Mellanox MFA1A00-E020 100Gb/s QSFP28 Active Optical Cable – 20m MMF AOC for InfiniBand EDR & 100GbE

The Mellanox MFA1A00-E020 is a 100Gb/s QSFP28 Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF) active optical cable designed for high-performance data centers and HPC clusters. Part of Mellanox’s LinkX series, this 20-meter AOC provides reliable connectivity for InfiniBand EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) and 100GbE environments. Unlike passive DACs, the MFA1A00-E020 enables longer distances, tighter bend radii, and improved airflow while consuming only 2.2W typical per end (with retiming). Built with VCSEL arrays and integrated retiming, it delivers bit error rate better than 1E-15, ensuring predictable low latency and signal integrity. This cable is fully SFF-8665 compliant and supports hot pluggability for simplified deployment.

The MFA1A00-E020 employs VCSEL-based active optics with four multi-mode fiber strands per end. Each lane operates up to 26Gb/s, achieving aggregate 100Gb/s bandwidth. The cable integrates programmable input equalizers and output pre-emphasis, enabling fine-tuning for various host systems. Retiming can be enabled per lane to reduce jitter and ensure signal integrity at 25G rates, while the cable remains backward compatible with lower speeds without retiming. The LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jacket enhances safety in dense deployments. All active components are housed inside sealed QSFP28 connectors, requiring no external power beyond standard 3.3V supply. This technology outperforms passive DACs in distance and flexibility, essential for top-of-rack to end-of-row connectivity.

• High Performance Computing (HPC) clusters using InfiniBand EDR fabrics
• 100GbE data center spine-leaf architectures
• Storage networks connecting NVMe-oF or distributed file systems
• Government, research, and education networks requiring low-latency 100G links
• Switch-to-server connections beyond 5 meters (e.g., 20m between racks)
• Media & entertainment post-production with high-bandwidth workflows

The MFA1A00-E020 is compatible with any standard QSFP28 port conforming to SFF-8665. It is natively supported in Mellanox (NVIDIA) InfiniBand switches and adapters (EDR generation), as well as many third-party 100GbE switches with proper AOC firmware. Typical compatible platforms include:

• NVIDIA Mellanox Quantum™ / SB7800 series switches
• NVIDIA Mellanox ConnectX®-4/5/6 InfiniBand adapters
• Industry-standard 100G QSFP28 switches (Arista, Cisco, Juniper) – verify configuration
• Servers with QSFP28 network interface cards (100GbE)

Note: Power dissipation values per end. Absolute maximum ratings: Vcc -0.3 to 3.6V; data input voltage -0.3 to 3.465V.

• Longer reach: Up to 100m vs 5-7m for passive DAC at 100G.
• Better cable management: Thinner, lighter, and more flexible; tighter bend radii.
• Improved airflow: Reduced obstruction in high-density switches.
• Lower power than active copper: Only 2.2W per end (retimed) – energy efficient.
• Integrated signal conditioning: Programmable EQ and pre-emphasis for link robustness.
• EMI immunity: Fiber eliminates electrical interference.

As an authorized partner and technology-driven provider, Starsurge offers full pre-sales and after-sales support for Mellanox active optical cables. Our services include:

• Global delivery with competitive lead times
• Technical validation: compatibility checks, configuration assistance
• Custom length inquiries (subject to MOQ)
• 1-year limited hardware warranty (manufacturer coverage)
• RMA support and troubleshooting
• Multilingual sales engineering team

• Do not exceed maximum supply voltage (3.6V) to avoid permanent damage.
• Avoid tight bends below minimum bend radius of the fiber (typically 30mm dynamic).
• Handle connectors with care; dust caps should remain on until installation.
• Operate within case temperature 0-70°C for specified performance.
• Ensure proper ESD protection when handling QSFP28 connectors.

Founded in 2008, Hong Kong Starsurge Group Co., Limited is a technology-driven provider of network hardware, IT services, and system integration solutions. Serving government, healthcare, manufacturing, education, finance, and enterprise sectors worldwide, Starsurge delivers reliable networking equipment including switches, NICs, wireless access points, and active optical cables. With a customer-first approach, multilingual support, and global delivery capabilities, Starsurge ensures responsive service and tailored infrastructure solutions. As a trusted partner for leading brands like Mellanox, Starsurge combines technical expertise with supply chain excellence.