Connect serial, instrument and industrial equipment with the right D-sub connector. We stock the full D-type range — 9, 15, 25, 37 and 50-way, male and female, in PCB, solder and IDC terminations.
Our own brand, TruComponents, covers the D-sub connectors you fit most — every popular pin count, plug and socket, spec-matched to the branded parts for less. In UK stock for next-day delivery, with technical back-up when you need it. Explore all of our own brands today.
D-sub connectors — buying guide & FAQs
D-sub connectors — also called D-type or D-subminiature — carry serial, instrument and industrial signals in a rugged, shielded D-shaped shell. Choosing one comes down to the pin count, the gender and the termination. For the wider picture, see our guide to connector types.
Pin counts and shell sizes
- 9-way (DE-9) — serial and control, the classic RS-232 connector.
- 15-way (DA-15) — including high-density 15-way used for VGA.
- 25-way (DB-25) — parallel and legacy data links.
- 37-way (DC-37) and 50-way (DD-50) — higher pin counts for instrumentation.
See the full D-sub connector range.
How do I choose a D-sub connector?
- Pin count — 9, 15, 25, 37 or 50-way, standard or high-density.
- Gender — male (pins) or female (sockets) to match the mating part.
- Termination — solder bucket, PCB (straight or right-angle), or IDC for ribbon cable.
- Hardware — backshells, jack screws and clips for a secure, shielded fit.
Finish the assembly with backshells and D-type accessories. Not sure which to specify? Our technical team will help, and we supply bespoke quantities when a project needs them.
TruComponents — D-sub connectors for every build
Our own TruComponents range covers the D-sub connectors you reach for most — every popular pin count in plug and socket, across solder, PCB and IDC terminations — matched to the branded parts on size and rating, and priced to keep a job affordable. Held in UK stock, with technical support from people who know the products.
These sit within our wider connectors range.
D-sub connectors — frequently asked questions
What is a D-sub connector?
A D-sub (D-subminiature or D-type) connector is a plug or socket with a distinctive D-shaped metal shell that guides mating and provides shielding. It comes in standard pin counts and is widely used for serial, instrument and industrial connections.
What pin counts do D-sub connectors come in?
The common sizes are 9-way (DE-9), 15-way (DA-15), 25-way (DB-25), 37-way (DC-37) and 50-way (DD-50). High-density versions fit more pins in the same shell, such as 15-way HD in the DE shell used for VGA.
What is the difference between a DB9 and a DE-9 connector?
They are the same 9-pin connector. DB9 is the common name, but the correct designation is DE-9 — the D shows the family and the E is the shell size. The 9-pin part is often wrongly called DB9 out of habit.
Are D-sub connectors male or female?
Both. A male (plug) has pins, a female (socket) has holes. The two mate together, so order the gender that matches the connector you are joining, and the matching backshell or hardware if needed.
How do D-sub connectors mount?
They come in solder-bucket, PCB (through-hole or right-angle) and IDC ribbon-cable versions, plus panel-mount options. Choose the termination to suit your build, and add a backshell for cable strain relief and shielding.
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