NVIDIA Mellanox MCP1600-C01A 100GbE QSFP28 Passive Copper DAC, 1.5m: This is a 1.5-meter passive copper direct-attach cable (DAC) with QSFP28 connectors on both ends, rated for 100Gb/s Ethernet (100GbE, 4×25Gb/s NRZ). The cable is a fixed-length factory-terminated assembly with no active electronics or optics. This is NOT an active copper cable, NOT a fiber AOC, and NOT a transceiver pair. This is a new unit.
Engineering Context
Passive QSFP28 DACs at 1.5m carry the 4×25Gb/s NRZ lanes over twinaxial copper pairs without any embedded signal-conditioning electronics, so they impose near-zero forwarding latency relative to active copper or AOC alternatives. The MCP1600-C01A sits at the short-reach end of the QSFP28 100GbE copper range, well within the typical passive limit at 30AWG. Power draw is negligible since the cable contains no powered components, and the cable is fully transparent to host-side equalization. The integrated EEPROM identifies the cable to the switch and NIC for inventory and link-bring-up checks.
Deployment & Use Cases
In-rack 100GbE links between Top-of-Rack switches and adjacent server NICs. Spectrum SN2000/SN3000/SN4000 leaf-to-server fanouts in compute racks. NVMe-oF and Ceph storage targets to in-row 100GbE switches. AI training pods with ConnectX-5/ConnectX-6 Dx Ethernet adapters where a low-latency intra-rack fabric is required.
Technical Specifications
OEM: NVIDIA Mellanox
Part Number: MCP1600-C01A
Form Factor: QSFP28 to QSFP28 (Point-to-Point)
Cable Type: Passive Copper DAC
Data Rate: 100GbE (4×25Gb/s NRZ)
Length: 1.5m
Protocol: 100GbE Ethernet
Power Draw: Passive — no powered components
Condition: New — Tested by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
Compatibility & Hard Constraints
Compatible with NVIDIA Spectrum SN2000/SN3000/SN4000 series Ethernet switches and ConnectX-4, ConnectX-5, ConnectX-6 Dx EN adapters configured for 100GbE QSFP28. Requires the host port to be configured for 100GbE Ethernet — this is an Ethernet-rated assembly. Not compatible with InfiniBand EDR/HDR speeds (different signaling profiles unless the platform supports VPI mode reconfiguration). Not compatible with QSFP+ 40GbE ports. This is a direct 1:1 QSFP28 cable; does not break out to 4×25GbE or 4×10GbE. Fixed 1.5m length; cannot be re-terminated.
Why Choose T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS tests every passive DAC for continuity, connector latch integrity, and EEPROM identity before shipment. We provide expert consultation on 100GbE Spectrum fabric design, global shipping, and comprehensive warranty. Handling time is 1–3 business days.