Mellanox MCP1600-E003E26 100Gb/s QSFP28 Direct Attach Copper Cable
1. Product Overview
The Mellanox MCP1600-E003E26 is a high-performance, 100Gb/s EDR InfiniBand Direct Attach Copper Cable designed for efficient, short-reach data center interconnects. This passive copper cable offers a cost-effective, low-power alternative to optical transceivers, delivering reliable 100Gbps bandwidth with minimal latency. It is ideal for high-performance computing, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise networking environments requiring high density and configurability.
2. Key Characteristics
- Supports data rates up to 100 Gbps over 4 channels
- Hot-pluggable QSFP28 form factor
- Low power consumption: < 0.1W
- RoHS compliant and Halogen-Free (LSZH jacket)
- 3-meter length with 26AWG wire gauge
- Bit Error Rate (BER) better than 10⁻¹⁵ with Mellanox systems
3. Technology & Standards Compliance
The cable complies with SFF-8685 and SFF-8636 standards, ensuring interoperability with QSFP28 ports. It uses a passive copper design with integrated EEPROM for identification and management via I²C interface.
4. Working Principle
The Direct Attach Copper Cable operates as a passive electrical link between two QSFP28 ports. It uses four differential copper pairs, each capable of 25 Gbps, to achieve an aggregate bandwidth of 100 Gbps. The embedded EEPROM stores vital product information accessible by the host system for seamless integration.
5. Applications
- Data center spine-leaf architectures
- High-performance computing (HPC) clusters
- Cloud and enterprise storage networks
- AI and machine learning infrastructure
- Financial and trading network systems
6. Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Model | MCP1600-E003E26 |
| Data Rate | 100 Gbps |
| Interface | QSFP28 |
| Length | 3 m |
| Cable Gauge | 26 AWG |
| Power Consumption | < 0.1 W |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 70°C |
7. Advantages
- Lower latency and power consumption compared to active optical cables
- Superior signal integrity with rigorous testing and quality control
- Wide compatibility with Mellanox EDR InfiniBand systems
- Durable construction with flexible bend radius for easy installation
8. Service & Support
All Mellanox Direct Attach Copper Cables come with a 1-year limited warranty covering repair or replacement. We offer 24/7 technical support and global logistics with same-day shipping options for bulk orders.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this cable compatible with non-Mellanox switches?
A: While optimized for Mellanox systems, it is standards-based and should work with other QSFP28 ports, though performance is guaranteed only with Mellanox.
Q: What is the maximum distance supported?
A: This passive copper cable is designed for short reaches up to 5 meters. For longer distances, consider active optical solutions.
Q: Is the cable hot-pluggable?
A: Yes, the QSFP28 form factor supports hot-plug functionality.
10. Precautions
- Do not exceed bend radius: 94mm for repetitive bends, 47mm for single bends
- Ensure operating temperature and humidity are within specified ranges
- Verify host system compatibility before deployment
- Avoid mechanical stress near connectors during installation
11. Company Introduction
With over a decade of industry experience, we operate a large-scale facility supported by a strong technical team. We serve a broad customer base with competitive pricing and high-quality service. Our portfolio includes leading brands such as Mellanox, Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme. We supply original new networking equipment including switches, NICs, wireless access points, controllers, and cables. Our inventory exceeds 10 million units, enabling us to support large-volume orders across diverse product types. We provide 24/7 customer service and technical support, backed by a professional sales and engineering team trusted worldwide.
