D-Sub Connectors

D-sub connectors, or D-subminiature connectors, are commonplace components that are usually found on circuit boards and in computing. They are essential pieces of equipment, but they come in many different forms, so it’s crucial to choose the appropriate product to suit the specific requirements of a device or project.

We have thousands of D-sub connectors in stock, from a range of premium brands, including Amphenol, Harting, ITT Cannon, RS PRO, and more. We can offer many different types, from solder and crimp D-sub connectors to those of a screw terminal and printed circuit board (PCB) variety. We can also provide panel mount D-subs and D-sub connector kits, so all your needs are covered.

Read on for more information on D-sub connectors, how they work, the different types, and what they can be used for.

What are D-sub connectors?

D-sub connectors take their name from their D-shaped metal shield, which aims to protect each side of the component from damage or interference. Because D-sub connectors are not symmetrical in shape, there is only one correct way to fit them to the corresponding cable, port, or device.

D-sub connectors first emerged on the market midway through the 20th century and were the go-to product at that time. They are commonly used on computer devices to make external connections, for example to printers or monitors.

How do D-sub connectors work?

D-sub connectors are made up of two fundamental parts – male and female. In the male section, there are parallel rows of pins, which join with corresponding rows of jacks or sockets in the female component. The most common forms are 9, 15, or 25-pin D-sub connectors, so it’s important to know which is required for any particular project. The pins are typically gold-plated, while they are also fragile and can be easily damaged if not cared for correctly.

What are D-sub connectors used for?

Because D-sub connectors come in so many forms, different types can be found in a wide range of applications, including:

To form connections within circuit boards
Computers
Network ports
Communication ports
Game controllers and consoles
Recording studio equipment
Wiring to distribute electricity, for example in homes and offices
Televisions

What are the different types of D-sub connectors?

There are dozens of different kinds of D-sub connectors and they can be categorized in a number of ways, including by connection method and the number of pins or jacks. For example here at RS, we offer:

9-pin D-Sub connectors
15-pin D-sub connectors
25-pin D-sub connectors

In terms of connection method, some D-sub connectors feature additional locking technology in the form of screws and threaded holes. This makes the connection more robust and less susceptible to coming loose or becoming damaged. Some of the different kinds of D-sub connectors include:

Crimp D-sub connectors, which can help fix multiple wires to a solitary connector as well as connecting larger cables to standard-sized ports.
Solder D-sub connectors, which are attached to circuit boards via soldering.
PCB D-sub connectors, which have solder points included in their design to enable easier mounting of the component onto a circuit board.
Spring terminal D-sub connectors. These operate by fixing cables using a spring, thus creating a connection for electrical current to flow through.
Screw terminal D-sub connectors, meanwhile, fix the wires or cables to the connector via the turning of a screw.
There are also micro D-sub connectors, also known as microminiature D-subs. These are smaller than standard models and are typically used in space technology.

Why choose RS for your D-sub connectors?

We have thousands of components in stock, whether you’re looking for micro D-sub connectors, panel mount D-subs, PCB D-subs, or those with 9, 15, or 25 pins. We also have a range of D-sub connector kits that come with a wider range of accessories and offer a more comprehensive product set.

We partner with only the best manufacturers, such as Amphenol, Harting, ITT Cannon and others, so you can rest assured all our D-sub connectors meet the very highest industry standards.

Whatever you’re looking for, we’re committed to providing the products you need, when you need them. Of course, if you have any questions about our D-sub connectors or want to seek some advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll do everything we can to help. On top of that, you can always head on over to our expert hub, which contains plenty of specialist knowledge and guidance on D-sub connectors as well as a wide range of other topics.