SFP-DD releases updated specification for pluggable interface

The SFP-DD version 1.1 specification demonstrates improvements to the mechanicals and drawings of the high speed, high density SFP-DD electrical interface consisting of a module, and cage and connector system aimed at supporting as much as 3.5W optical modules in an enterprise setting.

Meeting the technical demands of achieving a double-density interface, the SFP-DD form factor assures mechanical interoperability for module components produced by different manufacturers.

The SFP-DD has a two-lane electrical interface, with each lane supporting up to 25Gbps with NRZ or 56Gbps via PAM4 to enable aggregate bandwidth of 56Gbps or 112Gbps with signal integrity.

An SFP-DD server port and QSFP-DD switch ports can double port density in network applications when combined. The SFP-DD interface contributes to addressing the increased need for port density and scalability in next-generation servers.

Extending speed and density, the SFP-DD electrical interface expands on the existing SFP pluggable form factor, a widely adopted interface used in data centres and other networking platforms.

A guiding principle of the MSA 1.1 specification is backward compatibility. The SFP-DD port is backwards compatible with legacy SFP and SFP+ style cables, modules and AOCs, and all new SFP-DD electrical interfaces.