MCP1600-E003E26 100Gb/s QSFP28 Direct Attach Copper Cable

1. Product Overview

The Mellanox MCP1600-E003E26 is a high-bandwidth passive Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cable solution designed for 100Gb/s EDR InfiniBand and Ethernet applications. This 3-meter passive fiber cable delivers a reliable, power-efficient connectivity option for short-range data center links. Engineered with superior signal integrity and durability, it provides an optimal balance of performance and cost-effectiveness for high-density network deployments.

2. Key Characteristics

• Supports data rates up to 100Gb/s (4×25Gb/s lanes)
• Ultra-low power consumption: <0.1W
• Hot-swappable QSFP28 form factor
• Compliant with SFF-8685, SFF-8636, and RoHS standards
• LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jacket for improved safety
• Lead-free and halogen-free PCB construction
• 26AWG thickness for optimal signal integrity over 3m distance

3. Technology & Standards

This high-performance passive fiber cable adheres to multiple industry standards including SFF-8685 for mechanical specifications and SFF-8636 for I²C management interface. It supports both InfiniBand EDR and Ethernet protocols, ensuring broad compatibility with Mellanox switches and adapters as well as third-party hardware. The cable incorporates four shielded twinaxial copper pairs, each capable of 25 Gb/s data transmission.

4. Working Principle

The MCP1600-E003E26 functions as a passive electrical interconnect between QSFP28 ports, transmitting signals directly through copper conductors without requiring signal retiming or amplification. The integrated EEPROM stores essential product information, accessible via the host system's I²C interface, enabling plug-and-play functionality and automatic system recognition.

5. Applications

Ideal for modern data centers, high-performance computing (HPC) clusters, and enterprise network environments. Commonly deployed for:

• Top-of-rack (ToR) to server connections
• Switch-to-switch interconnects
• Storage area networks (SANs) and network-attached storage
• High-frequency trading infrastructure
• AI and machine learning clusters

6. Specifications

7. Advantages

• Significantly lower latency and power consumption compared to active optical cables
• Superior durability with optimized bend radius performance
• Excellent signal integrity with BER better than 1E-15
• Cost-effective solution for short-reach applications up to 3 meters
• Rigorous production testing ensures reliable out-of-box performance

8. Service & Support

All Mellanox passive copper cable products include a 1-year limited hardware warranty. We offer global shipping with typically 3-5 day delivery, 24/7 technical support, and flexible OEM/ODM services. Volume pricing available for large deployments and enterprise contracts.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the MCP1600-E003E26 compatible with 100GbE Ethernet switches?
A: Yes, this passive fiber cable is compatible with 100GbE and InfiniBand EDR switches supporting QSFP28 ports.

Q: What is the maximum effective distance for this DAC cable?
A: This passive direct attach cable is optimized for reliable performance at distances up to 3 meters.

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

Q: Can I use this cable for non-Mellanox equipment?
A: While optimized for Mellanox systems, this passive copper cable is generally compatible with other vendors' QSFP28 ports, though we recommend verifying compatibility specifications.

10. Precautions

• Do not exceed the minimum bend radius of 10x cable diameter near connectors
• Ensure operating temperature (0°C to 70°C) and humidity (5% to 85%) remain within specified ranges
• Verify compatibility with host hardware specifications before installation
• Avoid sharp bends or twists during installation to prevent internal damage
• Use proper ESD precautions when handling

11. Company Introduction

With over ten years of industry expertise, we maintain extensive manufacturing capabilities and a robust technical support team. As an authorized distributor for leading networking brands including Mellanox, Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme Networks, we stock over 10 million units of network infrastructure products including switches, adapters, wireless access points, controllers, and connectivity solutions. Our global supply chain enables competitive pricing, reliable inventory availability, and comprehensive 24/7 customer and technical support services, establishing our strong reputation in international markets.