QSFP-DD MSA Releases Version 4.0 Common Management Interface Standard

Recently, the QSFP-DD MSA team released the new version of the hardware and Common Management Interface Specification (CMIS) for high-speed pluggable optical transceiver modules. The 4.0 version of the hardware standard updates the hot part, the synchronous clock, and the improved keying, while the CMIS version 3.0 provides a set of management interactions, as well as register maps for 8- and 16-channel optical modules.

The MSA QSFP-DD hardware standard defines a form factor that supports up to 400 Gbps through an 8*50 Gbps electrical interface. The CMIS supports a variety of interface settings and rate adjustment controls. It supports multiple “data paths”, where each data path includes a subset of channels that are controlled together within a multi-channel module. The MSA team stated that they have completed CMIS in collaboration with other industry standards organizations. The team claims that the CMIS is the first management specification to address the various form factors, functions and applications from passive copper components to coherent DWDM modules.

This CMIS defines host-to-module interactions, ensuring that modules are initialized and consistently run through the management interface. The team stated that the defined State Machines simplify operations by enabling the host to recognize and control the power-up sequence of new high-power modules. It is similar to the management interface standard of the QSFP module and uses the “Banking” function to extend management to 8 channels and 16 channels.

QSFP-DD MSA standard editor Tom Palkert said: “Through strategic cooperation, we have met the standards that meet the common management requirements of mechanical, thermal and electrical parameters. CMIS breaks the barrier of multi-vendor interoperability, thus satisfying users for next-generation modules. Functional Requirements.”

The QSFP-DD MSA was formed in March 2016 to create a QSFP transceiver that doubles in density to support 200Gbps and 400Gbps Ethernet applications. The founders of the MSA include Broadcom, Brocade, Cisco, Finisar, Foxconn Interconnect Technology, Intel, Juniper Networks, Lumentum, Luxtera, Mellanox Technologies, Molex, Oclaro And TE Connectivity. Currently contributing more than 50 companies. It released the first hardware specification in 2017.

In addition to the new standard released by QSFP-DD MSA, the 400G BiDi MSA and SFP-DD MSA have recently released new standards. Three MSA members are expected to discuss their new standards at ECOC next week.