What is a D-Sub Connector/Contact?

D-Sub, or D-Subminiature, connectors are used in a variety of applications from military/defense to commercial technology and computer/networking technology. D-Sub connectors can be used for power, analog, RF, or digital signal transmission, and are often readily repaired/replaced/installed in the field. This connector style is extremely versatile and can be found anywhere from temperature-controlled data centers to rugged combat environments. There are also several varieties of styles and sizes of D-Sub connectors, and these connectors can be found in board-mount or cable mounted styles. Multiple interconnect types can be used with a D-Sub connector, which further allows for a diversity of interconnects for this connector type. Some D-Sub hardware examples include D-Sub Connectors/Contacts, Assembled D-Sub Hood Kit, Standard 24-28 AWG D-Sub Socket Reel Male.

The basis for a D-sub connector is the parallel rows of contacts with a surrounding metallic shell, called a hood. The shell itself resembled a “D” in the English alphabet, which is where the name is derived. The shape is designed to prevent improper insertion due to orientation, which is a feature shared by HDMI and other connector styles. The metallic hood of the D-Sub also provides mechanical support for the contacts, a ground path, and also some degree of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and RF shielding. Though some D-Sub connectors can be held in place with just the force of the contact mating, D-Sub connectors are typically secured with additional screw supports on either side of the connector, which also aims to ensure the connector is fully seated with proper contact mating force applied. Unlike some connector types, a D-Sub connector can be designed to bottom-out safely and prevent over tightening that could damage contacts or signal-carrier interconnect hardware.

It is possible to find D-Sub connector housings and contacts that are straight or right angled, and attached via crimp, solder cup, and a variety of other high-density variations. This connector type is often made to meet several different strict standards, including MIL-SPEC. Common D-Sub types include micro-D, high density D-Sub, and combination D-sub. Micro-D connectors are miniaturized versions of the typical sized D-Sub connectors and are suited to applications that require a small interconnect footprint. High Density D-Sub connectors are designed with a higher density of internal contacts and can be used to reduce the number of connector harnesses needed by an application, which can also reduce the failure modes if designed appropriately. Combination D-Sub connectors are simply D-Sub with different contact interface types, such as power, RF, analog, or digital. The combination D-Sub connectors can be vital in reducing the number of interconnect harness and ensuring signal integrity by minimizing the opportunity for noise/interference injection into the various signal and power lines.