Are you sourcing D-SUB cables for industrial equipment, computers, control systems, or one of the many other types of electronic devices? With D-SUB cables, look beyond the connectors’ appearance and confirm they have the matching pin configuration. Cable construction, shielding, connector gender, cable length, and other application-related details are just as important. This guide will help identify items to obtain prior to making a selection for a D-SUB cable.
What Is a D-SUB Cable?
A D-SUB cable assembly consists of one or two D-SUB connectors and sends signals between two electronic devices.
The name comes from the connector’s D-shaped shell. This shape makes the connector easier to locate and adds strength to the shell when it plugs into another connector.
D-SUB cables come in different connector sizes, pin layouts, cable structures, and ways to attach the cable to the connector. You will see them used in computers, machinery in factories and on the production line, in control systems, in telecommunications, measuring equipment, and other uses of electronics.
When working on a B2B project, remember that the connector is a small part of the overall solution. It will be extremely important for you to ensure that the way the wires are connected inside the cable and the arrangement of the pins inside the connector work with your specific piece of equipment.
What Are the Common Types of D-SUB Cables?
D-SUB cables can be categorized in several ways. Knowing their characteristics will help you choose the right configuration for your device.
D-SUB Connector Size and Pin Number.
Typical D-SUB configurations are:
The specified number corresponds to the total or available contact points (positions) on D-SUB connectors.
For example, serial communication can often use DB9 cables, while DB15 and DB25 connectors are common on computers, in various industrial control environments, and in many other areas of electronics.
However, don’t choose a cable based solely on the connector name; confirm the proper pin assignment and electrical requirements for the equipment you are using.
Male and Female D-SUB Cables
D-SUB connectors are available in two styles: male and female.
Male connectors typically have pins, and female connectors have sockets designed to accept them.
Depending on your equipment, a D-sub connector may be supplied in any of these forms:
- Male-to-Male
- Male-to-Female
- Female-to-Female
- Male-to-Pigtail
- Female-to-Pigtail
Prior to placing your order, you will need to know the gender (male or female) of the connectors on both of the devices you are connecting together, as well as how you plan to make the connection (i.e., what type of cables you intend to use).
Straight and Custom-Wired D-SUB Cables
The connection of D-SUB cables is not standard for all cables.
The connection type you need depends on your specific use.
- Straight-through wiring
- Cross-wired connections
- Custom pin assignments
- Unused pins
- Special grounding arrangements
Note whether you are replacing an old cable or connecting equipment with a unique pin arrangement. If your pinout differs from the standard pinout for D-SUB connectors, it could cause either an inability to communicate or the crossing of incorrect signals.
Where Are D-SUB Cables Used?
Because D-SUB connectors can have many contact layouts and manufacturing options, these cables are used in a wide variety of electronics and industrial applications.
Examples of Common Uses Include:
Industrial Equipment
You will see D-SUB connections being used in industrial controllers and test, automation, and machine interfaces. When using D-SUB connections for these applications, cable construction is just as important as the connector type you choose.
Based on the working environment, the cable construction may vary from needing shielding, flexible cable, robust strain relief, to using specific jacketing material for the cable.
Computer and Peripheral Equipment
In addition to computers, D-SUB connectors provide many serial ports for connecting peripherals and computer systems.
While many applications have now transferred over to the use of new interfaces, if you are required to make a connection to an old piece of equipment or keep a currently functioning system running, then D-SUB connectors are still relevant.
Control and Communication Equipment
D-SUB cabling can be used for serial communications, control signals, and many other low-voltage electrical connections.
When using D-SUB cabling for these applications, verify the required pinout before choosing the best cable.
Test and Measurement Equipment
There may be D-SUB connectors that have a non-standard pinout supplied on custom test or measurement equipment and other similar types of electronic equipment.
If replacing a cable, make sure to match up the old connector type, wiring configuration, cable length, and how the cable was terminated to avoid any compatibility issues.
How to Choose the Right D-SUB Cable?
When you buy a D-SUB cable for a B2B project, confirm several specifications before ordering.
1. Confirm the Connector Type
First, identify the D-SUB connector required by your equipment.
Check:
- Connector series
- Pin count
- Male or female
- Mounting style
- Shell size
- Straight or right-angle configuration
Don’t rely only on the connector’s appearance. Two connectors may look similar but have different electrical configurations.
2. Confirm the Pinout
The pinout is one of the most important specifications.
A cable can have the correct connector but still fail to work if the internal wires are connected to the wrong pins.
Before ordering, provide the manufacturer with your pinout drawing, wiring diagram, or existing cable sample if available.
For custom cable assemblies, you can specify exactly how each conductor should be connected to the connector contacts.
3. Select the Appropriate Cable Construction
The cable itself should match the application.
Depending on your requirements, you may need to specify:
- Conductor material
- Wire gauge
- Number of conductors
- Insulation
- Shielding
- Outer jacket
- Flexibility
- Temperature requirements
For industrial applications, you should also consider whether the cable will be exposed to vibration, repeated movement, heat, oil, or other environmental conditions.
