What Is the Cisco SFP-50G-CU1.5M= Transceiver?

The ​​Cisco SFP-50G-CU1.5M=​​ is a 50 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) direct-attach copper (DAC) cable assembly designed for high-speed data center and enterprise network environments. This passive twinaxial cable features a 1.5-meter reach, making it ideal for short-distance connections between switches, routers, or servers. Unlike optical modules, it requires no external power and operates at lower latency, providing a cost-effective solution for 50G deployments.

Cisco certifies this DAC for use in its Nexus 9000 and 3000 series switches, ensuring seamless compatibility with platforms like the ​​Nexus 93180YC-FX3​​ and ​​Nexus 3164Q​​.

Key Technical Specifications

• ​​Data Rate​​: 50 Gbps (Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable Double Density, QSFP28 form factor)
• ​​Cable Type​​: Passive twinaxial copper
• ​​Maximum Distance​​: 1.5 meters
• ​​Power Consumption​​: 0.8W (passive design eliminates need for transceiver power)
• ​​Operating Temperature​​: 0°C to 70°C (32°F to 158°F)
• ​​Compliance​​: IEEE 802.3by, SFF-8436, and SFF-8665 standards

Why Choose the SFP-50G-CU1.5M= Over Optical Modules?

​​Cost Efficiency​​: At 50%–70% lower cost than equivalent optical transceivers, DAC cables eliminate expenses for separate optics and fiber patch cords.
​​Simplified Deployments​​: Pre-terminated connectors reduce installation time compared to field-terminated fiber solutions.
​​Latency Advantage​​: Copper DACs operate at <0.1μs latency, outperforming optical modules (0.5–2μs) in high-frequency trading or real-time analytics environments.

Critical Deployment Considerations

Compatibility Verification

The SFP-50G-CU1.5M= works natively with Cisco’s ​​NX-OS 9.3(5)+​​ and ​​ACI 5.2(1)+​​ environments. However, third-party switches may require manual speed/autonegotiation configuration. Always verify platform support using Cisco’s Transceiver Module Compatibility Matrix.

Thermal Management in High-Density Racks

While the passive design reduces heat output, ensure at least 1U of vertical spacing between stacked DACs in fully populated chassis. For Nexus 9500 deployments, follow Cisco’s recommended airflow patterns to avoid thermal throttling.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

​​Link Flapping​​:

• Validate cable integrity using ​​Cisco CLI commands​​ like show interface transceiver details.
• Replace DACs showing BER (Bit Error Rate) above 10^-12.

​​Interoperability Failures​​:

• Disable forward error correction (FEC) on non-Cisco devices if link negotiation fails.
• Test with a Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series switch as a control device to isolate firmware-related bugs.

Procurement Insights: Balancing Cost and Reliability

While the [“SFP-50G-CU1.5M=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/) offers competitive pricing, prioritize vendors providing:

• Cisco’s lifetime limited warranty
• Same-day shipping for critical spare scenarios
• Authenticity seals via Cisco’s Serial Number Validation tool

Final Perspective: Where This DAC Excels (and Where It Doesn’t)

The SFP-50G-CU1.5M= shines in hyperscale data centers requiring massive east-west traffic between adjacent racks. Its plug-and-play simplicity makes it superior to optical solutions for sub-3m connections. However, for environments demanding electromagnetic interference (EMI) resistance or runs beyond 5 meters, QSFP28 optical modules remain unavoidable. As 50GbE adoption grows in AI/ML clusters, this DAC will likely become a staple in cost-driven, high-throughput architectures – provided teams rigorously validate cable quality during bulk purchases.