NVIDIA VCSEL-based Active Fiber Cable

Overview

The NVIDIA MFS1S00-H030V is a 30-meter active optical cable designed to provide high-speed data transfer in demanding InfiniBand HDR environments. It uses QSFP56 connectors on both ends and supports a total bandwidth of 200Gb/s by combining four multi-mode fiber transceivers, each capable of 50Gb/s through PAM4 modulation. This cable is built with a VCSEL-based design to ensure efficient optical transmission and maintain signal integrity over extended distances, making it a strong choice for data centers and high-performance computing setups that require reliable, long-distance connections without compromising speed.

Key features

• Delivers 200Gb/s total data rate by aggregating four 50Gb/s lanes for high throughput.
• QSFP56 connectors compliant with the SFF-8665 standard ensure compatibility with modern InfiniBand systems.
• VCSEL-based active optical design supports multi-mode fiber for efficient and stable signal transmission.
• Selectable retiming on each lane optimizes signal quality and performance based on system requirements.
• Consumes a typical power of 5.0W per end while operating on a single 3.3V power supply, balancing efficiency and performance.
• Hot-pluggable design allows easy installation and replacement without system downtime, critical for maintaining uptime in data centers.
• I2C management interface compatible with SFF-8636 enables monitoring and control for better system integration and maintenance.

Key specs

• Length: 30 meters
• Data rate: 200Gb/s total (4 lanes at 50Gb/s each)
• Connector type: QSFP56, SFF-8665 compliant
• Fiber type: Multi-mode fiber
• Modulation: PAM4
• Power supply: Single 3.3V
• Power consumption: Typically 5.0W per end
• Management interface: I2C via SFF-8636

Connectivity and compatibility

This cable is designed to connect systems equipped with QSFP56 ports, commonly found in InfiniBand HDR environments. Its compliance with the SFF-8665 standard ensures broad compatibility with current networking equipment that supports 200Gb/s data rates. The multi-mode fiber and VCSEL technology provide stable optical transmission over the 30-meter length, making it suitable for interconnecting racks or equipment within data centers where longer reach is necessary without sacrificing speed.

Performance and reliability

The selectable retiming feature on each lane helps maintain signal integrity by adjusting timing to match the connected devices, which reduces errors and improves overall link quality. The cable’s VCSEL-based optical design supports efficient light transmission over multi-mode fiber, ensuring consistent performance across its full length. Its hot-pluggable capability allows for quick swaps or upgrades without interrupting system operation, which is essential in environments where uptime is a priority.

Ideal uses and environments

This active fiber cable fits well in data centers and high-performance computing clusters that demand high-bandwidth, low-latency connections over distances up to 30 meters. It is particularly suited for setups using InfiniBand HDR technology where maintaining fast and reliable interconnects between servers, switches, or storage arrays is critical. The cable’s power efficiency and management features also make it a practical choice for environments focused on operational monitoring and energy-conscious infrastructure.