

• Warranty: Backed by the full NVIDIA standard product warranty, guaranteeing quality and reliability.
• Stock Availability: The MFA1A00-C015 is a popular model and is frequently available from our substantial inventory for prompt shipment.
• Technical Expertise: Our specialized technical team is available for compatibility verification, configuration advice, and deployment best practices for your specific network card and switch environment.
• Global Supply Chain: We facilitate efficient logistics and customs documentation for customers worldwide.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

10. Important Precautions

• Physical Handling: Adhere to the minimum bend radius (30mm) during installation. Avoid sharp bends, kinks, or crushing the cable.
• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): Always use an ESD wrist strap when handling the connectors to prevent damage to sensitive internal components.
• Operating Environment: Ensure the operating environment stays within the specified temperature (0°C to 70°C) and humidity (5% to 85% non-condensing) ranges.
• Compatibility Verification: Confirm that your host device's QSFP28 port is enabled for the appropriate protocol (100GbE) and supports the use of third-party optics/cables if applicable. This is crucial when connecting to a specific brand of network card.
• Safety Compliance: This is a Class 1 Laser product. Do not stare into the optical apertures or disassemble the module.
• Regulatory Use: Compliant with FCC Class A, CE, and other standards for use in commercial settings. Residential use may cause interference.

11. About Our Company