What an AOC request covers
An active optical cable combines optical conversion and fiber into a fixed cable assembly. It should be quoted as a complete link rather than as two interchangeable transceivers and a patch cord.
Information needed for quotation
- Both endpoint devices and port form factors
- Required data rate, breakout arrangement, and reach
- Routing, bend, airflow, and installation constraints
- Quantity, coding or compatibility requirements, and target delivery
Selection boundary
Connector shape and headline data rate do not prove platform support. State whether the requirement is an exact manufacturer reference or a functionally reviewed alternative.
Technical parameters and selection boundaries
Published configurations differ by manufacturer and exact part number. These are selection dimensions, not one combined specification.
| Parameter | Documented example or choice | Verify for this request |
|---|---|---|
| Optical cable and host interface | NVIDIA MFA1A00: a VCSEL-based QSFP28 active optical cable for 100 Gb/s InfiniBand EDR and Ethernet systems. | A documented series example. Confirm the exact protocol-specific suffix and both hosts before choosing a part. |
| Length and protocol variants | The ordering table separates EDR and 100GbE parts; examples include fixed 3 m, 10 m, 30 m and 100 m variants. | A listed length is not a guarantee for every form factor or platform. Use the actual ordering code, not a generic reach claim. |
| Supply voltage | 3.3 V typical; operational range 3.135–3.465 V for the named series. | Use operating specifications, not absolute maximum ratings, when checking the host port. |
| Power per end | Without retiming: 1.5 W typical / 1.8 W maximum. With retiming on all lanes: 2.2 W typical / 2.5 W maximum. | Per-end values, not the power of the entire cable; confirm port budget and operating mode. |
| Operating and storage temperature | Operating case: 0–70 °C. Storage: −40–85 °C. | Case and storage limits do not state allowable room ambient temperature. Check airflow and port conditions. |
| Cable diameter and bend radius | Diameter 3 ± 0.2 mm; minimum bend radius 30 mm for this series. | These mechanical values do not transfer to thicker breakout or higher-rate AOC constructions. |
| Length tolerance | Below 5 m: +300/−0 mm; 5 to under 50 m: +500/−0 mm; 50 m or longer: +1000/−0 mm. | Allow for the specified positive tolerance in routing. Ordering length is not a guaranteed exact installed length. |
| Management and host connector | SFF-8665 QSFP28 electrical interface and SFF-8636 I²C management are documented. | A shared mechanical form does not establish firmware or platform approval. |
Standard configurations and project options
| Configuration area | Documented option | Project decision |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol-specific ordering | MFA1A00-E003 and MFA1A00-C003 are both listed at 3 m, under different protocol groups. | Do not remove the suffix when requesting a quotation or proposing an alternative. |
| Fixed length selection | Choose a listed complete assembly rather than planning field termination of its fixed optical ends. | Provide route length, slack and both endpoint locations; custom lengths require a confirmed build specification. |
| Straight versus split links | This reviewed MFA1A00 example is a QSFP28 AOC. Different splitter series have different connector and lane arrangements. | For a split topology, state parent/downstream ports and port mode; do not reuse this straight-assembly specification. |
Representative models and configurations
Examples illustrate real product variation. A listed manufacturer or model is not a statement of our stock, authorization, or confirmed availability.
| Manufacturer / series | Published configuration | Important scope |
|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA MFA1A00-E003 | 3 m; InfiniBand EDR; QSFP28 active optical assembly; LSZH jacket. | Historical official ordering example. Confirm revision and current platform support; the Family photo is a separate ATGBICS representative assembly. |
| NVIDIA MFA1A00-C003 | 3 m; 100GbE; QSFP28 active optical assembly; LSZH jacket. | Historical official ordering example. Confirm revision and current platform support; the Family photo is a separate ATGBICS representative assembly. |
| NVIDIA MFA1A00-C010 | 10 m; 100GbE; QSFP28 active optical assembly; LSZH jacket. | Historical official ordering example. Confirm revision and current platform support; the Family photo is a separate ATGBICS representative assembly. |
Applications and procurement context
- Use the named AOC configuration where both ports, the selected protocol, power budget and cable route match the documented complete assembly. Longer optical reach does not remove host-compatibility requirements.
Compatibility, current supply, lead time, origin, and acceptance documents must be confirmed for the actual order.
