NVIDIA/Mellanox QDD-400G-2QAO Compatible 400G QSFP-DD 8 x 50G PAM4 to 2 x 200G QSFP56 4 x 50G PAM4 Ethernet Active Optical Breakout Cable

The QDD-400G-2QAO compatible series is designed for NVIDIA/Mellanox hosts requiring a 400G AOC connection. Its QSFP-DD to 2x QSFP56 arrangement is supplied as a complete optical assembly with permanently attached ends and integrated fiber. 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: QDD-400G-2QAOHT Part Number: QDD-400G-2QAO
Product Highlights
- HT-manufactured compatible alternative for NVIDIA/Mellanox QDD-400G-2QAO
- 400G aggregate connectivity at 400Gbps
- Interface configuration: QSFP-DD to 2x QSFP56
- Breakout AOC
- Length configurations covered: 5m (16ft)
- Power consumption: 12W (QSFP-DD End)5.5W (QSFP56 Per End)
- Operating temperature: 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F)
Available Lengths and Corresponding Part Numbers
The documented series configuration is 5m (16ft). Use the relevant OEM reference below together with the HT identity and required length when requesting a quotation. If another length carries a different OEM part number, it must be reviewed and ordered as that distinct configuration.
Compatible OEM Part Numbers
- QDD-400G-2QAO05
Specifications
| HT Part Number | QDD-400G-2QAO |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | HT |
| Form Factor | QSFP-DD to 2x QSFP56 |
| Max. Data Rate | 400Gbps |
| Cable Length Options Covered | 5m (16ft) |
| Cable Type | Breakout AOC |
| Wavelength | 850nm |
| Minimum Bend Radius | 30mm |
| Transmitter Type | VSCEL |
| Receiver Type | PIN |
| Max. Power Consumption | 12W (QSFP-DD End)5.5W (QSFP56 Per End) |
| Modulation Format | QSFP-DD-8x 50G-PAM4QSFP56-4x 50G-PAM4 |
| CDR (Clock and Data Recovery) | TX & RX Built-in CDR |
| Jacket Material | OFNP |
| DDM/DOM | Supported |
| Commercial Temperature Range | 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F) |
| Protocols | IEEE 802.3cd, IEEE 802.3bs, QSFP-DD MSA, SFF-8024, SFF-8679, SFF-8665, CMIS 4.0, OIF-CEI-04.0 |
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, AOC construction and length-specific OEM reference together throughout that review.
NVIDIA/Mellanox 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 optical cables integrate optical engines and fiber into a single factory-terminated link. They provide a lighter, longer-reach alternative to copper direct attach without requiring separate transceiver and patch-cord selection. The complete assembly should be routed with bend protection and connected only between compatible optical standards and port modes. For this series, the listed interface is QSFP-DD to 2x QSFP56 and the aggregate rate is 400G.
Cable Construction and Routing
The specification table records the jacket material is OFNP; the minimum bend radius is 30mm; the operating temperature is 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F); the power consumption is 12W (QSFP-DD End)5.5W (QSFP56 Per End). Use those values when preparing the rack pathway and receiving checklist. Do not pull a connector by its cable, compress the run under tight ties or force excess length into a sharp coil. Connector protection should remain in place until the assembly is ready for insertion.
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 QDD-400G-2QAO 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 NVIDIA/Mellanox cable?
No. It is an HT-manufactured compatible cable for equipment that specifies QDD-400G-2QAO, not an original NVIDIA/Mellanox-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 AOC 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.
