D-sub Connector
D-sub connectors, also known as D-sub miniatures, are electrical connectors commonly used in computers. D-sub connectors have a parallel connector pinout surrounded by a metal shield. The shield end is shorter, similar to the English letter D.
D-sub Connector Basics
D-sub connectors have been widely used for many years. They were originally developed by Cannon in 1952 and are now part of CanT.
The D-sub connector has been used as a multiplex connector in many applications, but it's probably best known for its use in RS-232 serial connections. In fact, D-sub connectors have been used for serial connections on most computers for years, and various types of D-sub connectors can still be found on most computers today.
The D-sub connector was originally called a sub-miniature connector, and now this connector is also commonly referred to as a D sub-miniature connector. While these connectors were small when they were first introduced, they are no longer considered true sub miniature connectors.
D-sub Connectors Typically Include Two or More Parallel Connection Rows.
The connector has a D-format metal shell. Not only does this provide mechanical strength to the connector, but it also provides some limited screening: the metal shells of the plug and receptacle make contact to provide screening. Additionally, panel mount connectors are typically secured to the panel using nuts with additional threads that allow mating connectors to be secured to them to prevent loosening.
In addition, certain connectors can be provided with a shielded back shell and can be attached to the cable screen, or if plastic, they can provide protection.
D-sub Connector Number
The original numbering system for D-type or D-sub connectors used D as a prefix (giving it its name to the series) and then A, B, C, D or E depending on the housing size.
Next is a number representing the number of pins.
The last letter is P or S, indicating whether the connector is a plug or socket, respectively.
Example of connector coding: "25 pin D-type plug" can be expressed as "DB-25P", "9 pin socket" as "DE-9S"
This original series of D-type connectors has pin numbers of 9, 15, 25, 37 and 50 pins and also offers 19 pins. Common pin configurations are: A = 15 pins, B = 25 pins, C = 37 pins, D = 50 pins, E = 9 pins.
Type of D-sub Connector
D-sub connectors vary in size and pin configuration.
The pins of the D-sub connector are arranged in rows 2-5. The space between the pins is called the density of the connector. D-sub connectors are available in three densities, regular density, high precision and double precision.
Density |
Line spacing |
Pin spacing |
Conventional |
2.84 mm (0.112 in) |
2.76 mm (0.1087 in) |
High Precision |
2.0 mm (0.078 in) |
2.3 mm (0.090 in) |
Double precision |
unclear |
unclear |
Below is a list of each D-sub connector type, pin configuration and density.
Type |
Pin layout |
Remark |
DA-15 |
8 - 7 |
For VGA connections, 10BASE5 (Thick Ethernet or "Thick Ethernet"), serial ports and some NICs (Network Interface Cards) |
DB-25 |
13 - 12 |
For parallel port connections. |
DC-37 |
19 - 18 |
Used for some Cisco, Nortel, SMC and other network equipment. Also used in various models of sensors, switches, satellite dishes, control systems, video hardware, security control systems, etc. |
DD-50 |
17 - 16 - 17 |
Legacy SCSI Connector |
DE-09 |
5 - 4 |
Commonly used in serial ports of computers. DB-9 connectors are sometimes used for ring adapters. DB-15 connectors may also appear on coaxial cables. |
DB-19 |
10 - 9 |
Display and disk drive connections for early Macintosh and NeXT computers. Also used for ASCI data connections on some Atari computers of that era |
D-sub Connector Conventional Density
D-sub connector high precision
Type |
Pin Layout |
DA-26 |
9 - 9 - 8 |
DB-44 |
15 - 15 - 14 |
DC-62 |
21 - 21 - 20 |
DD-78 |
20 - 19 - 20 - 19 |
DE-15 |
5 - 5 - 5 |
DF-104 |
21 - 21 - 21 - 21 - 20 |
D-Sub Connector Double Density
Type |
Pin Layout |
DA-31 |
10 - 11 - 10 |
DB-52 |
17 - 18 - 17 |
DC-79 |
26 - 27 - 26 |
DD-100 |
26 - 25 - 24 - 25 |
DE-19 |
6 - 7 - 6 |
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