SFF-8470 CX4 to SFF-8470 CX4 Cable, Thumbscrews to Ejectors

The SFF-8470 CX4 to SFF-8470 CX4 Cable with Thumbscrews to Ejectors is a high-performance external SAS copper cable designed for enterprise storage systems, data centers, and high-speed networking environments. This cable provides a reliable external connection between devices equipped with SFF-8470 CX4 interfaces, utilizing a hybrid fixation system with thumbscrews on one end and ejector-style latches on the other. Engineered to support high-speed data transfer protocols including SAS, InfiniBand, and 10-Gigabit Ethernet, this solution ensures efficient performance in demanding applications such as storage area networks (SANs), high-performance computing (HPC), and server-to-switch connections. The robust construction with zinc alloy connectors and multi-layer shielding makes it ideal for environments where durability, signal integrity, and versatile connectivity options are critical.

Features

• Hybrid Fixation System: Combines thumbscrews on one connector for secure, vibration-resistant fastening and ejector-style latches on the other for easy insertion and removal, providing flexibility in different installation scenarios and enhancing usability in high-density racks.
• High-Speed Data Support: Supports data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps (10GbE) and 12 Gbps (SAS 2.1), ensuring compatibility with high-bandwidth applications like 10-Gigabit Ethernet, SAS expansions, and InfiniBand SDR/DDR.
• Enhanced Signal Integrity: Utilizes high-quality copper cables (e.g., 28 AWG) with precision impedance matching (100 Ohm) and multi-layer shielding (foil and braid) to minimize signal degradation, crosstalk, and electromagnetic interference (EMI), ensuring stable data transmission.
• Durable External Construction: Designed for external use with zinc alloy connectors and metal shells providing robust protection against physical damage and environmental factors. The hybrid design caters to both secure fastening and easy maintenance needs.
• Backward Compatibility: While optimized for SAS 2.1 and 10GbE, the cable maintains compatibility with earlier SAS standards (e.g., SAS 1.0/2.0) and InfiniBand applications, offering flexibility in mixed storage environments.
• Thermal Management: Operates within a wide temperature range (e.g., 0°C to +70°C standard; -40°C to +85°C industrial options available), ensuring reliability in varying environmental conditions.

Specifications

• Product Model: SFF-8470 CX4 to SFF-8470 CX4 Cable (Thumbscrews to Ejectors)
• Connector A: SFF-8470 CX4, Male, Thumbscrews
• Connector B: SFF-8470 CX4, Male, Ejector Latches
• Connector Gender: Male to Male
• Cable Type: External Passive Copper Cable
• Cable Length: Standard options: 0.5m, 1.0m, 2.0m, 3.0m, 5.0m, 10.0m (Custom lengths up to 15m available)
• Data Rate Support: Up to 10 Gbps (10GbE), 12 Gbps (SAS 2.1)
• Supported Protocols: SAS 1.0/2.0/2.1, 10-Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-CX4), InfiniBand SDR/DDR
• Wire Gauge: 28 AWG (common for high-frequency applications)
• Impedance: 100 Ohms
• Shielding: Foil and braid shielding for EMI protection
• Operating Temperature: Standard: 0°C to +70°C; Industrial: -40°C to +85°C (options available)
• Compliance: RoHS compliant, UL-approved components
• Durability: Minimum 1,000 insertion cycles

Applications

• Storage Area Networks (SANs): Connecting external storage arrays, JBOD enclosures, or RAID controllers with SFF-8470 interfaces in enterprise SAN environments, facilitating high-speed data transfer for storage expansions. The hybrid fixation ensures stable connections in vibration-prone settings while allowing for easier maintenance in dense racks.
• High-Performance Computing (HPC): Supporting HPC clusters and AI training servers that require low-latency, high-bandwidth connections between compute nodes and storage systems using InfiniBand or 10GbE protocols.
• Data Center Networking: Deploying in data centers for 10-Gigabit Ethernet applications, connecting switches, servers, and storage devices with SFF-8470 ports, where the mixed fixation system offers versatility for different equipment types and rack layouts.
• Server and Switch Interconnects: Providing reliable connections between servers and switches in rack environments, leveraging thumbscrews for secure, vibration-resistant connections on one end and ejector latches for quick disengagement on the other, ideal for frequently reconfigured setups.
• Backup and Disaster Recovery: Facilitating high-speed backups and data replication between external storage systems, where the robust design ensures reliability in disaster recovery scenarios, and the ejector end allows for quicker cable management during urgent operations.
• System Integration and Retrofitting: Enabling integration of legacy storage systems with modern infrastructure, supporting backward compatibility for cost-effective upgrades and expansions. The hybrid connectors accommodate varied equipment designs, simplifying transitions in mixed environments.