40G QSFP+ to 4× Duplex LC Active Optical Cable (AOC), Armored, Commercial-Grade

• QSFP+ to 4× duplex LC optical configuration
• Supports 40G Ethernet SR applications
• Four independent full-duplex optical channels
• Multi-rate operation up to 10.3125Gbps per lane
• 850nm VCSEL laser array transmitter
• 850nm PIN photodetector array receiver
• Supports up to 100m per lane with OM3 fiber
• Supports up to 150m per lane with OM4 fiber
• Hot-pluggable QSFP+ form factor
• Digital diagnostics available through I2C interface
• DDM/DOM supported
• Low power consumption of ≤1.4W
• 3.3V single power supply
• NRZ modulation
• No integrated CDR
• Armored cable construction for additional mechanical protection
• LSZH cable jacket
• COB optical packaging
• Minimum bending radius of 60mm

• 40G Ethernet SR
• QSFP+ to LC fiber infrastructure connections
• 40G switch-to-patch-panel connections
• Data center network interconnects
• Server-to-switch connectivity
• Storage area networks
• Network equipment migration and upgrades
• High-density rack deployments
• Enterprise network backbones
• Short-range multimode fiber connections

OEM and customized 40G QSFP+ to LC AOC solutions are available for network equipment manufacturers, system integrators, distributors, and data center operators. Customization options may include cable length, OM3 or OM4 fiber selection, LC connector configuration, armored construction, labeling, connector identification, packaging, branding, and other project-specific requirements.

For larger projects, compatibility with specific switches, routers, servers, patch panels, and existing LC-based fiber infrastructure can be evaluated. Customers can provide the target equipment, required transmission distance, fiber type, cable length, and quantity for a suitable configuration.

What is the purpose of the four duplex LC interfaces?

Each duplex LC interface provides one transmit and one receive optical path. The four duplex LC connections correspond to the four parallel optical lanes of the 40G QSFP+ interface, allowing the single 40G port to connect directly to four separate duplex LC fiber connections.

Can this cable connect a QSFP+ port directly to an LC patch panel?

Yes. The four duplex LC connectors can be connected directly to compatible LC fiber infrastructure, such as an optical patch panel or LC-based fiber distribution system. This can simplify deployment where the existing network infrastructure is based on duplex LC connectivity.

What is the difference between OM3 and OM4 versions?

Both are multimode fiber types designed for short-range 850nm optical transmission. The specified reach is up to 100m per lane with OM3 and up to 150m per lane with OM4. OM4 therefore provides additional reach when the network design requires it.

Does the cable require four separate optical transceivers?

No. The QSFP+ end contains the four VCSEL transmitters and four PIN receivers required for the parallel optical connection. The LC ends are factory-terminated optical interfaces, so separate optical transceivers are not required for the cable assembly itself.

What does DDM through the I2C interface provide?

Digital diagnostics allow supported host equipment to access operating information from the optical assembly through the I2C management interface. This can help network administrators monitor the module and diagnose potential connectivity or operating-condition issues.

Is this cable suitable for 40G breakout applications?

It can be used to distribute the four optical lanes of a 40G QSFP+ interface to four duplex LC connections, but this should not be confused with a conventional 40G-to-4×10G electrical breakout cable. The specific application depends on how the connected optical equipment is configured and whether it supports the required lane-level operation.