50G SFP56 PAM4 Active Optical Cable with FEC (1-50m): 50G-AOC-SFP56

Our EDGEOPTIC 50G-AOC-SFP56 is a multi-vendor compatible 50G SFP56 active optical cable designed for ultra-high-performance 50 Gigabit Ethernet applications requiring extended reach beyond copper cable limitations. The 50G-AOC-SFP56 features point-to-point configuration with SFP56 connectors on both ends, utilizing embedded fiber optic technology with PAM4 signaling to deliver cutting-edge single-lane 50G connectivity up to 50 meters for data center interconnects, inter-row connections, and emerging 5G transport infrastructure.

The cable supports data rates from 10.31 to 53.125 Gbps, accommodating current and legacy network protocols within a single compact form factor. For Ethernet deployments, the cable handles 10G Ethernet at 10.31 Gbps, 25G Ethernet at 25.78 Gbps, and 50G Ethernet at 53.125 Gbps, providing exceptional versatility for mixed-speed network environments. The SFP56 form factor utilizes PAM4 (4-level Pulse Amplitude Modulation) signaling technology to achieve 50 Gbps throughput over a single lane, representing the cutting edge of serial link technology in the familiar SFP form factor.

The 50G-AOC-SFP56 operates at 850nm wavelength, utilizing VCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) technology for transmission and PIN photodiode for receiving. The embedded multimode fiber supports distances up to 50 meters over OM4 fiber, providing significant reach advantages over copper alternatives which are limited to just 3 meters at 50G speeds. Because the optical fiber is permanently terminated within the cable assembly, there are no exposed fiber connectors to clean or protect, simplifying installation and reducing maintenance requirements compared to traditional optical patch cables with separate transceivers.

The cable supports host-based Forward Error Correction (FEC), which is essential for PAM4 signaling where the reduced voltage margins between signal levels make error correction critical for reliable operation. FEC enables enhanced signal integrity and reduced bit error rates, ensuring robust performance even over maximum cable lengths. Active optical cables offer inherent immunity to electromagnetic interference, making them ideal for environments with significant electrical noise.

The lightweight and flexible construction allows for easier cable routing in congested pathways and improved airflow compared to copper bundles. The cable operates from a +3.3V single power supply with maximum power consumption of only 1W, maintaining excellent energy efficiency while delivering the benefits of optical transmission with advanced PAM4 modulation.

The electrical interface conforms to SFP56 MSA and IEEE 802.3cd specifications, ensuring broad compatibility with standard SFP56 host systems from multiple equipment vendors. Our 50G SFP56 AOC cables can be encoded for compatibility with major networking and telecommunications equipment brands. The cable incorporates DDM/DOM (Digital Diagnostic Monitoring) functionality, providing real-time diagnostic data including transmitted and received optical power levels, module temperature, bias current, and supply voltage. The cable operates within a 0 to 70°C temperature range with an MTBF rating of 1,000,000 hours.

Our 50G SFP56 PAM4 active optical cable is CE/RoHS certified and compliant with product safety standards. Because our focus is providing top quality service, we perform comprehensive quality checks before delivery including optical parameter measurements, connector inspection tests, and SFP56 EEPROM memory data validation.