NVIDIA Mellanox MC2206230-008 IB QDR 40Gb/s QSFP Active Copper Cable, 8m: This is an 8-meter active copper direct-attach cable (DAC) with QSFP connectors on both ends, rated for InfiniBand QDR (40Gb/s, 4×10Gb/s). The cable contains embedded signal-conditioning electronics that extend the reach of copper beyond the passive-DAC limit. This is NOT a passive DAC, NOT an optical AOC, and NOT a transceiver pair. This is a new unit.
Engineering Context
Active copper cables embed line-driver and equalization electronics in each connector head, extending usable QDR reach beyond what passive copper can support at the same gauge. The MC2206230-008 covers an 8-meter span — typically too long for passive QDR copper at thin gauges — while remaining lower-cost than a fiber AOC of equivalent length. The cable consumes power on both ends to operate the embedded ICs (typical active QDR copper is rated under 1W per end). It is a fixed-length factory-terminated assembly.
Deployment & Use Cases
Cross-rack QDR InfiniBand interconnects in HPC clusters where the span exceeds passive-DAC reach but does not warrant fiber. End-of-row to ToR linkage in legacy QDR fabrics. Lustre and GPFS storage backbones over 8-meter spans. ConnectX-2/ConnectX-3 InfiniBand testbeds and small-to-mid HPC pods.
Technical Specifications
OEM: NVIDIA Mellanox
Part Number: MC2206230-008
Form Factor: QSFP to QSFP (Point-to-Point)
Cable Type: Active Copper DAC
Data Rate: 40Gb/s (4×10Gb/s)
Length: 8m
Protocol: InfiniBand QDR
Power Draw: Active — powered signal-conditioning at each end
Condition: New — Tested by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
Compatibility & Hard Constraints
Compatible with NVIDIA Mellanox QDR-class switches (IS5000/SX6000-family at QDR rates) and ConnectX-2/ConnectX-3 InfiniBand HCAs. The host port must supply the small DC bias the cable's active electronics require — confirm against the platform's QSFP active-cable support list. Not compatible with FDR (56Gb/s), FDR10, EDR (100Gb/s), or HDR speeds — this cable is QDR-rated. Not compatible with QSFP28 100GbE links. Not a breakout cable; this is a 1:1 QSFP-to-QSFP assembly. Fixed 8m length.
Why Choose T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS tests every active DAC for link-up at QDR, BER margin, and EEPROM identity before shipment. We provide expert consultation on QDR InfiniBand fabric design and cable-length budgeting, global shipping, and comprehensive warranty. Handling time is 1–3 business days.