Cisco QDD-400-CU3M Compatible 400G QSFP-DD 8 x 50G PAM4 Passive Copper Twinax Cable, 3m (10ft)
For project documentation, Cisco QDD-400-CU3M and this cable’s physical length should be recorded together. The product described here is a 3m (10ft) DAC assembly for 400G links, using QSFP-DD to QSFP-DD. Its OEM cross-reference, HT part number, specification table and packing options support traceable ordering and installation records.
OEM Part Number: QDD-400-CU3MHT Part Number: QDD-400-CU3M
Product Highlights
- Compatible alternative to Cisco QDD-400-CU3M
- 400G connectivity at 400Gbps
- Interface configuration: QSFP-DD to QSFP-DD
- Fixed length and part number: 3m (10ft), QDD-400-CU3M
- Cable construction: Passive Twinax
- Conductor specification: 26AWG
- Maximum power consumption: 0.1W Per End
- Minimum bend radius: 57mm
Specifications
| HT Part Number | QDD-400-CU3M |
|---|---|
| Cisco Compatible | QDD-400-CU3M |
| Manufacturer | HT |
| Form Factor | QSFP-DD to QSFP-DD |
| Max. Data Rate | 400Gbps |
| Media | Copper |
| Cable Type | Passive Twinax |
| Cable Length | 3m (10ft) |
| Wire AWG | 26AWG |
| Minimum Bend Radius | 57mm |
| Max. Power Consumption | 0.1W Per End |
| Jacket Material | PET |
| Commercial Temperature Range | 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F) |
| Modulation Format | 8x 50Gbps PAM4 |
| Application | 400G Ethernet |
| Protocols | IEEE 802.3cd, QSFP-DD MSA, CMIS 4.0 |
Signal and Lane Configuration
The listed modulation format is 8x 50Gbps PAM4. Both host interfaces must be configured for the same aggregate rate and lane arrangement. A connector that fits mechanically does not by itself guarantee that the remote port supports this encoding or breakout mode.
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 assembly, the listed conductor specification is 26AWG; the minimum bend radius is 57mm; the stated power consumption is 0.1W Per End; the jacket material is PET.
Power and Thermal Planning
The rated power consumption is 0.1W Per End. Include this load in the host-port power and thermal budget, especially in densely populated switches. Maintain front-panel clearance and do not bundle the cable so tightly that it obstructs airflow around the connectors.
Cable Construction and Routing
This assembly uses 26AWG conductors, PET jacket, minimum bend radius 57mm. These mechanical characteristics affect how the cable should be dressed behind the equipment. Avoid sharp edges, excessive ties and repeated tight bends close to the connector boots.
Network and Protocol Considerations
The intended application is 400G Ethernet. Listed interface and protocol references include IEEE 802.3cd, QSFP-DD MSA, CMIS 4.0. Confirm that the host firmware and port configuration support the same operating mode.
Passive Copper Operation
A passive DAC has no separate optical conversion stage. Its low-power, low-latency operation is useful for short equipment links, but the assembly must remain within the length and signaling mode accepted by both hosts.
Length Selection and Installation Planning
At 3m (10ft), this assembly can bridge non-aligned ports or adjacent racks while remaining a single direct-attach link. Support longer horizontal runs with suitable cable management and preserve space for cooling and future maintenance.
Position Within the Length Range
QDD-400-CU3M is the longest of 6 verified length options in this family. Compared with QDD-400-CU2.5M at 2.5m (8ft), it provides 0.5m of additional reach for a longer vertical drop, a wider rack or an adjacent-cabinet route. Confirm that the complete path requires this length, because unused slack still needs supported, bend-safe storage.
Cisco 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. Where supported by the host, link stability and diagnostic indications are reviewed together with the established link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an original Cisco cable?
No. It is an HT-manufactured compatible alternative for equipment that specifies Cisco QDD-400-CU3M.
Can excess cable be folded into a compact bundle?
No. Use a supported, bend-safe service loop and observe the listed minimum bend radius. Do not crease the cable or tighten ties around the connector boots.
Will any matching connector operate at the same speed?
Not necessarily. Both hosts must support the stated rate, identification, lane mapping and any required breakout configuration; mechanical compatibility alone is insufficient.
What details assist a compatibility review?
Provide the equipment manufacturer, model, port type, hardware revision and software release, together with the OEM reference, required length and quantity.
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. Keep QDD-400-CU3M associated with 3m (10ft) throughout the order and receiving record.
Shipping and Lead Time
Standard configurations normally ship within one to three working days, while production quantities are confirmed with the order. Delivery can be arranged by courier, air freight or sea freight, and goods may instead be handed to an appointed forwarder or shipped on the customer’s courier account.
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. Standard protective packing is used by default, with project documentation arranged when requested.
