All About D-Sub Connectors

D-Sub Connector

D- Subminiature connectors, or D-Sub connectors, are a compact and versatile connector platform that can support power, analog, RF, or digital signal transmission. Depending on the type of D-Sub Connectors used, a D-Sub connector could support connections from every domain, which makes these an extremely common connector interface for a wide range of applications. These are combination D-Sub connectors and are often used as board-to-board or cable-to-board interconnect.

RF D-Sub Connectors, Contacts, & Cables

D-Sub Plug Straight Connectors
D-Sub Plug Right Angle Connectors
D-Sub Receptacle Straight Connectors
D-Sub Receptacle Right Angle Connectors
D-Sub to D-Sub Adapters Standard Polarity
D-Sub to SMA Adapters Standard Polarity
D-Sub To D-Sub Receptacle Cable Assembly Using RG Coax
D-Sub Receptacle to UHF Female Cable Assembly Using LMR-195-FR Coax

A benefit of D-Sub connector styles is that they can also be used in cable assemblies that adapt from D-Sub to other connector standards, such as low-frequency coaxial connectors like SMA, UHF, VHF, N-type, etc. Given the range of electrical domains and use cases of D-Sub, there are several types of D-Sub connectors available. For basic DC, low-power, and digital applications, D-Sub pins and sockets are commonly used. For RF, D-Sub coaxial connectors, plugs/jacks and receptacles, are used. With D-Sub connectors, the plugs/jacks are inserted into the receptacles and are designed to provide good mating contact based on insertion with a D-Sub housing.

D-Sub connectors have been commonly used in RS-232 serial communications, but are now more commonly used in space, military/defense, aerospace, naval/maritime, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other high-performance applications that require rugged, compact, and versatile interconnect solutions.

There are also a variety of D-Sub adapter types available. This may be used during prototype testing or troubleshooting testing of D-Sub systems, or when retrofitting a system and an adapter is required. There are also RF D-sub connectors that are designed for thru-hole installation directly into circuit board materials (laminates).

D-Sub receptacles and plugs/jacks are typically 50 Ohms, though there are likely 75 Ohm variations manufactured. These connectors are often gold plated and use PTFE dielectric with a brass/gold body material. The use of gold plating is made to enhance the corrosion resistance of the contact surfaces and ensure easy interconnect cycling. The use of high-performance materials is based on the typical use cases for D-Sub in harsh environmental conditions where interconnect failure can endanger the mission or even lives.

Though not typically labeled, the maximum frequency of a D-Sub connector is approximately 2 GHz, according to some sources. It is possible that this maximum frequency varies based on construction.