4. Choose the Correct Cable Length
Cable length can affect installation, signal performance, and cable management.
Avoid ordering an unnecessarily long cable if space is limited. At the same time, make sure the cable is long enough for installation and maintenance.
For custom cable assemblies, you can usually specify the required finished cable length based on your equipment layout.
5. Consider Shielding
If your D-SUB cable is used in an environment with electrical noise, shielding may be important.
Depending on the application, you may need:
- Overall shielding
- Foil shielding
- Braided shielding
- Drain wire
- Shielded connectors
The right shielding structure depends on the electrical environment and your equipment’s requirements.
6. Check the Connector Orientation
Connector orientation matters when space is limited.
For example, you may need a straight connector for one application and a right-angle connector for another.
If the cable will be installed inside a machine or enclosure, confirm the connector orientation before production.
When Do You Need a Custom D-SUB Cable?
A standard D-SUB cable may be sufficient when your equipment uses a common pinout and standard connector configuration.
However, you may need a custom D-SUB cable when your project requires specific specifications.
Common customization requirements include:
- Custom cable length
- Custom pinout
- Male or female connector
- Different connector combinations
- Shielding
- Special jacket material
- Right-angle connector
- Custom strain relief
- Different cable colors
- Labeling
- Special packaging
Custom cable assemblies are especially useful when your equipment has a proprietary interface or when a standard off-the-shelf cable doesn’t meet your installation requirements.
What Should You Provide to a D-SUB Cable Manufacturer?
Providing complete information upfront can make the quotation and sample process much more efficient.
If you are requesting a custom D-SUB cable, try to provide:
- Connector type and pin count
- Male or female connector
- Cable length
- Pinout or wiring diagram
- Cable construction
- Shielding requirements
- Connector orientation
- Required quantity
- Application environment
- Drawings or an existing cable sample
If you don’t have every specification, you can also provide photos, connector samples, drawings, or the original cable. An experienced cable manufacturer can help you identify the specifications to confirm before production.
Why Work With a Custom D-SUB Cable Manufacturer?
When you buy D-SUB cables for an OEM product, industrial machine, or long-term project, the lowest unit price isn’t always the only consideration.
You should also consider whether the manufacturer can consistently produce the required cable configuration.
A capable manufacturer should be able to support you with:
- Custom connector configurations
- Custom pinouts
- Cable length and construction
- Sample development
- Production testing
- Quality control
- Batch production
- Packaging requirements
This reduces the risk of receiving a cable that looks correct but doesn’t match your equipment requirements.
For projects requiring repeated production, working directly with a manufacturer can also make it easier to maintain consistent specifications between samples and mass production.
D-SUB Cable vs. D-SUB Connector: What Is the Difference?
A D-SUB connector is only the connector component.
A D-SUB cable assembly includes the connector, cable, internal wiring, termination, and other components required for the finished assembly.
This distinction is important when you are sourcing a complete cable solution.
If you only purchase the connector, you may still need to handle cable selection, crimping or soldering, wiring, assembly, and testing yourself.
A finished D-SUB cable assembly can provide a ready-to-install solution.
Frequently Asked Questions About D-SUB Cables
What is a D-SUB cable used for?
D-SUB cables connect electronic devices and transmit signals between equipment. Applications can include computers, industrial equipment, control systems, communication equipment, and test instruments.
What is the difference between DB9, DB15, and DB25?
The main difference is the number of connector contacts. DB9 has 9 positions, DB15 has 15, and DB25 has 25. The actual application and pin assignment depend on the equipment.
Can D-SUB cables be customized?
Yes. A D-SUB cable can be customized according to your connector type, pinout, cable length, shielding, cable construction, connector orientation, and other requirements.
Can you make a custom D-SUB cable with a different pinout?
Yes. You can use custom pin assignments when your equipment requires a proprietary or non-standard wiring configuration. You should provide a wiring diagram or pinout specification before production.
How do I choose a D-SUB cable manufacturer?
You should check whether the manufacturer can provide the connector configuration, cable construction, custom pinout, sample development, testing, quality control, and production capacity required for your project.
Can D-SUB cables be used for industrial equipment?
Yes. D-SUB cables can be used in various industrial applications. However, select the cable construction, shielding, connector, and jacket based on the actual installation environment.
Can I order a small quantity of custom D-SUB cables?
This depends on the manufacturer’s production process and minimum order requirements. For prototype or engineering projects, confirm sample and small-batch capabilities before placing a production order.
What information is needed for a D-SUB cable quotation?
At minimum, provide the connector type, gender, cable length, pinout, quantity, and application requirements. Drawings, photos, samples, or an existing cable can also help the manufacturer understand your requirements.
Need a Custom D-SUB Cable?
The right D-SUB cable depends on more than the connector. Pinout, cable construction, shielding, length, and connector configuration must match your application. If you need a custom D-SUB cable assembly, provide your specifications or an existing cable sample, and our team can help develop the right cable solution for your project.
