NVIDIA MFS1S00-H005V 5m QSFP56 200Gb/s Active Optical Cable for InfiniBand HDR & 200GbE | High-Speed AOC

Product Model: MFS1S00-H005V | Core Keywords: active optical cable, AOC, QSFP56 cable, 200Gb/s InfiniBand, 200GbE cable

The NVIDIA MFS1S00-H005V is a premium 5-meter Active Optical Cable (AOC) designed for high-performance data center interconnects. This cable integrates QSFP56 electrical interfaces on both ends with embedded VCSEL-based optical transceivers, eliminating the need for separate pluggable optics. It is engineered to support 200Gb/s data rates using InfiniBand HDR (High Data Rate) and 200 Gigabit Ethernet protocols. This solution is particularly valuable for connecting switches like the NVIDIA SN3700 and SN4600, or for linking servers equipped with modern network interface cards (NIC cards) across distances where passive cables fall short.

This AOC is built upon a foundation of industry-standard technologies to ensure interoperability, reliability, and high performance.

• Optical Engine: VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) based multimode transceivers.
• Electrical Interface: Fully compliant with QSFP56 MSA (SFF-8665) and management interface (SFF-8636).
• Data Encoding: PAM4 modulation for high spectral efficiency, supporting data rates up to 53.125 Gbd per lane.
• Management & Diagnostics: Comprehensive SFF-8636 compliant I2C interface for DDM, control, and status monitoring.
• Compliance: Adheres to InfiniBand Trade Association (IBTA) HDR specifications, RoHS, and carries major safety/EMC certifications (CE, FCC, CB).

The MFS1S00-H005V operates as a fully integrated electro-optical conversion system. On the electrical side, the host system (switch or network card) sends four lanes of high-speed electrical signals into the QSFP56 connector of the AOC. Inside the cable's module, these signals are conditioned (retimed, equalized) and then drive four VCSEL lasers, converting them into optical signals. These optical signals travel through the four embedded multimode fibers over the 5-meter distance. At the receiving end, another integrated module containing photodetectors converts the optical signals back into electrical signals, which are again conditioned and retimed before being presented to the receiving host. This all-in-one active design handles signal integrity challenges internally, making it a robust and simple "plug-and-play" AOC solution compared to passive cable assemblies that rely entirely on host transceivers.

• High-Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters: Low-latency interconnects for InfiniBand HDR fabrics connecting compute and storage nodes.
• AI/ML Infrastructure: High-bandwidth links between GPU servers and leaf/spine switches in machine learning training clusters.
• Data Center Switch Interconnects: Connecting NVIDIA SN3700, SN4600, or other compatible switches at 200GbE.
• Server-to-Switch Connectivity: Ideal for connecting servers with high-speed network interface cards (like ConnectX-6 or ConnectX-7 in 200G mode) to top-of-rack switches.
• Extended Reach Deployments: Replacing passive copper DACs in scenarios requiring distances beyond 3-4 meters with superior signal integrity.

Other Available Lengths: 3m (H003V), 10m (H010V), 15m (H015V), 20m (H020V), 30m (H030V), 50m (H050V), 100m (H100V).

• Superior Reach vs. Passive DACs: This active optical cable reliably achieves distances of 5 meters and beyond with excellent signal integrity, where passive copper Direct Attach Cables (DACs) often face significant performance limitations.
• Integrated Solution for Simplicity: Combines transceivers and cable into one unit, reducing points of failure, simplifying procurement, and eliminating compatibility concerns between separate optics and fiber cables.
• Power and Thermal Efficiency: At approximately 5W per end, it offers a power-conscious solution for high-speed links, helping manage data center power budgets.
• Robust Diagnostics: The comprehensive DDM capabilities provide proactive monitoring and troubleshooting tools not available with basic passive cables, enhancing network reliability and easing maintenance for infrastructure using high-value network cards.

We provide a full spectrum of services to support your high-speed interconnect deployment.

• Warranty: Backed by NVIDIA's standard product warranty for quality assurance.
• Inventory & Delivery: The MFS1S00-H005V is available from our substantial multi-million dollar inventory for fast order fulfillment and shipment.
• Technical Consultation: Our expert team provides guidance on system compatibility, deployment best practices, and integration with switches and NIC cards.
• Post-Sales Support: 24/7 customer service and technical support to assist with any installation or operational queries.
• Global Logistics: We ensure accurate and timely delivery to customers worldwide, leveraging over a decade of logistics expertise.

Q1: What is the difference between this AOC and a passive DAC or a fiber cable with separate transceivers?
A: An AOC like the MFS1S00-H005V has the optical transceivers permanently built into the cable ends, creating a single, plug-and-play unit. A passive DAC is purely copper with limited reach. A fiber cable with separate transceivers requires you to buy and manage three separate components (two transceivers + one cable). The AOC simplifies deployment and guarantees performance.

Q2: Is this cable compatible with 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GbE) ports?
A: It is primarily designed for 200Gb/s. However, using the Rate Select feature via the management interface, it may be configured for lower-speed operation compatible with some 100GbE (using NRZ encoding) systems. Compatibility must be verified with the specific switch or network interface card.

Q3: What kind of diagnostics information can I read from this cable?
A: Via the I2C (SFF-8636) interface, you can monitor real-time parameters including: temperature, supply voltage, TX bias current, TX output power, and RX input power for all four lanes. Alarm and warning thresholds are also implemented.

Q4: What is the minimum bend radius for the cable?
A: The minimum bend radius anywhere along the cable is 30 mm (approximately 1.2 inches). Bending it tighter can damage the internal fibers and degrade performance.

Q5: Does the "V" in the part number (H005V) signify anything specific?
A: The "V" in the part number typically indicates VPI (Virtual Protocol Interconnect) support, meaning the cable is capable of supporting both InfiniBand and Ethernet protocols, which aligns with its 200Gb/s HDR and 200GbE capabilities.

• ESD Protection: Although the cable assembly is robust, always follow standard ESD precautions (wrist straps, grounded workstations) when handling and installing the cable into switch or nic card cages.
• Hot-Plugging: The cable is designed to be hot-pluggable. However, always consult your system documentation for specific hot-plug guidelines to avoid any unexpected issues.
• Physical Handling: Avoid sharp bends, kinks, crushing, or excessive tensile force on the cable. Do not pinch the cable near the connectors. Use the pull-tab for insertion/removal, not the cable itself.
• Environmental Limits: Operate within the specified temperature (0°C to 70°C) and humidity (5% to 85% non-condensing) ranges. Do not expose to liquids.
• Cleaning: Keep the QSFP56 electrical connectors clean and free of debris. Use compressed air if necessary. Do not use liquids or abrasives on the connectors.