DB-15
DB-15
DB-15 refers to a 15-pin D-subminiature connector used for analog and digital video signals, commonly found on VGA and older gaming consoles. It consists of three rows of five pins arranged in a D-shape configuration.
What does DB-15 mean?
DB-15, short for “15-pin D-subminiature,” is a type of electrical connector commonly encountered in the world of computing and electronics. It is a trapezoidal-shaped connector characterized by 15 individual pins arranged in three rows of five. The pins are designed to support both digital and Analog signal transmission.
DB-15 connectors are often utilized in various applications, particularly in the context of personal computers. They serve as interfaces for video Output, such as the original standard VGA (Video Graphics Array) display connection. Prior to the widespread adoption of HDMI and DisplayPort interfaces, DB-15 connectors were commonly used for connecting CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors to graphics cards.
Applications
In the Domain of Computer graphics, DB-15 connectors have played a pivotal role in connecting monitors to computers. The VGA standard, which employs DB-15 connectors, facilitated the transmission of analog video signals. The analog nature of VGA allowed for compatibility with a wide range of monitors and graphics cards, contributing to its widespread adoption.
Moreover, DB-15 connectors have been utilized in joystick and game controller interfaces. They provide a standardized means of connecting these input devices to personal computers, enabling users to interact with games and other applications. In the field of industrial control, DB-15 connectors serve as interfaces for connecting peripheral devices, such as sensors and actuators, to programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
History
The development of the DB-15 connector can be traced back to the 1950s, when it was initially conceived for use in military applications. It was standardized by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) in 1958 as part of the D-subminiature connector family. Over the years, DB-15 connectors have undergone several revisions, with the current iteration, DB-15HD, incorporating additional pins for high-definition video transmission.
VGA, introduced in 1987, popularized the use of DB-15 connectors in the consumer electronics market. As video technology evolved, newer interfaces, such as DVI and HDMI, gradually replacedVGA. However, VGA and DB-15 connectors remain widely used in legacy systems and industrial applications.