Cisco QDD-400G-AE Compatible 400G QSFP-DD 8 x 50G PAM4 Active Electrical Cable
A 400G direct-attached link depends on the correct host identity, interface mode and physical length. This page covers the Cisco QDD-400G-AE compatible AEC series in QSFP-DD to QSFP-DD, including 5m (16ft). Each documented length-specific OEM reference is linked separately where an individual product page is available.
Series Part Number: QDD-400G-AEHT Part Number: QDD-400G-AE
Product Highlights
- HT-manufactured compatible alternative for Cisco QDD-400G-AE
- 400G aggregate connectivity at 400Gbps
- Interface configuration: QSFP-DD to QSFP-DD
- Active DAC (AEC) / Copper
- Length configurations covered: 5m (16ft)
- Conductor specification: 28AWG
- Power consumption: 10W Per End
- Operating temperature: 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F)
Available Lengths and Corresponding Part Numbers
The documented series configuration is 5m (16ft). Use the relevant OEM reference below together with the HT identity and required length when requesting a quotation. If another length carries a different OEM part number, it must be reviewed and ordered as that distinct configuration.
Compatible OEM Part Numbers
- QDD-400G-AE05
Specifications
| HT Part Number | QDD-400G-AE |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | HT |
| Form Factor | QSFP-DD to QSFP-DD |
| Max. Data Rate | 400Gbps |
| Media | Copper |
| Cable Type | Active DAC (AEC) |
| Minimum Bend Radius | 53mm |
| Wire AWG | 28AWG |
| Cable Length Options Covered | 5m (16ft) |
| Jacket Material | PET |
| Max. Power Consumption | 10W Per End |
| Modulation Format | 8x 50G-PAM4 |
| DDM/DOM | Supported |
| Commercial Temperature Range | 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F) |
| Protocols | QSFP-DD MSA, IEEE 802.3cd, CMIS 5.0 |
Applications and Deployment
For an AEC connection, matching the connector shape is only the first step. The host must support the electrical signaling, retiming behavior and aggregate rate of the complete assembly. Thermal planning is particularly important when many active ends populate adjacent ports. For this series, the listed interface is QSFP-DD to QSFP-DD and the aggregate rate is 400G.
Cable Construction and Routing
The specification table records the conductor specification is 28AWG; the jacket material is PET; the minimum bend radius is 53mm; the operating temperature is 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F); the power consumption is 10W Per End. Use those values when preparing the rack pathway and receiving checklist. Do not pull a connector by its cable, compress the run under tight ties or force excess length into a sharp coil. Connector protection should remain in place until the assembly is ready for insertion.
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 series, keep the interface rate, AEC construction and length-specific OEM reference together throughout that review.
Cisco 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. Series-level inspection is followed by the exact length and OEM configuration selected for dispatch. Functional verification includes link establishment and diagnostic indications where the host exposes them.
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. For this series, follow the corresponding length link, quote that exact OEM part number and keep different lengths on separate order lines. HT part number QDD-400G-AE identifies the product family; the linked page provides the final length-specific identity.
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. Both connector ends are inspected as part of the complete assembly, and protective packing is selected to avoid tight bends during transport and storage.
Shipping and Lead Time
Standard configurations normally ship within one to three working days, with production lead times confirmed for larger quantities. International courier, air freight and sea freight are available; customer courier accounts and nominated forwarders are accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an original Cisco cable?
No. It is an HT-manufactured compatible cable for equipment that specifies QDD-400G-AE, not an original Cisco-branded product.
Are different lengths and OEM part numbers separate products?
Yes. Where a length has its own OEM reference, follow the corresponding link above and order that exact part number on its own line. Do not substitute another length only because the connector arrangement is the same.
Does this AEC cable require separate modules at each end?
No. The connector ends and cable form one complete direct-attach assembly. The ends are not detachable standalone transceivers, and the complete product is tested together.
What information helps confirm compatibility?
Provide the equipment manufacturer and model, port type, hardware revision and software release, together with the required OEM reference, length and quantity. Breakout projects should also identify the intended lane configuration.