NVIDIA Mellanox MCP1600-C02C 100GbE QSFP28 Passive Copper Direct-Attach Cable, 2.25m, 26AWG: This is a fixed-length passive copper twinax assembly with QSFP28 connectors on both ends, rated for 100Gb/s Ethernet (100GbE) point-to-point links. The cable has no active optics and draws no power from the host port. This is a refurbished unit.
Engineering Context
The MCP1600-C02C uses 4 lanes of 25Gb/s NRZ over a 26AWG twinax bundle to carry 100GbE between QSFP28 cages. Passive DACs at this length and gauge are the most cost-effective and lowest-latency choice for in-rack and adjacent-rack 100G interconnects, since they bypass the laser, retimer, and DSP found in active cables. Because the assembly is passive there is no per-port power draw and no thermal contribution to the cage. The 26AWG conductor diameter sets the practical reach for 100Gb/s NRZ; thicker gauges support longer runs at the cost of bend radius and tray weight.
Deployment & Use Cases
Top-of-Rack to server 100GbE uplinks within the same rack. Spine-leaf cross-connects between adjacent racks where reach allows. RoCE v2 fabrics for distributed databases, virtualization, and software-defined storage. RDMA-attached compute clusters where deterministic latency matters. Cost-sensitive 100GbE buildouts that prefer copper over AOC where the run length permits.
Technical Specifications
OEM: NVIDIA Mellanox
Part Number: MCP1600-C02C
Form Factor: QSFP28 to QSFP28 (Point-to-Point)
Data Rate: 100GbE (4×25Gb/s NRZ)
Cable Type: Passive Copper Direct-Attach (DAC, twinax)
Length: 2.25m
Wire Gauge: 26AWG
Power Draw: 0 W (passive, no host power required)
Protocol: 100GbE Ethernet
Condition: Refurbished — Tested by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
Compatibility & Constraints
Compatible with NVIDIA Spectrum series switches with QSFP28 cages and ConnectX-4, ConnectX-5, and ConnectX-6 Dx adapters configured for 100GbE. Requires QSFP28 cages on both ends; not compatible with SFP28 ports without an external breakout assembly. Reach is limited by the passive 26AWG construction; not suitable for runs that require longer than the cable's specified 2.25m. Fixed length — cannot be shortened or extended in the field. Bend radius and tray weight are higher than equivalent AOC at the same length; route accordingly.
Why Choose T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS tests every passive DAC for lane integrity, connector retention, and link training at 100GbE before shipment. Visit tes-itsolutions.com for the full Mellanox interconnect catalog. Handling time is 1–3 business days with global shipping and a comprehensive warranty.