980-9I31N-00NM00 Nvidia 1 Port 1310NM OSFP SMF 400GBPS Transceiver

Overview of High-Performance 400G OSFP Transceiver

The NVIDIA 980-9I31N-00NM00 is a next-generation single-port optical module engineered for ultra-high-bandwidth data center and HPC environments. Designed around 400Gbps DR4 architecture, it delivers reliable short-reach optical connectivity over single-mode fiber with low power consumption and advanced signal integrity.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Nvidia
• Part Number: 980-9I31N-00NM00 
• Product Type: Optical Transceiver  

Core Technical Highlights

• 400Gbps DR4 single-mode optical transmission
• Dual-protocol compatibility supporting InfiniBand and Ethernet
• Four parallel lanes operating at 100G-PAM4 per channel
• Optimized for short-range SMF links up to 100 meters

Optical & Electrical Architecture

• 1310nm EML single-mode laser for consistent signal quality
• 4-lane electrical and optical modulation using PAM4 technology
• Adaptive transmit input equalization for improved link margins
• Single MPO-12/APC optical interface for simplified cabling

Connector & Form Factor Design

• OSFP flat-top module shell for dense switch and adapter installations
• Hot-swappable design enabling maintenance without downtime
• OSFP MSA compliant mechanical and electrical layout

Power Efficiency & Thermal Characteristics

• Maximum 9W power usage in 4-channel operation
• Reduced consumption down to 5W in 2-channel mode
• Single 3.3V power supply architecture
• Operational case temperature from 0°C to +70°C

Standards Compliance & Safety

• CMIS 4.0 compliant management interface
• RoHS compliant for environmentally responsible deployments
• Class 1 laser safety certification
• Fully aligned with osfpmsa.org specifications

Deployment Scenarios & Use Cases

• Integration with ConnectX-7 OSFP network adapters
• Interconnection of twin-port transceivers in 2×400G InfiniBand or Ethernet switches
• Ideal for AI clusters, cloud data centers, and high-performance computing fabrics
• Short-reach optical links within racks or across adjacent rows

Outline of Nvidia 980-9I31N-00NM00 Optical Transceiver 

The Nvidia 980-9I31N-00NM00 Single Port Transceiver 400Gbps NDR OSFP MPO 1310NM SMF up to 100M Flat Top represents a high-performance optical interconnect category engineered for next-generation data center fabrics, AI clusters, and high-performance computing environments. This category focuses on ultra-high bandwidth optical transceivers that deliver consistent, low-latency data transmission while supporting modern network architectures built around 400Gbps Ethernet and Nvidia NDR InfiniBand standards. Designed to address the growing demand for dense, power-efficient connectivity, this transceiver class emphasizes signal integrity, reliability, and seamless integration into Nvidia-based switching and networking ecosystems.

As workloads continue to evolve toward large-scale distributed computing, especially in machine learning and data analytics, the importance of robust optical connectivity becomes central to infrastructure planning. The Nvidia 980-9I31N-00NM00 category addresses these challenges by enabling high throughput over single-mode fiber while maintaining predictable performance across short-reach interconnects up to 100 meters. This ensures optimal communication between switches, servers, and GPU nodes within tightly coupled environments.

Core Technology and Design Philosophy

This transceiver category is built around Nvidia’s engineering philosophy of performance consistency and architectural harmony. Each module is designed to align with Nvidia NDR network specifications, allowing it to operate efficiently within high-density switch platforms and advanced fabric topologies. The flat top OSFP form factor enables superior thermal management, mechanical stability, and standardized deployment across compatible hardware platforms.

400Gbps NDR Optical Architecture

The 400Gbps Non-Data Rate optical architecture defines a class of transceivers capable of handling massive data streams without introducing excessive latency or jitter. In this category, the transceiver supports parallel optical lanes aggregated into a single high-bandwidth channel. This design supports demanding workloads that require consistent throughput, such as GPU-to-GPU communication, distributed training models, and real-time analytics pipelines.

By leveraging Nvidia NDR standards, this transceiver category ensures compatibility with high-speed switch ASICs and network adapters. The result is a scalable optical interconnect solution that supports both current and future bandwidth demands while minimizing operational complexity.

OSFP Flat Top Form Factor

The OSFP flat top design is a defining element of this category. It provides a compact yet robust physical interface that supports higher power envelopes compared to legacy form factors. This allows the transceiver to sustain stable optical output and signal quality even under continuous high-load conditions. The flat top design also simplifies airflow management within dense switch enclosures, contributing to improved thermal efficiency.

From a deployment perspective, the OSFP flat top form factor ensures uniformity across network hardware, making it easier for operators to standardize cabling, maintenance procedures, and spare part inventories.

Optical Characteristics and Signal Performance

Optical performance is central to the Nvidia 980-9I31N-00NM00 transceiver category. These modules are engineered to deliver precise wavelength control, stable optical power levels, and minimal signal degradation over single-mode fiber links.

1310nm Wavelength Optimization

The use of a 1310nm operating wavelength enables efficient signal transmission over single-mode fiber with minimal attenuation and dispersion. This wavelength range is well-suited for short-reach and mid-reach data center interconnects, ensuring reliable performance across distances up to 100 meters. The category’s focus on this wavelength ensures compatibility with standard SMF infrastructure commonly deployed in modern facilities.

Optimized laser design and modulation techniques further enhance signal clarity, reducing bit error rates and supporting stable high-speed communication across all lanes.

Single-Mode Fiber Compatibility

This transceiver category is explicitly designed for single-mode fiber environments, where precision and signal integrity are paramount. SMF compatibility allows operators to take advantage of existing fiber plant investments while upgrading network bandwidth. The ability to operate reliably over short SMF links makes this category ideal for intra-rack, inter-rack, and switch-to-switch connections within high-density data halls.

