3M Launches Active Optical Cable for SFP+ Applications

First-of-its-kind cable assembly designed for reaches up to 100 meters

Designers of high-performance computing systems, data centers and other ultra-high-throughput networks have a new interconnect option for SFP+ applications. 3M now offers the low-power, high-speed Active Optical Cable (AOC) Assembly for SFP+ Applications. It is the first known cable assembly of its kind available on the market that is designed for reaches up to 100 meters. The direct-attach, bi-directional AOC assembly supports speeds of more than 10 Gbps per channel over OM 2+ bend-insensitive fiber. It can be used to connect high-performance switches, servers and storage.

The AOC assembly consumes less power than the typical SFP+ interconnect solutions – active copper cable assemblies or active optical pluggable transceivers. The light-engine technology in the 3M AOC assembly allows the cable assembly to operate typically at 240mW per end, helping to save energy costs and minimize heat dissipation. The cable assembly incorporates 850nm VCSEL technology, which has a proven track record of high reliability.

“The 3M architecture for SFP+ applications eliminates the traditional TOSA/ROSA found in pluggable transceivers and allows for direct attachment of the fiber to the light engine,” said Jeff Bullion, marketing manager, Electronic Solutions Division. “The 3M AOC architecture provides a lower cost solution by eliminating components, lowering the risk of optical contamination and reducing the power required to implement an active SFP+ solution. Now, network designers and installers have a cost-effective, lower-power, highly reliable single solution for lengths up to 100 meters.”

The AOC assembly from 3M eliminates many of the issues associated with other widely used interconnect options. It is lighter and more routable than conventional passive and active copper solutions, allowing more air flow and consuming less space. The optical interface is integrated into the cable assembly, lowering power use and virtually eliminating the risk of optical contamination associated with pluggable transceiver modules.

The SFP+ AOC from 3M is compliant with the SFF-8431 Rev4.1 SFP+ specification and supports the 10GB Ethernet and 4GFC and 8GFC Fibre Channel specifications. The cable assembly is backed by 3M’s two-year active optical warranty and is available from 3M’s Authorized Channel partners and resellers, including Colfax Direct. The cable assembly meets FCC Class B, CE Emissions and Immunity requirements and are *RoHS 2011/65/EU compliant. Learn more about 3M Active Optical Cables.

About 3M Electronic Solution Division – Interconnect

3M Electronic Solutions Division’s Interconnect business offers a variety of innovative connectors, cables and cable assemblies, embedded capacitance materials and Textool brand test and burn-in sockets for component engineers and designers in the electronics industry. For more information about 3M’s Interconnect solutions, visit: http://www.3Mconnectors.com. Information about 3M Company is available online.

3M and Textool are trademarks of 3M Company.

All other trademarks listed herein are owned by their respective companies.

*“RoHS 2011/65/EU” means that the product or part does not contain any of the substances in excess of the maximum concentration values (“MCVs”) in EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. The MCVs are by weight in homogeneous materials. This information represents 3M's knowledge and belief, which may be based in whole or in part on information provided by third party suppliers to 3M.

Click here for photos.

3MMedia contact:Laurel Chesky, 512-984-7708lchesky@mmm.comorFor all other inquiries:http://www.3m.com/MediaContact

Other Topics

Contact Media Relations

Contact Media Email
 

These contacts are intended only for the media. If you are not a member of the media, please call 1-888-3M HELPS (1-888-364-3577).
 

We will get back to you within one business day.

Email Alerts

Subscribe to receive automatic updates via email for 3M news & stories.

Subscribe