MCP1600-E002E30 100Gb/s QSFP28 Direct Attach Copper Cable

1. Product Overview

The Mellanox MCP1600-E002E30 represents a high-performance passive Direct Attach Copper (DAC) solution engineered for 100Gb/s EDR InfiniBand and high-speed Ethernet implementations. This 2-meter passive fiber cable provides a reliable, cost-effective alternative to optical solutions for short-reach data center interconnections. Designed with precision engineering, this passive copper cable ensures optimal signal integrity while minimizing power consumption in dense network environments.

2. Key Characteristics

• Supports data rates up to 100Gb/s (4×25Gb/s channels)
• Extremely low power consumption: <0.1W
• Hot-pluggable QSFP28 form factor
• Compliant with SFF-8685, SFF-8636, and RoHS standards
• LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) protective jacket
• 30AWG conductor thickness for 2-meter reach
• Lead-free and halogen-free PCB construction

3. Technology & Standards

This advanced passive fiber cable complies with multiple industry standards including SFF-8685 for mechanical specifications and SFF-8636 for I²C management interface functionality. Supporting both InfiniBand EDR and Ethernet protocols, this passive copper cable ensures broad interoperability with Mellanox switching infrastructure and third-party hardware platforms. The cable architecture incorporates four shielded twinaxial copper pairs, each supporting 25 Gb/s data transmission rates.

4. Working Principle

The MCP1600-E002E30 operates as a passive electrical interconnect between QSFP28 ports, transmitting high-speed signals directly through copper conductors without requiring signal retiming or electronic amplification. The integrated EEPROM stores vital product information and performance characteristics, accessible through the host system's I²C interface, enabling seamless plug-and-play functionality and automatic system recognition capabilities.

5. Applications

Optimized for modern data center architectures, high-performance computing clusters, and enterprise network environments. Ideal deployment scenarios include:

• Intra-rack server-to-switch connections
• Adjacent rack interconnections
• Storage area network (SAN) infrastructure
• High-frequency trading network infrastructure
• AI and machine learning cluster interconnects
• Network appliance connectivity solutions

6. Specifications

7. Competitive Advantages

• Superior latency performance and reduced power consumption compared to active optical solutions
• Enhanced durability with optimized bend radius specifications
• Exceptional signal integrity with BER performance better than 1E-15
• Cost-efficient connectivity solution for reaches up to 2 meters
• Rigorous manufacturing testing ensures reliable out-of-box performance
• Comprehensive compatibility with Mellanox EDR infrastructure

8. Service & Support

All Mellanox passive copper cable products are backed by a 1-year limited hardware warranty. We provide global logistics support with standard 3-5 business day delivery, 24/7 technical assistance, and flexible OEM/ODM service options. Volume pricing structures available for enterprise deployments and large-scale infrastructure projects.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the MCP1600-E002E30 compatible with 100GbE Ethernet switches from various vendors?
A: Yes, this passive fiber cable is designed for compatibility with 100GbE and InfiniBand EDR switches supporting QSFP28 interfaces across multiple vendors.

Q: What is the maximum reliable distance for this specific DAC cable model?
A: This passive direct attach cable is engineered for optimal performance at distances up to 2 meters, making it an ideal passive copper cable solution for intra-rack connections.

Q: Does this passive fiber cable solution require external power or thermal management?
A: No, this is a passive direct attach cable that draws minimal power from the host port and requires no active cooling or external power sources.

Q: Can I deploy this cable in high-density rack environments?
A: Absolutely. The 30AWG construction and optimized bend radius make this passive copper cable ideal for high-density deployments where space constraints exist.

10. Installation Precautions

• Maintain minimum bend radius of 10x cable diameter near connector interfaces
• Ensure operating environment remains within specified temperature (0°C to 70°C) and humidity (5% to 85%) ranges
• Verify hardware compatibility specifications before installation and deployment
• Avoid sharp bends or torsional stress during installation to prevent internal conductor damage
• Implement proper ESD protection measures during handling and installation
• Confirm connector engagement and latching mechanism integrity before power activation

11. Company Introduction

With over a decade of industry expertise, we maintain extensive manufacturing capabilities and a robust technical engineering team. As an authorized distributor for premier networking brands including Mellanox, Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme Networks, we inventory over 10 million units of network infrastructure products including switches, adapters, wireless access points, controllers, and comprehensive connectivity solutions. Our global supply chain network enables competitive pricing, reliable inventory availability, and comprehensive 24/7 customer and technical support services, establishing our strong reputation in international technology markets. This passive fiber cable represents just one of many quality solutions we provide to the networking industry.