What an AEC request needs
An active electrical cable uses electronics in the assembly to support a defined link. The label alone does not establish reach or platform compatibility.
Configuration dimensions
| Dimension | Information to provide |
|---|---|
| Endpoints | Both devices, port types, and software or coding context |
| Link | Required data rate, breakout arrangement if any, and length |
| Deployment | Routing, airflow, power constraints, and quantity |
| Acceptance | Exact reference or the compatibility evidence required |
Before accepting an alternative
Confirm electrical interface, port behavior, supported length, power, thermal conditions, and platform recognition. A matching connector is not sufficient evidence.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 400G straight configuration | Credo 400G CLOS DD-to-DD lists QSFP-DD on both ends and an 8:8 configuration. | Retain endpoint and lane requirements; a matching headline rate alone is not a compatibility decision. |
| Length is configuration-specific | The 400G CLOS DD-to-DD row lists 1–3 m; 400G SPAN DD-to-DD lists 3.5–7 m. | These are separate supplier configurations. Do not extend the CLOS length or apply the SPAN reach to every AEC. |
| 800G split configuration | The OSFP-to-two-QSFP112 SHIFT configuration lists 1–7 m and two 4×112G host endpoints. | Requires the corresponding host port and breakout configuration. This does not promise arbitrary 800G-to-400G interoperability. |
| Electrical supply | 3.3 V is listed for the three selected configurations. | Supply voltage is not power consumption. Maximum per-end power and thermal requirements need the exact ordered cable datasheet. |
| Operating temperature | 0–70 °C appears in the selected product rows. | The overview table does not resolve case versus ambient measurement or all cooling conditions. Confirm the exact ordering specification. |
Standard configurations and project options
| Configuration area | Documented option | Project decision |
|---|---|---|
| Straight versus breakout | Select equal endpoint configurations or the documented one-to-two host arrangement. | Port breakout mode, firmware and lane mapping are required inputs; physical connector adapters alone are insufficient. |
| Length and ordered construction | Choose a supported length from the exact CLOS, SPAN or SHIFT configuration. | Request the complete order code, wire gauge, diameter, bend radius and drawing. The overview does not establish these mechanical values. |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Credo 400G CLOS: DD to DD | QSFP-DD to QSFP-DD; 1–3 m; 3.3 V; listed operating range 0–70 °C. | Published supplier configuration name, not a complete orderable MPN. Confirm current ordering code and qualified endpoint configuration. |
| Credo 400G SPAN: DD to DD | QSFP-DD to QSFP-DD; 3.5–7 m; 3.3 V; listed operating range 0–70 °C. | Published supplier configuration name, not a complete orderable MPN. Confirm current ordering code and qualified endpoint configuration. |
| Credo 800G SHIFT: OSFP to 2×QSFP112 | One OSFP to two QSFP112 ends; 1–7 m; 3.3 V; listed operating range 0–70 °C. | Published supplier configuration name, not a complete orderable MPN. Confirm current ordering code and qualified endpoint configuration. |
Applications and procurement context
- Evaluate a straight AEC for a defined host-to-switch connection, or a SHIFT configuration for a supported breakout layout. State endpoints, firmware, lane mode, routed length and power limits before selecting the ordered assembly.
Compatibility, current supply, lead time, origin, and acceptance documents must be confirmed for the actual order.
