Product Overview

The NVIDIA MFA1A00-C050 is a QSFP28 VCSEL-based active optical cable (AOC) designed for 100Gb/s Ethernet systems. It integrates four multimode fiber transceivers per end, each operating up to 26Gb/s, delivering a total bandwidth of 100Gb/s. The cable offers selectable retiming per lane, programmable input equalization, and output pre-emphasis to ensure signal integrity across distances up to 100 meters. This 50-meter variant is ideal for middle-of-row (MoR) and end-of-row (EoR) architectures, as well as cross-connect applications within large data centers.

Compared to passive copper cables, the MFA1A00 series provides longer reach, lower weight, better airflow, and improved EMI immunity. The hot-pluggable QSFP28 form factor allows easy installation and replacement without system downtime.

Key Features

Technology: VCSEL & Retiming Architecture

The MFA1A00-C050 leverages Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) technology paired with multimode fiber (MMF) to achieve reliable 100Gb/s transmission over 50 meters. Each of the four optical lanes operates at 25.78Gb/s (100GbE Ethernet rate) and supports selectable retiming. When retiming is enabled, the internal Clock and Data Recovery (CDR) circuits clean the signal and reduce jitter, making the cable suitable for longer links and high-density backplanes. Programmable Tx input equalization compensates for host board losses, while programmable Rx output amplitude and pre-emphasis adjust to the receiving SerDes. This adaptive architecture ensures interoperability with a wide range of switches and network interface cards (NICs).

Typical Deployments

• Middle-of-Row (MoR) and End-of-Row (EoR) switch to server connections
• Cross-aisle interconnects between adjacent racks
• Switch-to-switch connections within the same data hall
• High-performance computing (HPC) clusters requiring low-latency, high-bandwidth links over medium distances
• Data center spine-leaf architecture where EMI immunity is critical
• Enterprise core aggregation layers with 100GbE uplinks spanning longer distances

Compatibility

The MFA1A00-C050 is compatible with standard QSFP28 ports conforming to SFF-8665. It supports 100GbE switch platforms (NVIDIA Spectrum, Mellanox, as well as third-party switches from Cisco, Arista, Juniper) and 100GbE network interface cards (NVIDIA ConnectX series, Intel, Broadcom). For InfiniBand environments, use the EDR-optimized ordering codes (MFA1A00-Exxx). The cable also operates at lower bit rates without retiming, providing backward compatibility for 40GbE and 25GbE links.

Specifications

Absolute Maximum Ratings

Operational Specifications

Electrical & Cable Mechanical

Note: All specifications are based on NVIDIA documentation. Values not publicly specified are marked as "Please confirm before ordering".

Selection Guide – MFA1A00 Series

Advantages of NVIDIA Active Optical Cables

Service & Support

As a technology-driven provider, Hong Kong Starsurge Group Co., Limited offers full lifecycle support including pre-sales compatibility validation, custom length ordering (subject to MOQ), and after-sales RMA services. Our technical team can assist with firmware checks, retiming configuration, and integration into your existing network. Contact our support for documentation package (certifications, memory map application notes, and compliance reports).

Frequently Asked Questions

Precautions & Handling

• Class 1 laser product per IEC 60825-1/2 and 21 CFR 1040. Avoid direct exposure to laser aperture.
• Do not exceed minimum bend radius (30mm) to prevent fiber damage and optical loss.
• Ensure proper ESD handling during installation; use wrist strap or grounded equipment.
• Operate within specified case temperature range (0°C to 70°C).
• For cleaning, use dry lint-free cloth; do not use liquid solvents on optical connectors.