High-speed, low-latency passive copper breakout cable for 200G InfiniBand HDR fabrics. Connects a single 200Gb/s QSFP56 port to two independent 100Gb/s HDR100 QSFP56 ports — cost-effective short-reach interconnect with zero power consumption on the cable assembly.
The Mellanox MCP7H50-H002R26 is a passive copper hybrid splitter cable designed for 200Gb/s InfiniBand HDR (High Data Rate) applications. It offers a cost-effective, low-power alternative to optical interconnects for short-distance connections inside data centers. One end features a 200Gb/s QSFP56 connector, while the other side breaks out into two 100Gb/s HDR100 QSFP56 ports. The internal wiring maps each of the two copper pairs (pair 1&2, 3&4) from the single QSFP56 to independent dual copper pairs on each of the two QSFP56 connectors, enabling seamless HDR100 connectivity.
Each QSFP56 port includes a field-replaceable EEPROM that stores product configuration and identification data, readable by the host system for advanced management and diagnostics. With rigorous production testing and robust mechanical design, this cable ensures out-of-the-box reliability for high-performance computing, AI clusters, and hyperscale infrastructures.
Built on passive copper twinax technology, the MCP7H50-H002R26 uses 26 AWG wire gauge to achieve optimal signal integrity up to 2 meters. It leverages PAM4 (4-level Pulse Amplitude Modulation) signaling to deliver 50Gb/s per lane while maintaining ultra-low latency — ideal for latency-sensitive HPC and AI training fabrics. The hybrid breakout architecture allows flexible rack design, connecting one 200G HDR switch port to two 100G HDR100 servers or adapters without active retimers. All electrical parameters meet SFF-8665 and InfiniBand Trade Association (IBTA) specifications, ensuring interoperability across standards-based equipment.
Engineered for seamless integration with Mellanox (NVIDIA) InfiniBand switches and adapters. Fully compliant with IBTA HDR and HDR100 specifications, also backward compatible with HDR100, EDR, and FDR links at lower speeds when used with appropriate adapters. The EEPROM content follows SFF-8636, enabling robust host-side management via I²C. For third-party platforms, compatibility depends on host system adherence to QSFP56 MSA and InfiniBand HDR specifications.
| Absolute Maximum Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage (Vcc) | -0.3V to 3.6V |
| Data Input Voltage | -0.3V to 3.6V |
| Control Input Voltage | -0.3V to 3.6V |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Operational Specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| Supply Voltage (Vcc) | 3.135V – 3.465V (Typ. 3.3V) | |
| Power Consumption | ≤ 0.1W (passive design) | |
| Operating Case Temperature | 0°C to 70°C | |
| Operating Relative Humidity | 5% to 85% (non-condensing) | |
| Electrical & Mechanical | ||
|---|---|---|
| Characteristic Impedance | 100Ω ±10% (90~110Ω) | |
| Propagation Delay | ≤ 4.5 ns/m (informative) | |
| Wire Gauge (H002R26) | 26 AWG | |
| Outer Diameter | 6.8 ± 0.3 mm | |
| Minimum Bend Radius (Single) | 34 mm (5x OD far from connector) | |
| Minimum Bend Radius (Assembly / Repeated) | 10x outer diameter (approx. 68mm) | |
| Jacket Material | LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) | |
| Part Number | Length | AWG | Cable OD | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCP7H50-H001R30 | 1 m | 30 AWG | 5.2 ± 0.3 mm | 200G HDR to 2x100G HDR100, QSFP56 to 2xQSFP56, LSZH, rainbow pulltab |
| MCP7H50-H01AR30 | 1.5 m | 30 AWG | 5.2 ± 0.3 mm | 200G HDR to 2x100G HDR100 breakout, passive hybrid |
| MCP7H50-H002R26 | 2 m | 26 AWG | 6.8 ± 0.3 mm | Recommended for 2-meter reach, heavier gauge for signal integrity |
Note: Other lengths may be available upon request. Please confirm custom lengths with sales team.
Each Mellanox LinkX DAC cable comes with a 1-year limited hardware warranty covering parts repair or replacement. Global technical support is available through authorized distributors and the NVIDIA Networking support portal. For volume deployments, dedicated FAE resources and compatibility validation services are provided. Custom labeling, pulltab color options, and length modifications can be arranged for qualified OEM/ODM projects.
Q1: Is this cable compatible with Ethernet 200GbE to 2x100GbE breakout?
A: The cable is optimized for InfiniBand HDR/HDR100. It meets the electrical characteristics of QSFP56; however, system-level compatibility for Ethernet depends on the host's support for breakout modes. For 200GbE to 2x100GbE, please verify with your NIC/switch datasheet.
Q2: What is the maximum recommended distance for passive operation?
A: Based on this series, up to 2 meters with 26AWG version. For longer distances, active optical cables (AOC) or optical modules are recommended.
Q3: Can I use this cable with FDR (56Gb/s) or EDR (100Gb/s) InfiniBand?
A: Yes, it is backward compatible: when used with lower-speed gear, the cable will operate at the negotiated speed. However, the full HDR100/HDR bandwidth requires HDR-capable ports on both ends.
Q4: Does it support hot-plug?
A: Yes, the QSFP56 connectors are hot-pluggable and the EEPROM is recognized without system reboot.
Q5: What is the pulltab color?
A: The 'R' in part number indicates rainbow pulltab for easy identification in high-density racks. Custom colors may be possible for large orders.
Hong Kong Starsurge Group Co., Limited is a technology-driven provider of network hardware, IT services, and system integration solutions. Founded in 2008, the company serves customers worldwide with products including network switches, NICs, wireless access points, controllers, cables, and related networking equipment. Backed by an experienced sales and technical team, Starsurge supports industries such as government, healthcare, manufacturing, education, finance, and enterprise. The company also offers IoT solutions, network management systems, custom software development, multilingual support, and global delivery. With a customer-first approach, Starsurge focuses on reliable quality, responsive service, and tailored solutions that help clients build efficient, scalable, and dependable network infrastructure.
| Vendor / Device Family | Compatibility Status | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Mellanox Quantum™ HDR Switch Series | ✔ Certified | Full HDR speed, breakout mode supported |
| Mellanox ConnectX-6 HDR / HDR100 Adapters | ✔ Certified | Auto-negotiation, EEPROM read verified |
| Third-party IB switches (compliant with IBTA) | ⚠ Conditionally compatible | Requires QSFP56 port supporting HDR100 breakout |
| Ethernet 200G switches with breakout capability | ◌ Not officially tested | May work with appropriate firmware; contact support |