Specifications

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PC Cable Connector Guide
DB Mini DB Connectors
This is a common connector used in many computer,
audio/video, and data applications. The official name is
D-subminiature, but many people call it “D-sub” or just “DB”.
The connector gets its name from its trapezoidal shape that
resembles the letter “D”. Most DB connector have two rows of
pins. Common types of D-sub connector are DB9 and DB25,
used on PCs for serial and parallel ports. One special type
of D-sub connectors is the High-Density DB style, which looks
just like a regular DB connector, only with pins that are slightly
smaller and placed closer together. This is typically referred to
as an “HD” connector. HD connectors often have three rows
of pins instead of two. The most common HD connector is the
HD15, which is found on PC video cards and monitors. DB-
and HD-connectors use thumbscrews to secure the connector in
place. Another type of D-sub is the MD, or Micro DB connector.
This connector is slimmer than a standard D-sub, with pins even
smaller than the ones used on HD connectors. The MD is also
commonly called a “half-pitch” DB connector. These are often
used in SCSI applications, and the most popular types are
the MD50 and MD68 connections. MD-connectors can use
latch clips or thumbscrews as anchoring mechanisms. D-sub
connectors are usually described by the total number of pins
that they can hold. In some cases, a DB25 connector may
only have 4 or 5 pins loaded into it; however, it is still called
a “DB25” connector and not a “DB4” or “DB5”. Another
example is the HD15 connector used by monitors—most
monitor cables only are loaded with 14 pins, but are still called
an HD15 connector.
Centronics/Micro Centronics Connectors
The Centronics connector has a plastic bar in the center of
the connector body that holds the contact pins. The body of the
connector is often blue in color using latch clips on the sides
to hold the connector in place. Centronics connections are
commonly found on older printers and some telecommunication
applications. The micro Centronics uses a smaller body connector
and is commonly found on multi-function printers.
DIN / Mini-DIN Connectors
DIN connectors are round, with pins arranged in a circular
pattern. This type of connector is used widely for PC keyboards,
MIDI instruments, and other specialized equipment. Another type
of DIN connector is the mini-DIN. As the name suggests, mini-
DIN connectors are smaller in size than a regular DIN. They are
still round, but with the pins arranged in horizontal rows rather
than in a circular pattern. Mini-DIN connectors are used for
S-Video connections, PS/2 mouse and keyboards, and some
other applications. DIN and mini-DIN connectors are both held
in place by the friction of the connector body and by pins.
5-Pin DIN
Male
5-Pin DIN
Female
6-Pin Mini
DIN Male
6-Pin Mini
DIN Female
4-Pin Mini
DIN Male
4-Pin Mini
DIN Female
8-Pin Mini
DIN Male
8-Pin Mini
DIN Female
DB9 Male
HD15 Male
DB9 Female
HD15 Female
DB15 Male DB15 Female
12345678910111213
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
DB25 Male
25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14
13 12 11 10 98
7 6 54321
DB25 Female
MD50 Male
MD50 Female
MD68 Male
MD68 Female
VHDCI 68 Male
13W3 Male
13W3 Female
Ultra LVD 50-Pin
Centronics 36 Female
Mini C36 Male
Centronics 50 Female
Centronics 50 Male
Centronics 36 Male