An expert guide to D-sub connectors and naming
D-subminiature (D-sub) connectors were invented by Canon ITT in 1952 and are now in common use on a plethora of IT equipment. They have 2, 3 or 4 rows of pins (male) or sockets (female) surrounded by an elongated D-shaped metallic shell. The shell provides mechanical support and electrical screening, and its D-shape ensures correct plug and socket orientation. Connector contacts are spaced 2.74 mm apart with the rows spaced 2.84 mm apart.
Nomenclature and naming conventions
The correct format to specify a D-sub connector is shown below. The initial letter D (for D-subminiature) is followed by a letter denoting the shell size (A, B, C, D or E). A hyphen then precedes two or three digits that are used to denote the number of pins. The final character is either P (plug) or S (socket) to denote the gender.
There are numerous examples of misused nomenclature in everyday use such as the DE-09 connector being commonly (and erroneously) called a DB-9. Also, the final character is often either M (Male) or F (Female) instead of P or S. The hyphen is often omitted.
D-sub connector tables by density
D-subminiature connectors are divided into three groups: Standard Density, High Density and Double Density. The following tables show the correct names and the commonly-used names for all D-subminiature connectors.
D-subminiature (D-sub) standard density connectors
| Shell | Pinout | Correct name | Common name | Pins | Rows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DA |  |
DA-15 | DB-15 | 15 | 2 |
| DB |  |
DB-25 | DB-25 | 25 | 2 |
| DC |  |
DC-37 | DB-37 | 37 | 2 |
| DD |  |
DD-50 | DB-50 | 50 | 3 |
| DE |  |
DE-09 | DB-9 | 9 | 2 |
D-subminiature (D-sub) high density connectors
| Shell | Pinout | Correct name | Common name | Pins | Rows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DA |  |
DA-26 | DB-26HD, HD-26 | 26 | 3 |
| DB |  |
DB-44 | DB-44HD, HD-44 | 44 | 3 |
| DC |  |
DC-62 | DB-62HD, HD-62 | 62 | 3 |
| DD |  |
DD-78 | DB-78HD, HD-78 | 78 | 4 |
| DE |  |
DE-15 | DB-15HD, HD-15 | 15 | 3 |
D-subminiature (D-sub) double density connectors
| Shell | Pinout | Correct name | Common name | Pins | Rows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DA |  |
DA-31 | DB-31DD, DD-31 | 31 | 3 |
| DB |  |
DB-52 | DB-52DD, DD-52 | 52 | 3 |
| DC |  |
DC-79 | DB-79DD, DD-79 | 79 | 3 |
| DD |  |
DD-100 | DB-100DD, DD-100 | 100 | 4 |
| DE |  |
DE-19 | DB-19DD, DD-19 | 19 | 3 |
Note: The P or S final character has been omitted from the above tables.
Frequently asked questions
What is a D-sub connector?
A D-subminiature (D-sub) connector is a type of electrical connector with a distinctive D-shaped metal shell that surrounds the pins or sockets. The shape ensures the connector can only be inserted in the correct orientation. D-sub connectors are commonly used for serial and parallel computer connections, VGA video, networking equipment and industrial controls.
What is the difference between DB-9 and DE-9?
They are the same connector. DE-9 is the correct technical name and DB-9 is the commonly used (but incorrect) name. The E in DE-9 refers to the shell size, not the pin count. DB-9 became popular because the more common DB-25 connector preceded it and people assumed all 9-pin connectors must also use the DB shell.
What is the difference between standard, high and double density D-sub connectors?
The three densities refer to how tightly the pins are packed within the same shell size. Standard density has the original pin spacing. High density packs more pins into the same shell (for example DE-15 has 15 pins in the same shell size as the 9-pin DE-09). Double density goes further still, packing even more pins into the same shell.
Is the VGA connector a D-sub connector?
Yes. The standard VGA connector is a DE-15 high density D-sub connector with 15 pins arranged in 3 rows. It is commonly called a "DB-15HD" or "HD-15" although the technically correct name is DE-15.
Are D-sub connectors still used?
Yes, despite being over 70 years old, D-sub connectors remain in widespread use. The DE-09 serial connector is still found on industrial equipment, networking gear and PLCs. The DE-15 (VGA) is still used on many monitors and projectors. DB-25 connectors are still used for parallel printer connections on legacy equipment.
What is the difference between male and female D-sub connectors?
Male D-sub connectors (designated P for plug) have visible pins protruding from the shell. Female D-sub connectors (designated S for socket) have recessed receptacles that the pins mate into. Cables typically have a male connector on one end and a female on the other, though this varies by application.
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