Taurus Ethernet Smart Cable Modules™
Astera Labs delivers Taurus Smart Cable Modules™ (Taurus SCM™) that overcome reach, signal integrity and bandwidth utilization issues for 100G/Lane Ethernet connectivity for Switch-to-Switch and Switch-to-Server applications.
The Taurus SCM portfolio enables a cost-effective, active solution for 200/400/800G Ethernet rack connectivity with 50% lower power, <100 ns latency, and 3-meter reach over thin copper gauge cables. It also includes Astera Labs' COnnectivity System Management and Optimization Software (COSMOS) suite which provides extensive link management, fleet management, and Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS) features. Taurus SCM facilitates a flexible supply chain of Smart Electrical Cables by qualifying with leading cable vendors to support Taurus capabilities in QSFP-DD and OSFP backshells.
- Supports 100G PAM4 (106.25 Gbps), 50G PAM4 (53.125 Gbps), 25G NRZ (26.5625 Gbps and 25.78125 Gbps), and other Ethernet line rates
- Resolves rate mismatch between NICs and switches with 50G-to-100G PAM4 & 25G-NRZ-to-50G-PAM4 aggregation/disaggregation (Gearbox)
- 36-dB reach extension for up to 3-meter, 34AWG copper cables, ensuring sufficient cable length and flexibility.
- Ultra-Low-Latency data path supports < 100 ns.
- Advanced fleet management capabilities with full CMIS Features, security, and extensive diagnostics: cable degradation monitoring, host-cable security, multiple loopback modes, pattern generation/checking
- Qualified with leading cable vendors to enable Smart Electrical Cables (SECs) in QSFP-DD and OSFP backshells.
Orderable Information
Taurus Ethernet Smart Cable Modules
Orderable Part Number | Description | Max Data Gen | Cable Line Rate | Mode | Package / Connector | Ordering |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EM400-QDX | 400G QSFP-DD Taurus Smart Cable Module | 400G | 50G/Lane, 100G/Lane | PAM4 | QSFP-DD | Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/product-details/em400-qdx/ |
EM400-EPS | 400G OSFP Taurus Smart Cable Module | 400G | 50G/Lane, 100G/Lane | PAM4 | OSFP | Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/product-details/em400-eps/ |
EM800-EPS | 800G OSFP Taurus Smart Cable Module | 800G | 100G/Lane | PAM4 | OSFP | Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/product-details/em800-eps/ |
EM800-QDX | 800G QSFP-DD Taurus Smart Cable Module | 800G | 100G/Lane | PAM4 | QSFP-DD | Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/product-details/em800-qdx/ |
EM200-QDX | 200G QSFP-DD Taurus Smart Cable Module | 200G | 25G/Lane | NRZ | QSFP-DD | Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/product-details/em200-qdx/ |
Why Use Taurus Smart Cable Modules?
Taurus SCMs enable robust, easy-to-design 100G/Lane Ethernet connectivity and provide all the benefits of basic Active Electrical Cables, while also offering COSMOS' suite of built-in advanced fleet management, security, and deep diagnostic capabilities critical to ensuring high reliability and up-time.
Robustness
Extended Cable Line Rate: future proof scalability for 200G/400G/800G
Low Power: uses 50% less power than Active Optical Cables
Low Latency: Low latency operation at < 100ns
Security: Advanced security features help prevent malicious attacks of unauthorized firmware loading, module diagnostics access, and configurations
Easy System Design
Thin Cable Gauge: Up to 34AWG
Fewer Twinax Pairs: 8 pairs at 200G/400G/800G reduces overall external diameter of cables
Extended Reach: Up to 3m of reach at 34AWG
Flexible Supply Chain: Taurus Smart Cable Modules are compatible with multiple cable vendors for easy second sourcing of active cable assembly
Fleet Management
Quick Debug: Self-test features enable rapid troubleshooting
Deep Diagnostics: Cable-side and host-side diagnostics enable easy management of entire fleets
The Difference is Clear
Taurus SCMs deliver cloud service providers system-wide visibility and management features, which enable enhanced security options, quick debug tools, and flexible firmware upgrade capabilities — all of which basic Active Electrical Cables cannot match.


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FAQ
Have more questions about general topics, such as 800G Ethernet, ordering, quality, etc.? See the full list of FAQs.