D-subminiature
lastmod 2025-01-02created 2023-02-026 edits
D-sub is short for D-subminiature, a type of connector used especially in computers. When first introduced, the name "subminiature", meaning "very small", was apt, but today it is among the larger of the widely used computer connectors. When the term "D-sub" is used in the South Korean computing context, it usually refers to the 15-pin DA-15/DE-15 connector commonly used to connect monitors, projectors, and the like.
Types
DE-15 connector (socket) used for VGA, SVGA, and XGA ports Connectors of sizes DA, DB, DC, DD, and DE
D-sub connectors are classified by their appearance and pin count. In the connector's name, the first letter D denotes a D-sub connector, and in the second letter A stands for 15 pins, B for 25 pins, C for 37 pins, D for 50 pins, and E for 9 pins. For example, DA15 denotes a 15-pin connector of size A (the 15-pin connector size). Fitting 15 pins into the E size, which corresponds to 9 pins, is called DE15, and unlike DA15 its pins are arranged in 3 rows.
The following are mainly used for computers.
- 9-pin (DE-9 connector)
- Used for serial ports including RS-232. It was also used for the joystick connector of the Atari 2600. This connector later became commonly known as the "Atari standard" and was also used on MSX, X68000, and FM TOWNS. It was also the display connector for CGA, HGC, and others on PCs.
- 15-pin (DA-15/DE-15 connector)
- Used for display connections; when it has 3 rows of pins it is also called a VGA connector. This type of connector is also used for game ports.
- 25-pin (DB-25 connector)
- Used for parallel ports and serial ports such as RS-232. It was also used as a SCSI connector in computer environments such as the Macintosh.
The connectors listed below are widely used under names such as Half D-Sub, but strictly speaking their specification differs from D-sub.
- 50-pin (HDB-50 connector)
- Used to connect SCSI devices.
- 68-pin (HDB-68 connector)
- Used to connect SCSI devices.
VGA vs RS-232
Cables can be told apart by whether they have 3 rows or 2 rows, as shown below.
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Relay terminal block adapter board
DB37_terminal_breakout_connector.png
For reference, the product is "D-SUB 37-pin port terminal breakout connector / solderless adapter terminal connector for DB cables"