When DAC is the starting point
DAC is commonly considered for short, direct equipment links where low power and a simple fixed assembly are useful. Supported length, bend requirements, port behavior, and platform recognition still depend on the complete configuration.
Information needed for quotation
| Area | Buyer input |
|---|---|
| Endpoints | Both devices, port form factors, and any coding requirement |
| Link | Data rate, breakout arrangement, cable length, and routing |
| Commercial | Quantity, target delivery, and acceptable alternatives |
| Acceptance | Exact reference or the compatibility evidence required |
DAC, AEC, or AOC?
Start with DAC when the required reach and routing allow a passive copper assembly. Consider AEC when active signal conditioning is specified, or AOC when an active optical assembly better fits the link. The final choice must be checked against both endpoints.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Documented connector / link example | NVIDIA MCP1600-E0xxEyy: passive QSFP28 copper for up to 100 Gb/s InfiniBand EDR. | Named-series example only. Confirm the protocol and both host ports; connector shape alone is insufficient. |
| Standard length and wire gauge | Ordering variants: 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 m at 30 AWG; 2.5, 3, 4 and 5 m at 26 AWG. | Discrete MCP1600 variants, not a universal reach claim or an offer to cut a finished cable. |
| Operating case temperature | 0 to 70 °C for this series. | Case temperature is not room ambient temperature. Confirm airflow and the exact revision. |
| Jacket and management | LSZH jacket; SFF-8636 I²C management interface for the documented series. | LSZH describes a material. Request project fire-test documents and confirm host recognition separately. |
| Cable diameter example | MCP1600-E02AE26 (2.5 m): 9.4 ± 0.4 mm. | Do not reuse this diameter for 30 AWG or other suppliers. Check the complete drawing for tight clearances. |
| Bend radius example | The 26 AWG entry: 47 mm single bend; 94 mm assembly/repeated bend. | Keep these conditions distinct. Verify connector exit clearance and the real cable path. |
| Storage temperature | −40 to +85 °C for the documented series. | Storage limits do not authorize operation outside the operating case-temperature range. |
Standard configurations and project options
| Configuration area | Documented option | Project decision |
|---|---|---|
| Length selection | Choose a documented fixed-length ordering variant. | Provide route length, slack allowance and both endpoint locations; verify the chosen variant fits. |
| Connector arrangement | MCP1600 is a QSFP28 assembly; QSFP28-to-four-SFP28 breakout belongs to a different series. | For split links, review Breakout Cables and confirm the parent port breakout mode. |
| Identification and acceptance | Part number, revision, serial number and date code are defined identification fields. | Request readable labels and matching lot records. These fields alone do not establish authenticity or supplier relationships. |
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 MCP1600-E00AE30 | 0.5 m; 30 AWG; QSFP28; passive copper; InfiniBand EDR up to 100 Gb/s. | Historical ordering example: confirm current availability, revision and platform support. The Family photo shows a separate representative assembly. |
| NVIDIA MCP1600-E001E30 | 1 m; 30 AWG; QSFP28; passive copper; InfiniBand EDR up to 100 Gb/s. | Historical ordering example: confirm current availability, revision and platform support. The Family photo shows a separate representative assembly. |
| NVIDIA MCP1600-E02AE26 | 2.5 m; 26 AWG; QSFP28; passive copper; InfiniBand EDR up to 100 Gb/s. | Historical ordering example: confirm current availability, revision and platform support. The Family photo shows a separate representative assembly. |
Applications and procurement context
- Consider this documented passive assembly for short InfiniBand EDR connections after checking host recognition, route length and installation constraints.
Compatibility, current supply, lead time, origin, and acceptance documents must be confirmed for the actual order.
