The Nordic 200G Active Optical Device is a high-speed, short-distance optical module designed for 200G Ethernet transmission in data centers, available in QSFP56 and QSFP-DD form factors.

Overview

A 200G Active Optical Cable (AOC) is an active fiber optic cable that integrates electro-optical and opto-electronic conversion chips to transmit high-speed signals over optical fibers . It is primarily used for short-distance multi-channel data communication and interconnect applications in data centers, supporting transmission distances from 1 to 100 meters depending on fiber type .

Types and Form Factors

1. QSFP56 AOC
   • Four transmit and receive channels
   • Each channel supports up to 56Gbps using PAM4 modulation
   • Aggregate data rate: 200Gbps
   • Optical interface: MPO or LC connectors
   • Wavelength: 850nm, 1310nm, CWDM, or LWDM
2. QSFP-DD AOC
   • Eight transmit and receive channels
   • Each channel supports up to 28Gbps using NRZ modulation
   • Aggregate data rate: 200Gbps (up to 212.5Gbps in some configurations)
   • Electrical interface: 8-lane, compatible with QSFP56
   • Optical interface: MPO or duplex LC connectors
   • Wavelength: 850nm

Working Principle

The AOC converts electrical signals into optical signals at one end using an electro-optical conversion device. The optical signal is then transmitted through the fiber, modulated, and received at the other end, where it is converted back into an electrical signal . This allows high-speed, low-latency data transmission with minimal signal degradation over short distances.

Applications

• Direct 200G connection: Both ends are 200G modules for high-speed links.
• 200G to 2x100G branching: One end connects to a 200G module, the other to two 100G modules, supporting up to 212.5Gbps. Power consumption: 200G <4W, 100G <2.5W .
• 200G to 4x50G branching: One end connects to a 200G module, the other to four 50G modules, supporting up to 206.25Gbps. Power consumption: 200G <4W, each 50G <1.5W . These configurations are widely used in data center interconnects, high-performance computing networks, and cloud environments to efficiently manage bandwidth and port density.

Key Advantages

• High bandwidth and low latency for short-range connections
• Flexible branching options for network scaling
• Low power consumption compared to equivalent electrical solutions
• Compatibility with multi-mode fibers (OM3/OM4) for distances up to 100 meters The Nordic 200G AOC is therefore a versatile and efficient solution for modern data center networking, supporting both direct high-speed links and flexible branching configurations while maintaining low power usage and high reliability.