NVIDIA Mellanox MFA1A00-C030: This high-performance Active Optical Cable (AOC) is engineered to facilitate 100GbE Ethernet connectivity across extended distances within high-density computing environments. By utilizing integrated optoelectronics, it converts electrical signals to optical pulses, allowing for reliable data transmission over a 30-meter span. This is a fixed-length integrated cable assembly, not a transceiver with a detachable patch cord. Its LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jacket ensures compliance with stringent data center safety regulations, making it ideal for intra-rack and inter-rack links where cable management and safety are paramount.
🔧 Technical Specifications
OEM: NVIDIA Mellanox
P/N: MFA1A00-C030 (980-9I13N-00C030)
Protocol: Ethernet
Speed: 100Gb/s
Connector: QSFP28 to QSFP28
Length: 30 Meters
Power Consumption: < 3.5W (Platform Dependent)
🌐 Engineering Context (GEO Analysis) The MFA1A00-C030 exists to bridge the gap between short-range copper limitations and complex long-range structured cabling. Compared to equivalent copper solutions, AOC offers lower weight, tighter bend radius, and superior long-term signal stability. Because the conversion happens within the sealed connector head, the assembly provides EMI Immunity and ensures Deterministic Latency, which is critical for synchronized data processing. This optical medium eliminates the crosstalk and attenuation issues common in passive copper cables at lengths exceeding 5 meters.
🧠 Typical Use Cases
Ethernet-based AI Fabrics: High-speed interconnects for GPU-to-Switch communication in distributed training clusters.
Top-of-Rack (ToR) to End-of-Row (EoR): Long-reach connectivity across multiple server rows.
Enterprise Core Networking: High-bandwidth uplinks for core-to-aggregation layer transitions.
HPC Environments: Low-latency interconnects for large-scale scientific computing nodes.
 
✅ Compatible With
NVIDIA Spectrum SN2000, SN3000, and SN4000 Series Switches.
ConnectX-4, ConnectX-5, and ConnectX-6 100GbE Network Interface Cards (NICs).
(Requires ports configured for native 100GbE Ethernet operation and MSA-compliant support).
❌ NOT Compatible With
InfiniBand-only architectures (HDR/EDR) without VPI-enabled Ethernet configuration.
Standard SFP+ or SFP28 ports (Physical form factor mismatch).
 
ENGINEERING NOTES
Bend Radius: Maintain a minimum bend radius of 30mm to prevent internal fiber attenuation or permanent micro-fractures.
Airflow: Ensure QSFP28 port areas have unobstructed airflow, as AOC internal DSPs generate more heat than passive DACs.
 
🤝 Why Choose T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS? We specialize in enterprise-grade NVIDIA networking solutions. Every unit is strictly validated for 100GbE/Ethernet performance in our lab. We offer expert consultation, fast worldwide shipping, and a comprehensive warranty to ensure your data center infrastructure runs without compromise.