QSFP-DD800 MSA Group targets 800-Gbps pluggable transceivers

Sept. 19, 2019

As the name implies, the MSA plans to create specifications for 800-Gbps module and connector systems leveraging existing work on the QSFP-DD format.

Stephen Hardy

Broadcom, Cisco, Finisar, Intel, Juniper Networks, Marvell, Molex, and Samtec have combined to create the QSFP-DD800 Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) Group. As the name implies, the MSA plans to create specifications for 800-Gbps module and connector systems leveraging existing work on the QSFP-DD format.

The specification work is expected to target an electrical interface based on eight 100-Gbps lanes. The MSA members also expect to develop a variety of connector specifications, from a standard connector to a stacked connector and a hybrid connector that is a BiPass/Flyover variant that the MSA believes can eliminate the signal losses on a traditional PCB. The QSFP-DD800 will be backward compatible with QSFP-DD, QSFP28, and QSFP+ modules and cables.

“Through continued strategic collaborations with our MSA Promoters, we are developing the physical specifications that will enable the interoperability of optical transceiver modules, connectors, cages, and DAC cables from multiple vendors to assure a robust ecosystem,” said Scott Sommers, founding member and MSA co-chair. “We are thrilled to collaborate together as a group and further develop and provide next-generation designs that evolve with the changing technology landscape.’’

“Leveraging the technical innovations from QSFP-DD, the time is right to collaborate with our MSA partners to lay the foundations for the next generation systems and modules,” added Mark Nowell, founding member and MSA co-chair. “The QSFP-DD form factor continues to be the cornerstone for the next step in pluggable module performance and density, while extending the industry’s investment, experience, cost structure, and backward compatibility from prior generations.”

More information is available on the QSFP-DD800 MSA Group website.

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About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.

You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.