Active Optical Cables
Active Optical Cables Advantages
Used extensively in Ethernet hyperscale and enterprise data centers, AOCs have become a popular way to link Top-of-Rack (ToR) switches to aggregation layer switches, much like End-of-Row (EoR) and leaf switches. Several hyperscale companies have publicly stated their preference for AOCs when linking ToR switches. AOCs are an extremely popular solution for high-speed, NVMe FLASH subsystems.
Lower Optical Power Cost
- QSFP28 SR4 optical transceiver = 3.5 W
- QSFP28 AOC < 2.2 W
One watt saved at the component level translates to up to five watts at the facility level
Smaller circumference
Thinner, lighter, and tighter bend radius cables enable more flexible configurations (200-250mm or < 1 inch).
Increased Reliability
Factory assembly and testing limitations address cabling, compatibility, and power draw.
Lower Operational Cost
Plug and play simplicity reduces time spent inspecting and cleaning connections and cable components.
EMI immunity
AOC optical fiber uses light signals, making the AOC immune to electromagnetic interference and electrical static charge.
AOC/DAC Cable Types
10G SFP+ AOC Cable
10G SFP+ to SFP to AOC
10G SFP+ DAC Cable
10G SFP+ DAC Twinax Cable
AOC/DAC Cable FEATURES
Features of AOC (Active Optical Cable) and DAC (Direct Attach Copper Cable).
High-Speed Transmission
AOC cables use photoelectric conversion technology to achieve high-speed data transmission, with rates reaching or exceeding 100 Gbps, offering higher bandwidth compared to traditional copper cables or fiber optics.
Long-Distance Transmission
AOC cables transmit data via fiber optics without electronic signal attenuation, allowing for data transmission over long distances, typically over 100 meters.
Strong Anti-Interference
Due to the use of optical transmission technology, AOC cables have anti-electromagnetic interference characteristics, making them suitable for high-interference environments.
Low Latency
DAC cables offer high transmission rates and low latency, making them suitable for scenarios requiring real-time performance.
Stable and Reliable
Since DAC cables transmit signals through copper conductors, they do not suffer from optical attenuation issues that affect AOC cables, providing more stable and reliable performance.
Cost-Effective
Compared to AOC cables, DAC cables are less expensive, making them suitable for budget-constrained or short-distance transmission applications.
AOC/DAC Cable Applications
AOC (Active Optical Cable) and DAC (Direct Attach Copper Cable) cables have distinct applications across various industries due to their unique characteristics. Here are some of the primary applications for each type of cable:
1.Data Centers
2.High-Density Connectivity
3.Carrier Networks
4.5G Infrastructure
5.Office Connectivity
6.Factory Floor
