D-Sub Connectors

The D-sub connector is one of the most common types of electronic connector in the world. Despite being a basic input/output connector, D-sub miniature connectors can be surprisingly versatile. The name comes from the characteristic shape, which looks like the letter ‘D’.

D-sub connectors feature this D-shaped metal housing as a shield around rows of contacts, which are aligned to match equivalent sockets in the mating half. They typically have two parallel rows of pins or sockets, though there can be more.

When plugged in, this connector then facilitates the transfer of data between two points – however, they’re designed to only work one way, which is why D-sub connectors are considered to be polarised connectors.

The ‘D’ shape ensures that you cannot insert the connector the wrong way, making it easier to plug in the connector and establish a connection. It also offers mechanical support to the contacts inside and screens them against interfering electromagnetic signals.

What are the benefits of D-sub connectors?
D-subs were the most effective connectors when they first entered the market in the 1950s, but newer technological developments have led to them being superseded by smaller and sleeker alternatives like USB ports.

While D-sub connectors may not seem like the most up-to-date choice, they still remain a market staple due to their stability in environments that require a more rugged connector. Rather than modern lightweight consumer electronics, D-sub connectors are better suited to commercial and industrial environments.

D-sub miniature connectors are still small enough to fit into tighter spaces, but they’re sturdy enough to remain in position and maintain a connection for a long time without interruption. The way that they’re designed works well with locking mechanisms, allowing the components to stay ‘mated’ with higher resistance to vibrations, jostling, or tampering that might otherwise cause the connector to work loose and disrupt the connection.

This is especially true in cases where the D-sub connector has a backshell to provide extra protection and strain relief on the inserted cable.

D-subminiature connectors, backshells, and accessories are commonly used forms of electrical connectors that are often used for communications, networking, and video applications. They consist of a variety of styles, including high-density, standard, filter, combination, and waterproof. This type of connector has been around for many years and initially comprised variants offering 9.15, 25, 37, and 50 ways. Since their introduction, there have been many new varieties added to the range, including versions with smaller contacts, allowing for 15, 26, 44, 62, and 78 ways in the same shell sizes.

There are many types of D-sub connector on the market, which can be differentiated through factors such as the number of pins, the connection method, and their maximum current capacity.

For example, standard D-sub connectors can have pin counts ranging from 9 to 50, while high-density D-sub connectors can have between 15 and 78 pins in different configurations.

D-sub connectors can also feature different termination types, including crimp, screw, solder, and with straight or angled terminals. They can even host different connections within one shell in the form of combination D-sub connectors, which can be used in applications requiring signal, power, and coaxial connections at the same time.

For more challenging settings, where the connection requires a higher level of protection against water, dust, and other potential interferences, it’s also possible to opt for a waterproof D-sub connector (typically with a minimum rating of IP65). When additional security is needed, you may want to purchase a D-sub connector with a tougher hood or backshell, or invest in further protective hardware like caps and locking solutions.

Whichever type of D-sub miniature connector you’re searching for, we’re confident that you’ll find what you need here at Northern Connectors.