A D-Sub (D-subminiature) connector is a rectangular, polarized-shell electrical connector standardized primarily under MIL-DTL-24308 for military and aerospace use and IEC 60807-3/DIN 41652 for commercial and industrial use. It features a trapezoidal metal shell and two or more parallel rows of pin-and-socket contacts. It carries signal, low-level power, or data across rack-and-panel, cable-to-cable, and cable-to-board interfaces in a compact, high-density footprint. Design engineers across aerospace, industrial, computing, and telecom markets specify D-Sub connectors for their broad multi-source availability and decades of qualified field performance.

ITT Cannon D-Sub Connector from PEI Genesis

James D. Cannon, the founder of ITT Cannon, invented the D-Sub in the late 1950s as a smaller and more compact alternative to the larger connectors in use by the emerging computer industry. The connector is named after its D-shaped metal shell. Cinch was the first company to license the product.

Technical Standard

The primary specification is MIL-DTL-24308, Connectors, Electric, Rectangular, Non-Environmental, Miniature, Polarized Shell, Rack and Panel, issued by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA Land and Maritime). Formerly cataloged as MIL-C-24308, the specification is currently at Revision G (dated March 2, 2009) and remains active; individual legacy MS detail sheets (e.g., MS18269–MS18276) have been progressively canceled and rolled into the current M24308/1 through /24 slash-sheet series. The same base interface is standardized internationally as IEC 60807-3 / DIN 41652, with test methods commonly referenced from EIA/ECA-364.

EDAC’s (NorComp) D-Sub connectors are supported by a broad back shell offering for shielding, strain relief, and cable management.

Design Highlights

Engineers specify D-Sub connectors for their broad multi-source availability from dozens of qualified manufacturers, combined with decades of performance in military and aerospace applications. The polarized D-shaped shell prevents mis-mating, and machined pin-and-socket contacts support removable crimp, non-removable solder-cup, or PCB terminations within the same shell family. Standard-density, high-density, and Combo-D (mixed signal/power/coax) insert arrangements let designers combine circuit types in a single housing, while hermetic, space-grade, and EMI/RFI-filtered variants support harsh and RF-sensitive applications. Connector suppliers continue to add higher-speed and higher-current contact options to keep the D-Sub’s legacy footprint relevant for new designs.

Adam Tech offers an expansive line of D-Sub connectors

Markets & Applications

D-Sub connectors are used across military and aerospace, industrial automation, Test & Measurement, telecommunications, computing, and professional audio markets.

In defense and aerospace, MIL-DTL-24308 connectors are used in avionics racks, ground equipment, radar and communication systems, and missile and satellite electronics. Industrial and automation designs use D-Subs for motor drives, PLC I/O, and encoder cabling. In Test & Measurement, DE-9 and DB-25 variants remain common on instrumentation and data-acquisition equipment. Legacy and industrial computing still rely on D-Sub connectors for RS-232 serial ports, parallel printer ports, and VGA video (DE-15) interfaces. Telecommunications and rail equipment use D-Sub variants for control and signal wiring, and professional audio systems use the DB-25 interface for multichannel analog and AES3 digital audio breakout, standardized as AES59.

Reading the Part Number

MIL-DTL-24308 part numbers (M24308/xx-yy) define the applicable slash sheet, shell size, insert arrangement, and contact type/finish. Commercial catalog part numbers typically indicate shell size (9, 15, 25, 37, or 50 positions), gender, termination style, and plating.

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  The Bi-Lobe is Omnetics Connector Corporation’s signature D-Sub connector family

Technical Specifications

Note: The data in this table is subject to change. Standards undergo periodic review and updates. Even within standards, connector manufacturers offer distinctive features and configurations. Please consult supplier data sheets to verify a given product meets your application requirements.

Standard-Density EMI Filtered D-Sub Connector from Molex

Suppliers

Manufacturers: Adam Tech Amphenol Aerospace, Amphenol Communications Solutions Amphenol Industrial Operations, Amphenol Pcd, Axon’ Cable, Cinch Connectivity Solutions, EDAC (Norcomp), Interstate Connector Corporation (ICC), ITT Cannon, Omnetics Connector Corporation, Molex (AirBorn, Smiths Interconnect), Positronic, TE Connectivity, Teledyne Reynolds, Winchester Interconnect, and Würth Electronik.

Distributors: CDM, DigiKey, Heilind Electronics, ICC (Interstate Connecting Components), Mouser Electronics, PEI Genesis, Sager Electronics, TTI Inc.,

Related products:

• Micro-D connectors (MIL-DTL-83513)
• Nano-D (MIL-DTL-32139)
• MIL-DTL-38999 (circular connectors; comparable environment-resisting alternative)
• MIL-C-24217 (related rectangular predecessor)
• MIL-DTL-24308

Like this article? Check out our other Meet the Connector and Standards articles. 

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