NVIDIA 100GBE 30AWG QSFP28 Passive Twinax Copper Cable

Overview

The NVIDIA MCP1600-E001E30 is a QSFP28 passive Twinax copper cable designed to deliver reliable 100Gb/s data transmission over a 1-meter length. It supports InfiniBand EDR and Ethernet systems by using four 25Gb/s lanes within 30AWG conductors, making it an efficient choice for short-distance, high-bandwidth connections in data centers and server racks.

This cable is ideal for linking top-of-rack switches to servers, creating spine-to-leaf network topologies, wiring storage arrays, or connecting GPU clusters where full bandwidth is essential but distances remain short. Its passive design requires no additional power and keeps complexity low, while the low smoke zero halogen jacket ensures safe routing in dense or enclosed environments.

Key features

• Passive QSFP28 to QSFP28 connection that simplifies installation and reduces power consumption
• Supports 100Gb/s total data rate through four 25Gb/s differential pairs for high-speed networking
• Built-in EEPROM provides automatic recognition of cable length and capabilities, easing inventory management and configuration
• Compliance with SFF-8665 mechanical and SFF-8636 management standards ensures compatibility and reliability
• Low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) jacket enhances safety when routing cables in enclosed racks or data halls
• 1-meter length optimized to maintain signal integrity and minimize insertion loss for critical network links

Key specs

• Data rate: 100Gb/s total (4 lanes at 25Gb/s each)
• Cable length: 1 meter
• Conductor gauge: 30AWG
• Connector type: QSFP28 to QSFP28
• Standards compliance: SFF-8665 (mechanical), SFF-8636 (management)
• Jacket type: Low smoke zero halogen (LSZH)
• Integrated EEPROM for system-level data reporting

Connectivity and compatibility

This cable is designed to connect devices equipped with QSFP28 ports, commonly found in high-performance switches, servers, and storage systems. Its adherence to SFF-8665 and SFF-8636 standards guarantees seamless integration with InfiniBand EDR and Ethernet networks operating at 100Gb/s speeds. The passive Twinax design suits environments where devices are within a short distance, typically inside racks or data center rows.

Ideal uses and environments

The NVIDIA MCP1600-E001E30 fits well in data centers requiring efficient, high-speed interconnects without the added cost or power demands of optical transceivers. It works effectively for network engineers building spine-leaf architectures, IT teams linking storage arrays, and GPU cluster setups where bandwidth and low latency are critical. Its LSZH jacket makes it suitable for enclosed or densely populated racks where fire safety standards are a priority.