D-sub Connectors

D-sub connectors contain two or more parallel rows of contacts surrounded by a characteristic D-shaped metal shell. The shell not only provides mechanical support and ensures the correct orientation, but it may also screen against electromagnetic interference (EMI). Several methods are used to connect the system circuitry to the contacts in D-sub connectors, including crimp, solder cup, PCB solder, PCB press-fit and wire wrap connections. Many times locking systems are implemented to ensure the connectors remain in a mated state despite shock and vibration conditions.
D-sub connectors are sometimes confused with the Micro-D family and the SCSI attachment family (featuring connectors like the HD-50 and HD-68). These products are separate and distinct from D-sub connectors. D-subs are sometimes referred to as “rectangular rack and panel” connectors and often carry vernacular references such as DB9, DB15, DB25, DB37 and DB50 where the numbers refer to the connector’s pin count.