Mellanox MFA1A00-E030 100Gb/s QSFP28 Active Optical Cable – 30m MMF AOC for InfiniBand EDR & 100GbE

The Mellanox MFA1A00-E030 is a high-performance 100Gb/s QSFP28 Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF) active optical cable, delivering 30 meters of reliable connectivity for data centers and high-performance computing clusters. Part of the Mellanox LinkX series, this 30-meter AOC is specifically designed for InfiniBand EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) and 100 Gigabit Ethernet environments where longer reach than passive DAC is essential. Compared to copper DACs, the MFA1A00-E030 enables extended distances (30m), tighter bend radii, superior airflow, and weighs significantly less, while consuming only 2.2W typical per end (with retiming enabled). Built with VCSEL arrays and integrated retiming circuitry, it provides bit error rates better than 1E-15, predictable latency, and robust signal integrity. Fully compliant with SFF-8665 and SFF-8636 management interface, the cable is hot pluggable and easy to deploy in dense switch fabrics.

The MFA1A00-E030 employs VCSEL-based active optics with four multi-mode fiber strands per end, each lane operating up to 26Gb/s to achieve an aggregate bandwidth of 100Gb/s. Integrated programmable input equalizers and output pre-emphasis allow fine-tuning to compensate for host PCB variations and improve link margin. Retiming can be selectively enabled per lane, reducing jitter at 25G rates while maintaining backward compatibility with lower speeds without retiming. The LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jacket enhances fire safety and is ideal for densely populated data center environments. All active electronics are sealed inside the QSFP28 connector housings, requiring only standard 3.3V power from the port. This design delivers superior reach and signal integrity compared to passive DACs, which are typically limited to 5-7 meters at 100G.

• High Performance Computing (HPC) clusters using InfiniBand EDR fabrics (30m cross-aisle links)
• 100GbE data center spine-leaf architectures between top-of-rack and middle-of-row switches
• Storage networks connecting NVMe-oF storage arrays across multiple racks
• Government, research, and university data centers requiring long 100G links without optical transceivers
• Switch-to-server connections beyond 10 meters, up to 30 meters
• Media & entertainment facilities with high-bandwidth video workflows over distance

The MFA1A00-E030 is compatible with any standard QSFP28 port conforming to SFF-8665. It is natively supported in Mellanox (NVIDIA) InfiniBand switches and adapters (EDR generation) and works with most third-party 100GbE switches that support AOCs with retiming. Verified compatible platforms include:

• NVIDIA Mellanox Quantum™ series switches (e.g., QM8700, QM8790)
• NVIDIA Mellanox ConnectX®-4/5/6 InfiniBand and Ethernet adapters
• Industry-standard 100G QSFP28 switches: Arista 7060/7280, Cisco Nexus 9300, Juniper QFX5100/5200
• Servers with QSFP28 network interface cards from Broadcom, Intel, or others (retiming may need verification)

Absolute maximum ratings: Vcc -0.3 to 3.6V; data input voltage -0.3 to 3.465V; damage threshold 3.4dBm (optical).

• Extended reach: 30 meters vs 5-7 meters for passive DAC at 100G, enabling cross-rack connections.
• Superior cable management: Thinner, lighter, and more flexible; supports tighter bend radii without performance degradation.
• Improved airflow: Reduced obstruction in high-density switch chassis and cable trays.
• Lower power than active copper: Only 2.2W per end (retimed) – energy efficient for large-scale deployments.
• Integrated signal conditioning: Programmable EQ and pre-emphasis overcome host variations and PCB losses.
• EMI immunity: Fiber medium eliminates electrical interference, ideal for sensitive environments.
• Hot pluggable & rugged: No configuration required; robust pull-tab design.

As a trusted technology-driven provider of network hardware, Hong Kong Starsurge Group offers comprehensive support for Mellanox active optical cables. Our services include:

• Global delivery with competitive lead times (stock availability upon request)
• Pre-sales technical validation: compatibility checks with your switch/server models
• Custom length inquiries for special projects (subject to MOQ)
• 1-year limited hardware warranty (manufacturer coverage for repair or replacement)
• RMA support and troubleshooting assistance
• Multilingual sales engineering team (English, Chinese, and others)

• Do not exceed maximum supply voltage (3.6V) to avoid permanent damage to internal optics.
• Avoid tight bends below the minimum bend radius of the fiber (typically 30mm dynamic, 15mm static).
• Keep dust caps on connectors until installation; contamination can cause signal degradation.
• Operate within case temperature range 0-70°C for specified performance and reliability.
• Use proper ESD precautions when handling QSFP28 connectors; static discharge can damage sensitive components.
• Do not pull or strain the cable by the connectors; use the pull tab for disconnection.

Founded in 2008, Hong Kong Starsurge Group Co., Limited is a technology-driven provider of network hardware, IT services, and system integration solutions. Serving customers worldwide, Starsurge supports industries including government, healthcare, manufacturing, education, finance, and enterprise. The company delivers network switches, NICs, wireless access points, controllers, cables, and active optical cables from leading brands. With a customer-first approach, Starsurge focuses on reliable quality, responsive service, multilingual support, and global delivery capabilities. As a trusted partner for Mellanox (NVIDIA) networking solutions, Starsurge combines technical expertise with supply chain excellence to help clients build efficient, scalable, and dependable network infrastructure.