D-sub Connectors: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 09:52, 5 January 2026

D-sub Connectors (full name D-subminiature) are a common electrical connector introduced by Cannon in 1952. D-sub connectors are most often used for communication such as serial or video data.

The most common D-sub connector for automotive applications is the DE-9 connector (more commonly mislabeled as a DB-9 Connector) for diagnostic tools, data loggers, CAN tools, etc.

The most recognizable D-sub connector to people over 30 is the DE-15 connector, AKA the "VGA connector" which is typically coded blue in color.

D-sub Connector Types:

A D-sub contains two or more parallel rows of pins or sockets usually surrounded by a D-shaped metal shield, or shell, that provides mechanical support, ensures correct orientation, and may screen against electromagnetic interference. The hexagonal standoffs (4-40 bolts) at both sides of each connector have a threaded stud fastening the connectors to the metal panel and accept a 3/16" hex socket.

Normal density		High density		Double density
Name	Pin layout	Name	Pin layout	Name	Pin layout
DA-15	8–7	DA-26	9–9–8	DA-31	10–11–10
DB-25	13–12	DB-44	15–15–14	DB-52	17–18–17
DC-37	19–18	DC-62	21–21–20	DC-79	26–27–26
DD-50	17–16–17	DD-78	20–19–20–19	DD-100	26–25–24–25
DE-9	5–4	DE-15	5–5–5	DE-19	6–7–6
19-pin	10–9	104-pin	21–21–21–21–20
23-pin	12–11

D-sub Connectors are available from various manufacturers such as:

TE AMP AMPLIMITE

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 |23-pin
 |12–11
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-| colspan="6" |
-# non-standard shell size
-<small>Note that the ''high density'' and ''double density'' classification here is the reverse of floppy disk nomenclature. Here, ''high density'' is intermediate, between nominal and double density.</small>
 |}
 D-sub Connectors are available from various manufacturers such as: