| Data Rate | Interface Design | Lanes |
|---|---|---|
| 224, 112, 56Gbps PAM-4 | SMT connectors and cages, BiPass, passive direct-attach cables (DACs), active electrical cables (AECs), active copper cables (ACCs), active optical cables (AOCs) | 8, 16 |
Features and Benefits
Data centers need to upgrade capacity to meet AI-driven demands while addressing the thermal challenges of high-performance systems. To enable these capacity upgrades, interconnect solutions must provide reliable high-speed connectivity, including mechanical durability and EMI resistance, to deliver consistent signal integrity in high-density environments.
Connector solutions must deliver the required data rates for increased AI-driven demands while balancing size, optimizing heat dissipation and minimizing heat-related failures. Rugged, precision-engineered designs with EMI shielding help improve system operation, reduce downtime and extend the product lifespan. Different port configurations, and the ability to integrate with various cable types, simplify sourcing and reduce engineering challenges while streamlining design and installation work.
OSFP connectors from Molex provide a standardized interface that allows installers to choose the I/O technology that best fits their needs. These connectors combine a compact form factor with good airflow and thermal management, supporting high-speed and high-performance data center applications. Compatible with previous-generation 56 and 112Gbps mating interfaces, the 224Gbps design meets IEEE standards and 224G MSA specifications, making upgrades easier. OSFP connectors enable use with AEC, DAC, ACC and optical cables while offering a range of port configurations, enabling customers to optimize functionality. Robust construction with EMI shielding and durable housings delivers long-term reliability and minimizes system downtime.
Applications by Industry
224 Gbps-PAM4 High-Speed Data Center Technology
Cloud infrastructure
Edge-computing infrastructure
Enterprise infrastructure
High-density switches
This is not a definitive list of applications for this product. It represents some of the more common uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are OSFP connectors?
Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable (OSFP) connectors are high-density, high-speed data input/output (I/O) connectors that support aggregate data rates up to 1.6Tbps. These connectors support 56Gbps, 112Gbps and 224Gbps PAM-4 speeds and comply with the OSFP MSA specification and IEEE standards. Molex is a leading supplier of next-generation OSFP connector solutions.
For what applications is the OSFP Connector System suited?
The OSFP Connector System is ideal for hyperscale data centers, AI and machine learning clusters, and high-performance computing environments that provide massive bandwidth while relying on efficient cooling.
How much bandwidth does the OSFP system support?
OSFP connectors support data transmissions of up to 1,600Gbps per module, using eight 224G PAM-4 lanes, and are scalable to support 3.2Tbps with OSFP stacked connectors.
How is OSFP different from QSFP-DD or other form factors?
OSFP connectors are slightly larger than QSFP-DD connectors but offer increased thermal performance and signal integrity at high data rates. The OSFP system supports higher-power modules and is particularly well suited to ultra high-speed applications.
What cable types are compatible with the OSFP Connector System?
The OSFP Connector System supports a wide range of interconnect cables, including direct-attach cables (DACs), active cables (AECs, ACCs and AOCs) and pluggable transceivers.
