ZQSFP+ Ganged Cage Receptacle for 400G/QSFP28 Line Cards
It is the board-side interconnect for QSFP28 and 400G optical modules in switch and router line cards, where the press-fit termination eliminates solder and supports backplane assembly. The cage integrates EMI shielding and a light pipe for port status indication, saving separate component placement.
Press-Fit Termination and Board Mounting
Press-fit compliant-pin termination means the receptacle is pressed into plated through-holes without solder — the interference fit creates a gas-tight joint. This is standard for backplane and mid-plane assemblies where rework access is limited and solderless assembly improves reliability.
This plating grade is specified for the high mating-cycle duty of faceplate ports — field-swapped modules, test fixtures, and lab reconfiguration — where tin plating would fret and oxidise after a few hundred cycles.
Module Compatibility: ZQSFP+ vs QSFP+ and QSFP28
The ZQSFP+ connector interface is the same mechanical footprint as QSFP+ — the 76-position (38 x 2) pinout matches the MSA-defined module edge. The difference is in the cage thermal management: ZQSFP+ cages are designed for the higher power dissipation of 400G modules, with improved airflow and heat sink interfaces. A QSFP+ module will mate electrically, but the thermal design of the cage must be verified for the module's power envelope.