Active Copper Cables technical selection Q&A

These questions were prepared for technical evaluation from cited documentation. They are not a measured list of frequently asked customer questions. The applicability line belongs to each answer; do not transfer a statement between order-code, firmware, cooling, length, form-factor or crypto variants.

The products listed below are the applicable catalog references. Answers use owner-confirmed manufacturer-origin product data, scoped public documentation, or explicitly stated engineering guidance. Genuine conflicting values are qualified individually.

What makes MCA4J80 active?

Applicable catalog candidates: 980-9I600-00N003, 980-9I601-00N003.

The manual describes a pre-emphasis equalizer in each end of a copper cable. It calls the design LACC, not an optical cable.

Public references: MCA4J80-Nxxx 800Gbps Twin-port 2x400Gbps OSFP to 2x400Gbps OSFP InfiniBand LACC | MCA4J80-Nxxx 800Gbps Twin-port 2x400Gbps OSFP to 2x400Gbps OSFP InfiniBand ACC.

How are the channels arranged?

Applicable catalog candidates: 980-9I600-00N003, 980-9I601-00N003.

Both ends are twin-port OSFP with eight 100G-PAM4 channels for aggregate 800G, rather than a one-to-two breakout assembly.

Public references: MCA4J80-Nxxx 800Gbps Twin-port 2x400Gbps OSFP to 2x400Gbps OSFP InfiniBand LACC | MCA4J80-Nxxx 800Gbps Twin-port 2x400Gbps OSFP to 2x400Gbps OSFP InfiniBand ACC.

Can these exact variants be marketed for Ethernet?

Applicable catalog candidates: 980-9I600-00N003, 980-9I601-00N003.

The inspected exact -FLT and -FTF rows list NDR and Ethernet NA. The supported claim here is InfiniBand NDR; Ethernet needs separate exact validation.

Public references: Validated and Supported Cables and Switches | ConnectX-8 Firmware RN, Validated and Supported Cables and Switches | ConnectX-9 Firmware RN.

What are the endpoint and power requirements?

Applicable catalog candidates: 980-9I600-00N003, 980-9I601-00N003.

The source documents 1.5 W maximum per end. -FLT is flat-to-flat; -FTF has one flat and one finned endpoint, so confirm the host thermal geometry.

Public references: Specifications | MCA4J80-Nxxx 800Gbps Twin-port 2x400Gbps OSFP to 2x400Gbps OSFP InfiniBand ACC, Ordering Information | MCA4J80-Nxxx 800Gbps Twin-port 2x400Gbps OSFP to 2x400Gbps OSFP InfiniBand ACC, Validated and Supported Cables and Switches | ConnectX-9 Firmware RN.

Where does forward error correction take place?

Applicable catalog candidates: 980-9I600-00N003, 980-9I601-00N003.

The FAQ places FEC in the switch and network adapter. Match the supported endpoint configuration; a cable does not independently fix a FEC mismatch.

Public references: NVIDIA Cable Management Guidelines and FAQ.

Why can a cable have two minimum bend radii?

Applicable catalog candidates: 980-9I600-00N003, 980-9I601-00N003.

The connector exit generally needs a larger bend radius than the cable body. Follow the exact assembly drawing and leave adequate space behind the rack door.

Public references: NVIDIA Cable Management Guidelines and FAQ.

Availability is on request. Sales provides the USD quotation after the exact configuration is confirmed. No stock, condition or delivery promise is made here.

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