Dell AEC-Q56DD-400G Compatible 400G QSFP-DD 8 x 50G PAM4 Active Electrical Cable
The AEC-Q56DD-400G compatible series is designed for Dell hosts requiring a 400G AEC connection. Its QSFP-DD to QSFP-DD arrangement is supplied as an active electrical assembly intended for hosts supporting the stated retimed interface. Use the specifications to assess the physical assembly, then follow the exact length and part-number links when preparing a bill of materials or requesting a compatibility check.
Series Part Number: AEC-Q56DD-400GHT Part Number: AEC-Q56DD-400G
Product Highlights
- HT-manufactured compatible alternative for Dell AEC-Q56DD-400G
- 400G aggregate connectivity at 400Gbps
- Interface configuration: QSFP-DD to QSFP-DD
- Active DAC (AEC) / Copper
- Length configurations covered: 1m (3ft), 2m (7ft), 3m (10ft) and 5m (16ft)
- Conductor specification: 28AWG
- Power consumption: 10W Per End
- Operating temperature: 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F)
Available Lengths and Corresponding Part Numbers
The documented configurations are 1m (3ft), 2m (7ft), 3m (10ft) and 5m (16ft). Each link below opens the separate product page for that physical length and its corresponding OEM part number. Select the exact assembly required by the route and purchase order; custom project lengths can be discussed separately.
Compatible OEM Part Numbers
- AEC-Q56DD-400G-1M
- AEC-Q56DD-400G-2M
- AEC-Q56DD-400G-3M
- AEC-Q56DD-400G-5M
Specifications
| Dell Compatible | AEC-Q56DD-400G-5M |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | HT |
| HT Part Number | AEC-Q56DD-400G |
| Form Factor | QSFP-DD to QSFP-DD |
| Max. Data Rate | 400Gbps |
| Media | Copper |
| Cable Type | Active DAC (AEC) |
| Minimum Bend Radius | 53mm |
| Wire AWG | 28AWG |
| Cable Length Options Covered | 1m (3ft), 2m (7ft), 3m (10ft) and 5m (16ft) |
| Jacket Material | PET |
| Max. Power Consumption | 10W Per End |
| Modulation Format | 8x 50G-PAM4 |
| DDM/DOM | Supported |
| Commercial Temperature Range | 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F) |
| Protocols | QSFP-DD MSA, IEEE 802.3cd, CMIS 5.0 |
Project Documentation and Cable Identification
Large deployments are easier to audit when the order code, physical length and endpoint record agree. Keep the OEM reference in the compatibility document and use the HT part number on the packing list. Where several lengths arrive together, labels and carton groups can be arranged by rack or port plan so installers do not have to identify cables by appearance alone. For this series, keep the interface rate, AEC construction and length-specific OEM reference together throughout that review.
Dell Compatibility and Factory Testing
Factory verification links the compatibility identity to the exact physical assembly described on this page. Identification, connector condition and live link behavior are checked before packing. Customers can submit equipment and firmware details with the project documentation for a more specific pre-order compatibility review. Series-level inspection is followed by the exact length and OEM configuration selected for dispatch. Functional verification includes link establishment and diagnostic indications where the host exposes them.
Applications and Deployment
Active electrical cables use signal recovery or retiming to support demanding high-speed electrical links. Deployment should begin with host support for the exact AEC configuration, followed by checks of per-end power, cooling and breakout operation. The two ends and cable are engineered and tested as one assembly. For this series, the listed interface is QSFP-DD to QSFP-DD and the aggregate rate is 400G.
Cable Construction and Routing
For this assembly, the conductor specification is 28AWG; the jacket material is PET; the minimum bend radius is 53mm; the operating temperature is 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F); the power consumption is 10W Per End. These parameters belong in the installation review rather than being treated as catalogue trivia. Route the cable through its intended managers without tension, avoid pressure close to the connector boots and leave enough space to operate the latches. Any service loop must respect the stated bend limit.
Ordering Information
Use the listed HT part number for ordering and retain the OEM reference as the host-compatibility cross-reference. Send quantities by length, along with any rack-based packing or label instructions. If the project has mixed equipment, include the host model for each group rather than relying only on the aggregate cable rate. For this series, follow the corresponding length link, quote that exact OEM part number and keep different lengths on separate order lines. HT part number AEC-Q56DD-400G identifies the product family; the linked page provides the final length-specific identity.
Shipping and Lead Time
Standard configurations normally ship within one to three working days, with production lead times confirmed for larger quantities. International courier, air freight and sea freight are available; customer courier accounts and nominated forwarders are accepted.
Quality Assurance and Packaging
Inspection and link testing are completed before the cable enters its protective packaging. Project orders can be packed and labelled by length, rack or customer reference, with packing documentation that makes received quantities straightforward to reconcile against the installation schedule. Both connector ends are inspected as part of the complete assembly, and protective packing is selected to avoid tight bends during transport and storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an original Dell cable?
No. It is an HT-manufactured compatible cable for equipment that specifies AEC-Q56DD-400G, not an original Dell-branded product.
Are different lengths and OEM part numbers separate products?
Yes. Where a length has its own OEM reference, follow the corresponding link above and order that exact part number on its own line. Do not substitute another length only because the connector arrangement is the same.
Does this AEC cable require separate modules at each end?
No. The connector ends and cable form one complete direct-attach assembly. The ends are not detachable standalone transceivers, and the complete product is tested together.
What information helps confirm compatibility?
Provide the equipment manufacturer and model, port type, hardware revision and software release, together with the required OEM reference, length and quantity. Breakout projects should also identify the intended lane configuration.
