External HD Mini SAS SFF-8644 to External HD Mini SAS SFF-8644 Active Optical Cable

The External HD Mini SAS SFF-8644 to External HD Mini SAS SFF-8644 Active Optical Cable (AOC) is a high-performance fiber optic solution designed for enterprise storage systems and data center environments requiring long-distance, high-speed data transmission. This active optical cable converts electrical signals into optical signals, enabling reliable connections between devices equipped with SFF-8644 interfaces over extended distances while minimizing signal degradation. Engineered to support SAS 3.0 (12Gb/s) and PCIe protocols, this AOC solution is ideal for applications where copper cables face limitations in distance, electromagnetic interference (EMI), or flexibility. Its robust construction and optical technology make it suitable for demanding storage area networks (SANs), high-performance computing (HPC), and large-scale data centers.

Features

• Long-Distance Transmission: Utilizes optical fiber technology to support data transmission distances of up to 100 meters (depending on cable length), far exceeding the limitations of traditional copper cables, making it ideal for large data centers and distributed storage systems.
• High-Speed Data Support: Delivers data transfer rates of up to 12Gb/s per channel (48Gb/s aggregate bandwidth), fully compliant with SAS 3.0 standards, and supports PCI Express Gen3 (8Gb/s) applications for high-performance storage and networking.
• Immunity to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): As an optical cable, it is inherently immune to EMI and radio-frequency interference (RFI), ensuring stable data transmission in electrically noisy environments and reducing signal integrity issues common in copper cables.
• Lightweight and Flexible Design: The optical fiber core allows for a thinner, lighter, and more flexible cable compared to copper alternatives, simplifying cable management in high-density racks and improving airflow for thermal management.
• Active Optical Technology: Incorporates integrated optical engines at both ends for electrical-to-optical conversion, providing reliable signal integrity over long distances without the need for external transceivers or additional equipment.
• Durable External Construction: Features metal-shelled SFF-8644 connectors designed for external use, with protective caps to shield connectors from dust and damage when not in use, ensuring longevity in demanding environments.
• Low Power Consumption: Operates at 3.3V with power consumption of approximately 0.825W per end, offering energy-efficient performance suitable for large-scale deployments.

Specifications

• Product Model: External HD Mini SAS SFF-8644 to External HD Mini SAS SFF-8644 Active Optical Cable
• Connector A: SFF-8644 (4x HD Mini-SAS), Male
• Connector B: SFF-8644 (4x HD Mini-SAS), Male
• Connector Gender: Male to Male
• Cable Type: Active Optical Cable (AOC)
• Cable Length: Available in 15m options; other lengths (e.g., 1m, 5m, 10m, 20m, 30m, 100m) may be available
• Data Rate Support: Up to 12Gb/s per channel (SAS 3.0), 48Gb/s aggregate bandwidth
• Supported Protocols: SAS 2.1/3.0, PCI Express Gen3
• Fiber Type: OM3 multimode fiber (commonly used for AOCs)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to +70°C
• Power Requirements: 3.3V voltage, ~0.825W per end
• Durability: Minimum 50 insertion cycles (connectors)
• RoHS Compliance: Typically compliant with environmental standards

Applications

• Data Center Interconnects: Deploying in large data centers for connecting storage arrays, servers, and switches over long distances (e.g., between racks or across rooms), where copper cables would face signal attenuation or EMI issues.
• Storage Area Networks (SANs): Facilitating high-speed connections between SAN devices, such as RAID controllers, JBOD enclosures, and storage subsystems, in enterprise storage environments requiring extended reach.
• High-Performance Computing (HPC): Supporting HPC clusters and AI training servers that require low-latency, high-bandwidth connections between compute nodes and storage systems over longer distances.
• Disaster Recovery and Backup Systems: Enabling reliable data replication and backup to remote storage devices or off-site locations through high-speed, error-free optical connections.
• Cloud Infrastructure: Ideal for cloud service providers and hyperscale data centers that need scalable, high-density cabling solutions for storage expansions without compromising performance over distance.
• Media and Entertainment Storage Solutions: Supporting video production studios and media workflows that require high-speed access to large media files stored on external arrays in different parts of a facility.
• OEM and System Integration: Used by server and storage manufacturers to integrate long-distance connectivity solutions into custom systems, particularly for applications requiring immunity to EMI or flexible cable routing.