Cables

AOCs

Built for High-performance Networks​

We offer a complete range of active optical cables for all requirements and environments. Our AOC range also includes breakout cables, eliminating the need for separate cables by consolidating multiple connections into a single cable to help reduce clutter and simplify cable management. Our cables are also multi-coded, providing you with peace of mind when using multi-vendor connections and instant plug-and-play. The cables are available in different OEM coding, including different coding for each end of breakout cables. Access high-quality, affordable, and custom-made straight and breakout active optical cables designed to support multi-line data communications, interconnecting applications, and high-performance computing.

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DACs

Wide Range of Active Optical Cables​

We offer a complete range of direct attach cables for all requirements and environments. Our DAC range also includes breakout cables, eliminating the need for separate cables by consolidating multiple connections into a single cable to help reduce clutter and simplify cable management. Our cables are also multi-coded, providing you with peace of mind when using multi-vendor connections and instant plug-and-play. The cables are available in different OEM coding, including different coding for each end of breakout cables. Leverage high-quality, affordable, and custom-made straight and breakout direct attach cables designed to support multi-line data communications, interconnecting applications, and high-performance computing.

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QUALITY & WARRANTY

ISO and TL9000 Quality with a Lifetime Warranty

We are proud to offer industry-leading products that meet ISO and TL9000 standards and are backed by a lifetime warranty.

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Get the T1Nexus Advantage

Our customers enjoy guaranteed product assurance, competitive pricing, lifetime warranties, and peace of mind in our ability to deliver on time, every time.
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Access to an extensive product portfolio

Deep technical expertise for optimal results & always-available technical support for quick resolutions

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Ongoing reliability testing

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Custom products and rapid prototyping capabilities

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A flexible fulfillment model to support your business

Deep joint venture relationships with manufacturing partners in Taiwan and across Asia for guaranteed product assurance

Direct Attach Cables FAQs

What is an Direct Attach Cable?

Direct attach cables are made from Twinax copper. During production, DACs are terminated with modules that enable electrical connection directly into active equipment ports. Unlike active optical cables that use removable transceivers, DACs can be considered less flexible. DAC modules are terminated during production and cannot be removed from the cable. It’s also for this reason that all DACs are designed with a fixed length.

What are the different types of Direct Attach Cables?

DAC cables are available in various high-speed options, including direct and breakout, passive and active. Here’s a brief breakdown of each option: 

  • Direct-connect DAC cables are used to provide a connection between one port/line card and another
  • Breakout DAC cables enable one port to connect to up to 4 other ports
  • Active DAC cables leverage electronics within each module which boost signals, allowing for extended transmission distances
  • Passive DAC cables are cables without electronics in modules to offer signal-boosting capabilities 
Why were DACs invented?

DACs were invented to provide high-speed electrical signal transmission within networks. Copper’s properties, specifically its high level of electrical current conduction, make it an ideal material for electrical signal transmission.

How do Direct Attach Cables Work?

Direct attach cables are connected to networking equipment ports, allowing electrical signals to flow between devices. Examples include data center interconnection such as SATA storage devices, core network routers, core network switches, servers for 10G/40G/100G Ethernet, RADI systems, and InfiniBand.

What are the Various Direct Attach Cable Assembly Applications?

Direct attach cables are used for the transmission of data between active networking equipment typically located on the same server rack where transmission distances are between 1m to 3m.

What are the benefits of using Direct Attach Cables vs Active Optical Cables?

Here are two core benefits of using DACs:

  • Cheaper than AOCs
  • Lower power consumption
How Long Are Active Optical Cables?

Active DAC can transmit signals for up to 10m, whereas passive cables can transmit signals for up to 7m.

Active Optical Cables FAQs

What is an Active Optical Cable?
An active optic cable is a cable designed with modules (connectors) at both ends of a fiber optic cable, allowing direct communication between devices via the permanently linked fiber optic cable. AOC are unique as they offer transceivers that are embedded in the fiber optic cable.
Why Were AOCs Invented?
Active Optical Cable (AOC) assemblies were created to replace copper cable technology, helping to improve data transfer quality over longer distances and to avoid EMI and RFI interference challenges often experienced in data centers and high-performance computing (HPC) applications.
How do Active Optical Cables Work?
Active optical cable designs include two optical transmitters connected to each end of an optical fiber cable. Alone, AOCs cannot transmit signals and require an external power supply. With power, signals are transmitted from one transceiver. Transmission requires an electrical signal sent from the first transceiver to be converted into an optical signal, and when received by the second transceiver, the signal is converted back into an electrical signal.
What are the Various Active Optical Cable (AOC) Assembly Applications?

Active optical cables can be used for: 

  • Multi-line data communications
  • Interconnecting applications
  • Accelerating storage 
  • High-performance computing
What are the benefits of using AOCs vs DACs?

Here are five benefits of using AOCs:

  • Secure, reliable transport
  • Longer reach and higher bandwidth
  • Limited EMI/RFI exposure
  • Low bit-error rate (ber) – 10-15
  • Smaller size and lower weight compared to copper used in DAC cables
How Long Are Active Optical Cables?
The length of an active optical cable can vary depending on its design. Cable lengths can range from 1m to 300m.

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We’re ready to answer any questions and offer technical advice on our range of active optical cable products.
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