400G QSFP-DD to 4×QSFP56 Active Optical Cable (AOC) – 400G to 4×100G

• Supports 400Gbps to 4×100Gbps breakout connectivity
• QSFP-DD to 4×QSFP56 configuration
• Supports 8×50Gbps PAM4 modulation
• Retimed 400GAUI-8 electrical interface
• Electrical interface aligned with IEEE 802.3bs
• Compliant with CMIS 4.0
• Transmission distance from 0.5m to 50m
• Commercial operating case temperature of 0°C to +70°C
• Single +3.3V power supply
• Designed for high-density 400G breakout architectures

• 400GAUI-8 interconnects
• 400G to 4×100G Ethernet breakout
• 400G data center switch breakout connections
• High-density 100G server and switch connectivity
• AI and GPU cluster networking
• High-performance computing (HPC)
• Data center spine-and-leaf architectures
• Other 400G optical links

OEM and ODM services are available for the 400G QSFP-DD to 4×QSFP56 AOC Series. Customization can include cable length, labeling, EEPROM configuration, cable identification, packaging, and other assembly requirements.

Cable lengths can be specified according to the deployment environment within the supported 0.5m to 50m range. Customized programming and identification information can also be provided to support specific network equipment and system-management requirements.

How does the 400G-to-4×100G breakout work?

The QSFP-DD end provides a single 400G interface, while the four QSFP56 ends provide four separate 100G connections. This allows one 400G port to connect with four compatible 100G ports without requiring four separate optical link assemblies.

What is the role of the retimed 400GAUI-8 interface?

The retimed electrical interface helps restore and optimize high-speed electrical signals before they are converted into optical signals. This supports reliable signal transmission across the eight 50Gbps PAM4 lanes that make up the 400G interface.

Can all four QSFP56 ends be connected to separate devices?

Yes. The four QSFP56 connectors are intended to provide four independent 100G connections. The connected 400G host must support the appropriate 400G-to-4×100G breakout mode, while the downstream equipment must support the corresponding 100G QSFP56 interfaces.

Why is the AOC available in lengths up to 50 meters?

The optical transmission architecture allows the cable to support significantly longer short-reach connections than typical passive copper DACs. The 0.5m to 50m range provides flexibility for connections within a rack as well as between nearby racks or networking equipment.

What should be considered when selecting the cable length?

The cable should be selected based on the physical distance between the 400G source and the four 100G endpoints. Avoiding excessive cable length can simplify cable management and airflow, while longer options can accommodate more distributed equipment layouts.

What does CMIS 4.0 compliance provide?

CMIS 4.0 defines standardized management and control behavior for compatible pluggable optical interfaces. Compliance helps the cable assembly communicate identification and operational information with host equipment that supports the standard.