MSA releases first interface spec

The Small Form Factor Pluggable Double Density (SFP-DD) Multi Source Agreement (MSA) Group has announced the release of its first Management Interface Specification (MIS). The SFP-DD MIS may be used by 2-lane pluggable modules with host to module management communication based on a Two-Wire-Interface (TWI). 

Developed to allow host and module software implementers to utilize a common code base across a variety of form factors, the SFP-DD MIS provides a set of core functionality that all modules must implement and a set of optional features whose implementation is advertised in the module memory map. This approach allows host software implementers to read and react to optional module capability advertisements while ensuring interoperability with all modules at a basic level.

Broad list of promoters

SFP-DD MSA promoters include Alibaba, Broadcom, Cisco, Dell EMC, Finisar, HPE, Huawei, Intel, Juniper Networks, Lumentum, Mellanox, Molex and TE Connectivity. Contributors include Accelink, Amphenol, AOI, Foxconn Interconnect Technology, Fourte, Genesis, Hisense, Infinera, Innolight, Maxim Integrated, Multilane, Nokia, Senko, Source Photonics, US Conec and ZTE.

A characteristic common to all SFP-DD MIS compliant modules is that management data is transferred over a TWI, using a 256 byte addressable memory window, with mechanisms to dynamically page data of a much larger management memory space into the upper half of the host addressable memory window. SFP-DD MIS compliant pluggable modules are 2-lane module form factors.

“Working collectively with all the MSA members, we are pleased to introduce the SFP-DD MIS,” said Scott Sommers, founding member and MSA chairman. “With this new release, the MIS will enable the adoption of the SFP-DD form factor as the next generation of SFP-DD modules, connectors and cage systems.”