NVIDIA/Mellanox MCP1600-E005E26 Compatible 100G QSFP28 4 x 25G NRZ Infiniband EDR Passive Copper Twinax Cable, 5m (16ft)
The MCP1600-E005E26 compatible assembly is intended for NVIDIA/Mellanox equipment that requires a 100G direct-attached connection. This version is specifically 5m (16ft), with QSFP28 to QSFP28 and its own order reference. Exact length pages and equivalent brand references are linked to make multi-product procurement easier to verify.
OEM Part Number: MCP1600-E005E26HT Part Number: MCP1600-E005E26
Product Highlights
- Compatible alternative to NVIDIA/Mellanox MCP1600-E005E26
- 100G connectivity at 100Gbps
- Interface configuration: QSFP28 to QSFP28
- Fixed length and part number: 5m (16ft), MCP1600-E005E26
- Cable construction: Passive Twinax
- Conductor specification: 26AWG
- Maximum power consumption: ≤0.5W
- Minimum bend radius: 45mm
Specifications
| HT Part Number | MCP1600-E005E26 |
|---|---|
| NVIDIA/Mellanox Infiniband Compatible | MCP1600-E005E26 |
| Manufacturer | HT |
| Form Factor | QSFP28 to QSFP28 |
| Max Data Rate | 100Gbps |
| Media | Copper |
| Cable Type | Passive Twinax |
| Cable Length | 5m (16ft) |
| Wire AWG | 26AWG |
| Minimum Bend Radius | 45mm |
| Power Consumption | ≤0.5W |
| Jacket Material | PVC (OFNR) |
| Modulation Format | 4x 25G-NRZ to 4x 25G-NRZ |
| Commercial Temperature Range | 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F) |
| Protocols | IEEE 802.3bj, QSFP28 MSA, SFF-8665, SFF-8436 |
| Application | InfiniBand EDR |
NVIDIA OEM Reference
NVIDIA describes MCP1600 QSFP28 passive copper cables as four high-speed copper pairs operating at up to 25GbE per pair, with EEPROM product identification readable by the host. Its documentation distinguishes shorter no-FEC versions from longer RS-FEC versions, with specific variants at 2.5m and 3m. Check the exact suffix rather than selecting by length alone.
Power and Thermal Planning
The rated power consumption is ≤0.5W. Include this load in the host-port power and thermal budget, especially in densely populated switches. Maintain front-panel clearance and do not bundle the cable so tightly that it obstructs airflow around the connectors.
Cable Construction and Routing
This assembly uses 26AWG conductors, PVC (OFNR) jacket, minimum bend radius 45mm. These mechanical characteristics affect how the cable should be dressed behind the equipment. Avoid sharp edges, excessive ties and repeated tight bends close to the connector boots.
Network and Protocol Considerations
The intended application is InfiniBand EDR. Listed interface and protocol references include IEEE 802.3bj, QSFP28 MSA, SFF-8665, SFF-8436. Confirm that the host firmware and port configuration support the same operating mode.
Passive Copper Operation
A passive DAC has no separate optical conversion stage. Its low-power, low-latency operation is useful for short equipment links, but the assembly must remain within the length and signaling mode accepted by both hosts.
Length Selection and Installation Planning
The 5m (16ft) length gives MCP1600-E005E26 more freedom for adjacent-rack and row-end deployments. Longer copper runs need particular attention to routing weight and bend control; the DAC specification and host support must still match the intended link.
Position Within the Length Range
MCP1600-E005E26 is the longest of 6 verified length options in this family. Compared with MCP1600-E003E26 at 3m (10ft), it provides 2m of additional reach for a longer vertical drop, a wider rack or an adjacent-cabinet route. Confirm that the complete path requires this length, because unused slack still needs supported, bend-safe storage.
Procurement and Port-Mapping Review
A useful purchase order should identify the host platform, the expected OEM code and the exact cable length as separate pieces of information. This prevents a physically similar assembly from being substituted when the port identification or reach is different. For mixed-length installations, prepare one order line per part number and reconcile each delivered cable with its intended pair of ports. For this assembly, the listed conductor specification is 26AWG; the minimum bend radius is 45mm; the stated power consumption is ≤0.5W; the jacket material is PVC (OFNR).
Signal and Lane Configuration
The listed modulation format is 4x 25G-NRZ to 4x 25G-NRZ. Both host interfaces must be configured for the same aggregate rate and lane arrangement. A connector that fits mechanically does not by itself guarantee that the remote port supports this encoding or breakout mode.
NVIDIA/Mellanox Compatibility and Factory Testing
Our procurement-oriented compatibility check begins with the OEM reference and ends with a live host link. We record the physical length separately from the identification configuration, so the cable supplied for this page remains the stated version rather than a generic length substitute. Both connectors are examined before the operating test, which includes link stability and diagnostic indications.
Ordering Information
For a clear bill of materials, quote the OEM reference, HT part number, length and quantity on the same line. Add the switch or server model and software release when a pre-order review is required; project labels can repeat those details for receiving and installation teams. This page’s fixed configuration is 5m (16ft); another length must be quoted under its corresponding part number.
Quality Assurance and Packaging
Before packing, the assembly is checked for connector condition, identification and link operation. Cables for multi-line orders can be labelled and grouped by part number, making it easier to match each length to the procurement record without opening every protective bag. Neutral packaging and customer-specific packing documentation are available on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an original NVIDIA/Mellanox cable?
No. It is an HT-manufactured compatible alternative for equipment that specifies NVIDIA/Mellanox MCP1600-E005E26.
Are separate transceivers or patch leads required?
No. This is one complete direct-attach assembly. The ends are not detachable modules and should not be separated from the cable.
Can excess cable be folded into a compact bundle?
No. Use a supported, bend-safe service loop and observe the listed minimum bend radius. Do not crease the cable or tighten ties around the connector boots.
Will any matching connector operate at the same speed?
Not necessarily. Both hosts must support the stated rate, identification, lane mapping and any required breakout configuration; mechanical compatibility alone is insufficient.
Shipping and Lead Time
Available stock is generally dispatched within one to three working days after order confirmation, with production lead times advised for larger quantities. Worldwide courier services are available, with air or sea freight for consolidated shipments; freight-collect delivery and coordination with a customer’s logistics provider can be arranged.