Cisco QSFP-100G-CU0.5M Compatible 100G QSFP28 4 x 25G NRZ Passive Copper Twinax Cable, 0.5m (2ft)
The assembly listed here is the 0.5m (2ft) member of the QSFP-100G-CU0.5M product family for Cisco equipment. It provides 100G DAC connectivity through QSFP28 to QSFP28. Project teams can use the detailed table, related references and documentation-oriented packing information to keep each delivered cable aligned with its planned endpoints.
OEM Part Number: QSFP-100G-CU0.5MHT Part Number: QSFP-100G-CU0.5M
Product Highlights
- Compatible alternative to Cisco QSFP-100G-CU0.5M
- 100G connectivity at 100Gbps
- Interface configuration: QSFP28 to QSFP28
- Fixed length and part number: 0.5m (2ft), QSFP-100G-CU0.5M
- Cable construction: Passive Twinax
- Conductor specification: 30AWG
- Maximum power consumption: ≤0.5W
- Minimum bend radius: 33.5mm
Specifications
| HT Part Number | QSFP-100G-CU0.5M |
|---|---|
| Cisco Compatible | QSFP-100G-CU0.5M |
| Manufacturer | HT |
| Form Factor | QSFP28 to QSFP28 |
| Max. Data Rate | 100Gbps |
| Media | Copper |
| Cable Type | Passive Twinax |
| Cable Length | 0.5m (1.64ft) |
| Jacket Material | PVC (OFNR) |
| Minimum Bend Radius | 33.5mm |
| Wire AWG | 30AWG |
| Max. Power Consumption | ≤0.5W |
| Modulation Format | 4x 25G-NRZ to 4x 25G-NRZ |
| Power Supply | 3.3V |
| MTBF | ≈50 Million Hours |
| Commercial Temperature Range | 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F) |
| Application | 100G Ethernet |
| Protocols | QSFP28 MSA, SFF-8662, IEEE 802.3 |
Cisco OEM Reference
Cisco classifies the QSFP-100G-CUxM family as 100GBASE-CR4 passive copper direct-attach cable for very short links within racks and between adjacent racks. Its documented family includes 1m, 1.5m, 2m, 2.5m, 3m and 5m part numbers. This HT page covers the exact length and OEM reference shown above; the compatible assembly itself follows the HT specification table.
Network and Protocol Considerations
The intended application is 100G Ethernet. Listed interface and protocol references include QSFP28 MSA, SFF-8662, IEEE 802.3. 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
The 0.5m (2ft) length is suited to closely aligned ports where excessive slack would obstruct airflow or complicate dressing. Measure the actual port-to-port path before choosing QSFP-100G-CU0.5M; even a short assembly must retain the specified bend radius and should never be pulled tight behind the equipment.
Position Within the Length Range
QSFP-100G-CU0.5M is the shortest of 7 verified length options in this family. It is the preferred choice when the port positions are close and cable slack must be kept to a minimum. The next option is QSFP-100G-CU1M at 1m (3ft), adding 0.5m for a less direct routing path; selecting it unnecessarily would leave more cable to dress.
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 30AWG; the minimum bend radius is 33.5mm; the stated power consumption is ≤0.5W; the jacket material is PVC (OFNR).
Signal and Lane Configuration
The listed modulation format is 4x 25G-NRZ to 4x 25G-NRZ. 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.
Power and Thermal Planning
The rated power consumption is ≤0.5W. 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 30AWG conductors, PVC (OFNR) jacket, minimum bend radius 33.5mm. 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.
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. The check includes link stability and diagnostic indications, followed by a final inspection of both ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an original Cisco cable?
No. It is an HT-manufactured compatible alternative for equipment that specifies Cisco QSFP-100G-CU0.5M.
Can different brands be connected with the same assembly?
Only where both hosts explicitly support the complete interface and compatibility arrangement. Document each end and select the appropriate brand-specific product when required.
Does this order code cover multiple lengths?
No. QSFP-100G-CU0.5M refers here to 0.5m (2ft). Every other verified length has a separate part number and page in the length list.
Are separate transceivers or patch leads required?
No. This is one complete direct-attach assembly. The ends are not detachable modules and should not be separated from the cable.
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. Quantity and any labeling instructions should be attached specifically to QSFP-100G-CU0.5M.
Shipping and Lead Time
Available stock is generally dispatched within one to three working days after order confirmation, with production lead times advised for larger quantities. International express, air cargo and sea freight can be selected according to destination and carton volume; customer courier accounts and nominated forwarders are also 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. Standard protective packing is used by default, with project documentation arranged when requested.
