Active Electrical Cable Solutions

Data center speed requirements have evolved rapidly, with consumer expectations pushing data rates from 20 to 112 Gbps and now towards 224 Gbps. Data centers must continuously transform their technology and architecture to meet these needs, and cable functionality is a key component. As data rates increase, issues like signal loss and thermal management become more critical and challenging.

AECs regenerate signals and remove noise over lengths of up to 7.0 meters. This provides the ability to extend the length of copper cables beyond the reach of direct attach cables (DACs), delivering greater design flexibility while ensuring superior performance and reducing costs. AECs bridge the gap between traditional DACs and optical solutions, helping future-proof installations and enabling cost-effective data center upgrades.

Molex AECs optimize design flexibility for next-generation digital transmission speeds, delivering high-speed performance at a lower cost than optical alternatives while offering a variety of retimer options to match customer needs. Smaller 34 to 28 AWG cables ensure smaller cable bundle sizes, easing routing challenges while helping ensure thermal management by improving airflow. With data rates up to 112 Gbps PAM-4, Molex AECs provide low-loss, cost-effective connectivity within or between racks.

This is not a definitive list of applications for this product. It represents some of the more common uses.

Why use a re-timer rather than a linear amplifier?
While linear amplifiers are less expensive, they don’t eliminate noise or recondition signals as re-timers do. Additionally, with linear amplifiers, there is a greater dependency on the design of the whole channel. This makes “mix and matching” one vendor’s ToR with another vendor’s server more challenging in terms of ensuring good SI across the channel. However, because re-timers re-condition the signal, eliminating noise, rack implementation becomes more flexible. Customers can confidently connect multiple vendors’ TORs and server solutions within the same rack or across different racks.

How can AECs help with thermal management?
AEC re-timers enable more efficient signal transmission over smaller conductors. This results in cabling as small as 28 to 34 AWG, allowing increased airflow and reduced thermal issues.

Under what circumstances should I use AECs? When should I use DACs?
AECs provide a viable solution and a lower cost than optical. However, if cost and power are an issue and the length of the channel can be serviced by a passive DAC, then passive DACs may be the right solution.