D-Sub Connectors & Cables

D-Subminiature connectors

D-subminiature connectors are basic input/output connectors, with two or more rows of contacts within a "D" shaped shield. They got the name from, these D shaped shields, and these were the smallest communication connectors back when they were introduced and hence were called D-Subminiature connectors in general. They are also called as D connectors and D-Subs.

Density of D-Sub Connectors

The exterior shells not only provide, strength to the connectors but also give protection against EMI and ensure proper mating and orientation. The D type connectors are offered in various sizes and pin configurations. The pins are arranged in two to five parallel rows; depending on the application. The row to row spacing is called as the density of the connector. The D-sub connectors are generally offered in three densities: standard, high, and double. Standard density connectors come with dual rows, the D-Sub connectors with the same shell size of standard density however with twice the number of pins is called as double density D-Sub connectors. The connectors with 3 or more rows are called as high-density connectors.

The parts with pins are called the male connectors or headers and the sockets parts are the female connectors or receptacles. Both the connectors are made in such a way that the socket shield fits into the plug shield firmly. The pins are featured with golden tips insulated by other materials like glass, PBT, or insulating plastic.

Shell Size

The shell size of the D-Sub connectors are marked as A, B, C, D, and E, and each D-sub backshell size corresponds to the pin or socket - i.e., A comes with 15 pins, B with 25 pins, C with 37 pins, D with 50 pins, and E is a 9 pin d connector with standard density. When it comes to double density the pin count is higher, as in A-26, B-44, C-62, D-78, and E-15. The double density d–sub connectors have even denser arrangements with A-31, B-52, C-79, D -100 an E-19.

Uses and Applications

D-subminiature connectors are used widely used in computers, networks, and communication ports establishing a connection between the computer and other hardware like printers or power supply units. It can also be used in various types of media applications such as VGA (Video Graphics Array) connectors in gaming, TVs, and recording devices. Amphenol offers D-Sub high-performance board-mount connectors with machined contacts that are ideal for the harshest of the environment applications in aerospace, military (+125°C) class, and particularly severe applications, in high temperature (+155°C) class. The DP series of connectors are particularly used in data transmission, private automatic branch switching, and LNZ listed telecom.

D-Sub Terminations

Amphenol's D-Sub connectors are available in various terminations including board mount, press-fit, Pin-in-Paste, Surface Mount (SMT) for both standard and high-density variants. D-Sub standard board mount connectors are standard density I/O connectors with stamp and rolled contacts with full metal shells. These DB 9 connectors are available in solder bucket, straight and angled versions. They also come in 9 to 50 positions with single-shell (Delta-D) and double-shell designs. Coupled with backplane, board-to-board, and cable connections, the D-Sub high-density board-mount connectors accommodates up to 78 positions in standard shell sizes.

Pin-in-Paste and Press-Fit

D-Sub Pin-in-Paste connectors use high-temperature thermoplastic that can withstand reflow soldering temperatures up to 260°C facilitating PiP soldering. These are available in standard and compact signal versions. The Press-fit version of D-subminiature connectors saves the cost of an additional wave soldering as they are available in single-shell Delta-D, high density, and mixed power designs.

The "Eye of the Needle" termination technique combined with a unique flat-rock design helps in easy installation with pressure on the insulator. Drill diameters for press-fit contacts and harpoons meet the dynamic performance requirements. Apart from this, the economy range D-sub connectors are perfect solutions for meeting less demanding applications without compromising their design requirements. The economy connectors are also available in power versions, meeting requirements up to 40A per pin.

D-Sub Power & Hybrid

There are also D-Sub power board-mount connectors featuring full power and mixed power versions precisely developed for power applications in industrial and telecom market segments with power contacts from 10A to 40A with up to 8 contacts in full power versions from 2V2 to 36W4 layouts. The D-Sub MicroTCA connectors are power connectors targeting 48V/24A applications designed per TCA specifications.

In addition to power connectors, D-Sub connectors are also offered in hybrid versions with a current rating of 7.5A for signal and 40A for power. These connectors have up to 18 contact arrangements in signal, power, and coax and contact resistance less than 5mΩ.

Rugged D-Sub connectors

D-Sub connectors come with a strong shield and are suitable for harsh environments. However, Amphenol offers rugged D-Sub connectors with IP67 sealing and die-cast housings making them ideal for military applications. These rugged versions are available as standard density 9 pins to high density 15 and 26 pins and can withstand an operating temperature range from -44°C to +105°C making it suitable for extreme conditions. Apart from this, waterproof D-Sub connectors are also available with 44 contacts in the B shell size.

D-Sub Filter Connectors

FCE17 D-Sub Filter Connectors filters out unwanted EMI, protecting the integrity of data signals and helping applications to withstand shock and vibration. These connectors offer an enhanced EMC compliance and immunity as the radiated and conducted emissions from the device and the external EMI/RFI are both shunted to ground, protecting the device and surrounding environment.

In addition to this Amphenol offers a wide range of D-sub accessories to complement our D-Sub offerings including plastic or metalized plastic hoods, EMI/RFI shielded two-part metal hoods, various cable clamps, locking devices, metal and plastic dust caps, and brackets.