The emphasis on SMF also ensures future scalability, as single-mode fiber remains the preferred medium for higher data rates and longer reach requirements.

MPO Interface and Connectivity Efficiency

The MPO connector interface plays a critical role in defining the usability and performance of this transceiver category. Designed for parallel optical communication, the MPO interface enables efficient aggregation of multiple optical lanes within a compact connector footprint.

High-Density Parallel Optics

Parallel optics are essential for achieving 400Gbps throughput without relying on excessively high per-lane data rates. In this category, the MPO interface supports multiple transmit and receive lanes operating simultaneously. This approach enhances reliability by distributing data across lanes while maintaining overall bandwidth targets.

High-density MPO connectivity also simplifies cable management in dense network environments, allowing operators to deploy high-capacity links without significantly increasing physical complexity.

Operational Stability and Connector Design

The MPO connector used in this transceiver category is engineered for consistent alignment and low insertion loss. Precision manufacturing ensures stable optical coupling, which is critical for maintaining signal quality at high data rates. The connector design supports repeated insertions without significant degradation, making it suitable for environments where hardware reconfiguration and upgrades are common.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The Nvidia 980-9I31N-00NM00 transceiver category is designed to support a wide range of deployment scenarios within advanced computing environments. Its performance characteristics make it particularly suitable for applications that demand high bandwidth and low latency within confined physical distances.

AI and Machine Learning Infrastructure

In AI and machine learning clusters, rapid data exchange between GPUs and compute nodes is essential for training efficiency and model scalability. This transceiver category enables high-speed optical links that support synchronized operations across distributed systems. The predictable latency and high throughput provided by 400Gbps NDR connectivity contribute to reduced training times and improved overall system utilization.

The compatibility with Nvidia networking platforms further enhances integration within AI-focused infrastructures, ensuring seamless communication across the entire stack.

High-Performance Computing Environments

High-performance computing workloads often involve tightly coupled processes that require fast and reliable interconnects. This transceiver category supports such environments by delivering consistent optical performance under sustained load. The ability to operate over short SMF links up to 100 meters makes it ideal for HPC clusters housed within a single facility or data hall.

The OSFP flat top design also supports the power and thermal requirements typical of HPC deployments, ensuring stable operation even in densely packed systems.

Thermal Management and Power Efficiency

Thermal efficiency is a critical consideration for high-speed optical transceivers. This category emphasizes designs that balance performance with manageable power consumption, reducing the operational burden on cooling systems.

Optimized Heat Dissipation

The flat top OSFP form factor facilitates effective heat dissipation through improved airflow and contact with cooling components. This ensures that the transceiver can maintain stable performance without excessive thermal throttling. Effective thermal management also contributes to longer component lifespan and reduced failure rates.

Energy-Efficient Operation

Energy efficiency is increasingly important in large-scale data centers. This transceiver category is engineered to deliver high bandwidth per watt, enabling operators to scale network capacity without proportionally increasing power consumption. Efficient laser operation, optimized electronics, and advanced modulation techniques all contribute to reduced energy usage.

Reliability, Quality, and Lifecycle Considerations

Reliability is a defining characteristic of the Nvidia 980-9I31N-00NM00 transceiver category. These modules are designed to meet stringent quality standards and support continuous operation in mission-critical environments.

Manufacturing Precision and Testing

Each transceiver in this category undergoes rigorous testing to ensure compliance with performance specifications and interoperability requirements. Precision manufacturing techniques ensure consistent optical alignment, stable electrical performance, and robust mechanical integrity. Comprehensive validation processes help minimize deployment risks and ensure predictable behavior in production environments.

Long-Term Deployment Stability

The category is designed with long-term deployment in mind, supporting extended operational lifecycles without frequent replacement. Stable optical output, durable connectors, and robust housing materials contribute to sustained performance over time. This reduces total cost of ownership and simplifies maintenance planning for large-scale network operators.

Integration Within Nvidia Networking Ecosystems

One of the key strengths of this transceiver category is its seamless integration within Nvidia’s broader networking ecosystem. Designed to complement Nvidia switches, adapters, and software-defined networking solutions, these transceivers enable cohesive and optimized network architectures.

Compatibility with Nvidia Switch Platforms

The transceiver category is engineered to operate efficiently within Nvidia switch platforms that support 400Gbps NDR connectivity. Mechanical, electrical, and optical specifications are aligned to ensure reliable insertion, stable operation, and optimal performance. This compatibility simplifies deployment and reduces the risk of interoperability issues.

Support for Scalable Network Fabrics

Scalability is a core requirement for modern data centers. This transceiver category supports scalable fabric designs by enabling high-capacity links that can be easily replicated across network tiers. Whether deployed in spine-leaf architectures or specialized HPC fabrics, these transceivers provide the building blocks for scalable, high-performance networks.

Operational Benefits and Strategic Value

Beyond raw performance, the Nvidia 980-9I31N-00NM00 transceiver category delivers strategic value by simplifying network design and supporting future growth. Its standardized form factor, predictable performance, and ecosystem compatibility make it a practical choice for organizations planning long-term infrastructure investments.

Simplified Network Planning

The use of standardized OSFP flat top modules and MPO connectivity allows network architects to design consistent and repeatable deployments. This reduces complexity during planning, installation, and expansion phases. Predictable reach and performance characteristics further simplify capacity planning and performance modeling.

Future-Ready Optical Infrastructure

As data rates continue to increase, the principles embodied in this transceiver category provide a foundation for future upgrades. Single-mode fiber compatibility, parallel optical design, and high-density form factors ensure that infrastructure built around this category remains relevant as network demands evolve.