40G QSFP+ Active Optical Cable (AOC) Optical Transceiver Module
Product Overview
The Apex 40G QSFP+ active optical cable is a factory terminated assembly with a QSFP+ module built into each end and a length of multimode ribbon between them. It carries a 40 Gigabit link the same way a pair of QSFP+ SR4 optics would, but removes the patch cords, the connector cleaning and the two extra mating points from the link.
AOCs are used where the run is fixed and known: between a switch and a server in the same rack, across a row of cabinets, or between a top of rack switch and a row aggregation point. Because both ends are coded and tuned together at the factory, an AOC is usually the fastest way to bring up a 40G link and the easiest to keep consistent across a large number of identical runs.
Assemblies are supplied in 1m to 100m lengths, in QSFP+ to QSFP+ and in breakout form, and each end is coded for the platforms you name so the cable can be ordered with one vendor code for the switch and another for the server adapter. Optical power and error rate are tested on every assembly before it ships, and 40G QSFP+ optics, breakout modules and MPO cords are available from the same line.
Key Features
- 40Gbps line rate over a factory terminated multimode assembly
- Lengths from 1m to 100m, with 1m, 3m, 5m, 10m, 15m, 20m, 30m and 50m as standard stock
- QSFP+ to QSFP+ and breakout to 4 x 10G configurations available
- Each end coded independently for the platform you name
- No field termination, no patch cords and no connector cleaning in the link
- Lower insertion loss than a patch cord run with two mating pairs
- Lightweight and tighter bend radius than copper DAC for longer runs
- Every assembly tested for optical power and error rate before shipment, RoHS compliant
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|
| Part Number | APX-AOC-40G-xxM (xx = length in metres) |
| Manufacturer | Apex |
| Data Rate | 40Gbps (4 x 10Gbps lanes) |
| Connector Type | QSFP+ to QSFP+ (breakout available) |
| Length Options | 1m, 3m, 5m, 10m, 15m, 20m, 30m, 50m, 100m |
| Fiber Type | Multimode ribbon |
| Coding | Per end, set for the named host platform |
| Insertion Loss | Lower than an equivalent patch cord run |
| Power Consumption | Lower than two discrete QSFP+ SR4 modules |
| Cable Management | Smaller bend radius than copper DAC on long runs |
| Compliance | QSFP+ MSA, RoHS |
| Temperature | 0 to 70C commercial |
Ordering Options
Family options are listed below as plain text so they can be copied into an RFQ or a spreadsheet.
| Assembly | Length | Application |
|---|
| APX-AOC-40G-1M | 1m | Same rack switch to server |
| APX-AOC-40G-3M | 3m | Adjacent units in one rack |
| APX-AOC-40G-5M | 5m | Within a rack pair |
| APX-AOC-40G-10M | 10m | Rack to rack in the same row |
| APX-AOC-40G-15M | 15m | Across a row of cabinets |
| APX-AOC-40G-20M | 20m | Row to row in the hall |
| APX-AOC-40G-30M | 30m | End of row to aggregation |
| APX-AOC-40G-50M | 50m | Between rooms on the same floor |
| APX-AOC-40G-4x10G-10M | 10m | 40G port to 4 x 10G breakout |
Applications
In Rack Switch to Server
Replaces two QSFP+ SR4 modules and a patch cord with one coded assembly between the switch and the server adapter.
Row and Hall Interconnect
Carries 40G between cabinets and rows where the distance is fixed and known at design time, up to 100m.
40G to 4 x 10G Breakout
Feeds four 10G ports from one 40G switch port with a single breakout assembly instead of an MPO trunk and four modules.
Compatibility
Because both ends of an AOC are coded at the factory, the assembly is ordered as one part number with the platform code for each end, which is what makes an AOC easier to kit than two independent transceivers. Tell us the switch platform, the adapter platform and the length, and we confirm the coding and the bend radius for the route. Where the run has to pass through patch panels or exceeds the AOC length range, 40G QSFP+ SR4 optics with MPO cords remain the better fit.
Related Products
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I choose an AOC instead of two 40G optics?
When the run is fixed, inside 100m and does not need to pass through patch panels. An AOC removes two mating points, the patch cords and the cleaning step, which makes commissioning faster and repeatable.
Can the two ends of a 40G AOC carry different platform codes?
Yes. Each end is coded independently, so the same assembly can carry the switch vendor code at one end and the server adapter code at the other.
Is a 40G AOC cheaper than two QSFP+ SR4 modules?
Usually yes, once the two optics and the patch cord are counted, and it draws less power because only one assembly is powered instead of two modules. Send the length and platforms and we quote both options.
What is the longest 40G AOC you supply?
100m. For runs beyond that, or for routes through patch panels, use 40G QSFP+ SR4 optics with MPO fibre instead.
Why Choose Apex
- Optical engineering support and supply from 1.25G to 800G, including cables and breakout assemblies.
- Both ends coded for the platforms you name, so the assembly drops into the link without rework.
- Every assembly is tested for optical power and error rate before shipment.
- Backed by a 3 year warranty and technical support before and after the sale.
