NVIDIA MFS1S00-H020V 20m QSFP56 200Gb/s Active Optical Cable | Long-Reach AOC

Product Model: MFS1S00-H020V | Core Keywords: active optical cable, 20m AOC, 200Gb/s optical cable, QSFP56 AOC, long reach InfiniBand

The NVIDIA MFS1S00-H020V is a 20-meter active optical cable (AOC) designed to solve the challenge of connecting high-speed 200Gb/s equipment across moderate distances within the data center. Featuring embedded QSFP56 optical transceivers at both ends, this long reach InfiniBand solution eliminates the complexity and potential points of failure associated with separate transceivers and fiber jumpers. It is the optimal choice for linking switches in a distributed fabric or connecting compute racks to aggregation switches where a standard network interface card (NIC) and switch are separated by 10-20 meters.

• Form Factor & Length: QSFP56-to-QSFP56, 20-meter integrated cable assembly.
• Data Rate & Modulation: 200Gb/s aggregate via 4x50G PAM4 lanes per direction.
• Protocol Support: InfiniBand HDR 200GBASE-SR4 Ethernet
• Power Characteristics: Single 3.3V supply; ~5.0W typical power per end.
• Operational Robustness: Operating temperature: 0°C to 70°C; minimum bend radius: 30mm.
• Intelligence: Full SFF-8636 management interface with Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM) for voltage, temperature, TX bias, and optical power (Tx & Rx per lane).

This cable’s capability stems from a sophisticated integration of several key technologies:

• VCSEL-based Optical Engine: Utilizes reliable Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers and matching PIN photodiodes for optical-electrical conversion over multimode fiber.
• Advanced Signal Processing: Incorporates per-lane Clock and Data Recovery (CDR) with retiming on both transmitter and receiver sides to clean and reshape degraded signals, which is critical over 20 meters.
• High-Density Interconnect: Compliant with the QSFP56 Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) specifications (SFF-8665, SFF-8636), ensuring mechanical and electrical interoperability with standard cages and hosts.
• Management & Control: A fully implemented I2C management bus allows host systems to identify, configure, and continuously monitor the cable's operational status.

The cable functions as an autonomous, bi-directional extension of the host's electrical interface. High-speed electrical data from a switch or network card enters the AOC's QSFP56 connector. The integrated driver circuitry conditions the signal and modulates four VCSEL lasers, converting data to light. This light travels through the four parallel multimode fibers. After the 20-meter journey, the light is detected by photodiodes in the far-end module. The resulting weak electrical signal is amplified, retimed by a CDR circuit to eliminate jitter accumulated over the fiber, and finally output as a clean, compliant electrical signal to the receiving device. This active regeneration process is the key differentiator from a passive cable, guaranteeing signal integrity at the destination.

• Cross-Aisle Switch Connections: Linking leaf switches in one rack row to spine switches in another row within the same data center hall.
• Distributed Compute/Storage Pools: Connecting high-performance servers or storage arrays located several racks apart within an HPC or AI cluster.
• End-of-Row (EoR) Architectures: Connecting servers in a rack to a centralized EoR switch that may be 15-20 meters away.
• Data Center Consolidation Projects: Interconnecting equipment across legacy data center spaces during migration or expansion phases.
• High-Availability Links: Establishing extended redundant paths in network fabrics where link length variability is a factor.

Note: Available in a range of lengths from 3m (H003V) to 100m (H100V) for precise reach matching.

• Guaranteed Performance at Extended Distance: Provides a tested and validated 200Gb/s solution for 20-meter links, removing the uncertainty and tuning required when piecing together separate transceivers and fiber.
• Reduced Total Deployment Cost: While the unit price may be higher than passive copper, it eliminates the cost of two separate QSFP56 optical transceivers, reduces installation labor, and mitigates risk of link failures that can be expensive in critical infrastructure.
• Operational Simplicity & Reliability: As a single-component solution from NVIDIA, it ensures full compatibility and reduces the spare parts inventory needed for network maintenance, especially when supporting various NIC card models.
• Future-Proof Investment: Supports the latest PAM4 modulation and 200G standards, protecting infrastructure as networks evolve from 100G NRZ-based systems.

We provide an end-to-end partnership to ensure the success of your high-speed interconnect strategy.

• Product Assurance: Covered by the full NVIDIA manufacturer's warranty for peace of mind.
• Supply Chain Reliability: The MFS1S00-H020V is stocked within our significant inventory portfolio, ensuring availability for both planned deployments and urgent needs.
• Integration Expertise: Our technical team can assist with compatibility validation for your specific switch models and server network interface cards to ensure a seamless deployment.
• Uninterrupted Support: 24/7 access to customer service and technical specialists for installation guidance and troubleshooting assistance.
• Global Delivery Network: We manage international logistics to deliver product accurately and on schedule to your designated location.

Q1: What is the actual signal loss over 20 meters, and how does the AOC compensate?
A: Multimode fiber exhibits attenuation (typically ~3 dB/km). Over 20m, the inherent loss is minimal, but other factors like connector loss and modal dispersion can degrade the signal eye. The AOC's integrated retiming function actively recovers the clock and data, effectively "recreating" a clean digital signal at the receiver, overcoming these impairments.

Q2: Can I use one end of this AOC with a QSFP56 port and the other with a QSFP-DD port via an adapter?
A: The cable has fixed QSFP56 connectors. It can physically connect to a QSFP-DD port only if that port uses a passive QSFP56-to-QSFP-DD adapter cage. However, electrical and protocol compatibility (200Gb/s) between the host device's QSFP-DD port and the AOC must be verified with the system vendor.

Q3: How does the power consumption compare to using two separate optical transceivers and a passive cable?
A: The total power is comparable or slightly optimized. A typical 200G QSFP56 optical transceiver consumes ~3.5-4W. Two would consume 7-8W, plus switch ASIC power for driving the external fiber. This AOC consumes ~10W total (5W per end), offering a streamlined, often more power-efficient solution by integrating the drivers.

Q4: Is the cable jacket suitable for running in overhead trays or under raised floors?
A: Yes, the cable features a durable, flexible jacket designed for standard data center cable management pathways, including overhead trays and under-floor environments. Always adhere to the minimum bend radius during installation.

Q5: What do I do if the DDM reports a "Rx Power Low" alarm?
A: This indicates low received optical power. First, check and clean the QSFP56 connectors on both the AOC and the host equipment cages. If the alarm persists, inspect the cable route for sharp bends or damage. The alarm provides early warning before a link fails, which is crucial for maintaining uptime in networks utilizing high-performance nic cards.

• Pre-Installation Verification: Confirm host equipment QSFP56 cages and firmware support 200Gb/s AOCs. Check for sufficient thermal and power budget in the system design.
• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions: Handle the cable using ESD-safe practices, particularly when installing into or removing from live equipment.
• Routing & Strain Relief: For a 20-meter run, carefully plan the path to avoid tension, compression, or tight bends. Use adequate cable ties (preferably Velcro) and ensure strain relief is provided near the connectors.
• Hot-Plug Procedure: The cable is hot-pluggable. Insert and remove connectors squarely and firmly using the provided latch/pull-tab. Allow a few seconds for the link to initialize and stabilize.
• Environmental Specifications: Adhere to the specified operating temperature and humidity ranges. Do not expose the cable to direct moisture or corrosive elements.