D-SUB Ribbon Cable Description
A D-SUB ribbon cable is a multi-wired cable designed with connectors on one or both ends, used by electronic devices for communication. The name is also in reference to the actual shape of the outer plug or socket, which its mating end resembles the form of the letter “D.”
Basically, in the name D-SUB, the letter “D” indicates the shape of the connector while the word “SUB” is an abbreviation of “SUB-miniature.”
D-SUB Ribbon Cable Features
- Generally low voltage
- It has a small and lightweight metal shell
- It has a shield that controls the RF noises inside from affecting other electronic devices, and it keeps RF signals that are outside from getting in.
- Connector mounting is done on the chassis, either the front or back of one of the sides.
- The structure used to secure the ribbon cable holds the plate and enables it to provide the perfect securing force.
- Has the ability to make easy connections
- Manufacturing
- Inspection
An Overview of D-SUB Ribbon Cable
A lot of people rarely talk or hear about this type of cable. This is because when these cables were in use, most of society only referred them for the connection application they played a part in. Some saw them as monitor cables, others printer cables, mouse cables, joystick cables, and modem cables, just to name a few. However, the D-Sub ribbon cable has many applications within different devices, and this piece will cover just that.
The outer shell design can only be connected in one way, shaped in male or female with two or three rows of pins. Importantly, the strongest feature is that the male connector has screws on each side that thread into the female connector. This keeps them tightly meshed together to protect the pins from corroding by excluding moisture.
D-SUB ribbon cables come in various sizes, including a standard or high density.
In standard density – the cable connectors come in 9-pin, 15-pin, 25-pin, 37-pin, and 50-pin.
In high density – the same size of a standard 9-pin shell turns to 15-pin, a standard 15-pin turns to 26-pin, a standard 25-pin will become 44-pin, a standard 37-pin becomes 62-pin, and a standard 50-pin will turn into 78-pin.
Cables that feature a D-SUB connection
In general, there are several types of cables with these connectors that have been in use for many different applications.
The most common type in consumer electronics is probably the 15 Pin “VGA/XGA” cable (Analog Video interface). This is a blue-colored cable, usually wrapped in a D-shaped metal shield. But let’s look at the other types, specifically the D-SUB ribbon flat cable.
Ribbon cables are flat cables designed with many running conductors laid parallel (side by side). To exhibit a smooth and flat profile, the conductors are properly aligned to respective termination pins and properly seated.
D-SUB ribbon cable end termination
D-SUB flat ribbon cables are properly aligned to orient in the D-SUB connector. The D-SUB flat ribbon cable end does not protrude beyond the connector body edge or violate minimum electrical spacing requirements. This results in the alignment of termination exhibits to the connector fiducially (small notches/marks) and grooves.
The cable connects different parts of CNC machines and Press Brakes, among others. Its application also includes route control signals for material processing, electronic testing, and much more.
In many instances, the technology market is ever-changing, as newer digital interfaces are now replacing the old ones and making them fade away. Despite all that, there’re still many electrical devices using outdated technologies. Moreover, new devices are being produced to use D-SUB connectors. This makes the D-SUB ribbon cable an important assembly.