The common analog computer video output uses the VGA connector pinout, which has been around for a while. Additionally, it’s a simple way to use your computer speakers to output sound. But what are those numerous pins for?
A 15-pin D-shaped plug with three rows of five pins is known as a VGA connector. Understanding what happens with analog signals depends on the three rows. Red, Green, and Blue video data are represented by the first row of pins.
You’ll have a better understanding of the VGA connector’s operation and its importance to you after reading this blog post. Keep reading.
Table of Contents
A VGA Connector: What Is It?
The term “Video Graphics Array” is abbreviated as VGA.” The physical connector has fifteen pins divided among three rows of five.
For use with their new PS/2 line of PCs, IBM created VGA. The analog video interface they used was not the first, but it was widely used.
Because the 15-pin VGA connector is analog-only, it can only send voltage variations over time. As opposed to digital video interfaces like HDMI, this. A digital video signaling device will transmit ones and zeros down the wire, causing no voltage change.
Misconceptions regarding VGA
VGA is frequently misunderstood to not support audio. It does have left and right analog audio channels, but conversation must travel over a separate cable (typically using 3.5mm jacks). You must translate the video signal so that your monitor can understand it because the VGA cable does indeed carry the video signal.
With five pins per row in one version and three in the other, IBM produced two variations of the VGA connector. The D-subminiature version has three hooks.
Older computers, displays, and VGA cables are likely to have the D-sub version. The five-pin row version is known as DB-15.
VGA Connector Overview
Configuration
15 pins make up the configuration of a VGA connector.
1. Pin 1(Red): Red Video(75 ohm,0.75V peak to peak)
2. Pin 2(Green): Green Video
3. Pin 3(Blue): Blue Video
4. Pin 4(ID2/RES): Monitor ID Bit-S
5. Pin 5(GND): Ground Pin
6. Pin 6(RGND): Red Ground
7. Pin 7(GGND): Green Ground
8. Pin 8(BGND): Blue Ground
9. Pin 9(KEY):+5V DC output from graphic card
10. Pin 10(SGND): Synch Ground
11. Pin 11(IDO/RES): Monitor ID Bit 0
12. Pin 12(IDI/SDA): Monitor IDA Bit-1
13. Pin 13(HSYNC): Horizontal Sync
14. Pin 14:(VSYNC): Vertical Sync
15. Pin15(ID3/SCL):Monitor ID Bit-3
Features & Specifications
The features & specifications of the VGA connector include the following.
- Type of connector is – Computer Analog Video
- Data Signal is an I2C data channel used for DDC data
- Video signal is RGB with H & V sync
- 15 Connector Pins
- DE15 Connector
- Designer – IBM in 1987
- Superseded through DVI in 1999
- It is not hot-pluggable
Typically, a VGA connector has a screw on one of the plug faces to connect it to another plug on the computer’s back. Three holes in the back of the computer are drilled for the plug’s three rows of pins, which are all different sizes.
Because most VGA connectors include 14-pins and display the 15th hole, it is possible to identify VGA cables by looking at the plug inside. Some pins won’t show up depending on how the system is set up.
Types Of VGA Connectors
There are many different connectors on the market. Here is a list of a few of them.
- VGA Female to Female
- VGA Female to DVI-D Male
- The VGA Male to HDMI Female
- VGA Male to DVI-D Male with Power Cable
- VGA Male to Micro HDMI Adapter
- VGB Female To F Type Coaxial Cable Connector
- VGA (HD15) Male to RCA (Phono) female
- The VGA to HDMI Cable Adapter
- VGA Female to BNC Male
- DVI-D Dual Link Digital Video Cable – M/M
Advantages
- digital video transmission.
- Various electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and CRT monitors, can be connected quickly.
- red, green, and blue are the three colors it transmits.
- between the red, green, and blue data pins is a ground shield.
- To communicate with connected devices, there are two alternate clock pins.
- D-sub connection type (five-row configuration) or DB-15 connection type (three-row configuration).
- (Gold-plated) Material of excellent quality.
- VGA connectors are inexpensive to produce, which keeps prices low for consumers.
Disadvantages
- If the pins are not properly connected, the signal quality may be compromised.
- For high-resolution graphics, insufficient.
- Not suitable for sending digital signals.
Applications
The following is a list of some applications for VGA:
- video games on consoles from earlier generations.
- linking computers to CRT displays.
- helps presenters by connecting laptops to projectors.
- connecting computers or laptops with a VGA connector to DVD players, TVs, and other devices with an analog video interface.
- connecting a Raspberry Pi or Arduino to a display or other device with a VGA interface.
- Video editing.
- high-resolution images are transferred between computers using a network.
How Should A VGA Connector Be Chosen?
A VGA connector can be chosen based on a number of factors, including the ones listed below.
Based On The Quality
The brand name of the connector can determine its quality, which has a significant impact on quality. Cable Power, RS Pro, Matrox, and StarTech are some of the well-known manufacturers of VGI connectors.
Based On The Length
Short cables must use as much of the connector as possible to prevent the video signals from losing quality. so that the cable can be shielded from signal interference.
Protection Of Signal Interference
The signals flowing through the VGA connector cable can interfere with other signals, including RF and EM. Therefore, different layer coats for material shielding must be included in the cable’s design in order to minimize this problem. This feature ensures that no signal will interfere with data transmission through the cable’s wires.
Pins Of Connector Layered With Gold
When compared to copper, gold acts as a better conductor and can be used to coat the connector’s pins. The gold coating ensures very quick data transfer and stronger signals.
Male To Female/ Male To Male Cable
Depending on the need, such as male to female or male to male, choose the cable carefully. For instance, a male-to-male cable, such as an HD15 SVGA cable, is used with ferrite beads, whereas a male-to-female cable is used to connect a laptop, and a male-to-female connector is necessary when you need to extend the length of an existing cable.
Genders Of VGA Connector
Both male and female VGA connectors are available; male connectors have pins or plugs and female connectors have sockets or holes. VGA connectors are identified by their orientation in relation to the connector gender.
You may need a variety of VGA adapters, splitters, and extenders to create a functional connection for a particular system, depending on the exact cable type being used and the precise pattern of the connection you need to build at the computer or other end of the monitor.
There are the following gender-specific VGA connectors available.
- Male to Male
- Male to Female
- Female to Male
- Female to Female
When To Use A VGA Connector?
In the world of electronics, there are numerous uses for the VGA connector. The applications of the VGA connector include the following.
- When connecting your laptop to a projector or TV, it is most frequently used. However, it would typically be preferable to fix it through this type of connection if your monitor has an HDMI or DVI output. You will get a good reflection from this cable if the output device only has a VGA port.
- VGA is a connector that is used in various electronic devices to connect and transmit signals between monitors and computers, TVs and computers, and laptops and computers.
- It is used as a connector in various devices, including monitors, laptops, video cards, and televisions.
This article has given you a general overview of the VGA connector, which is primarily used to connect computers to display devices like a projector, TV, or monitor. Currently, this connector is widely used and is changed using a cable that includes an HDMI, DVI, connector, and display port. What distinguishes a VGA connector from an HDMI connector, may I ask?
How Do I Use A VGA Connector?
A user can access a desktop computer via a monitor. You can see the OS GUI and other software programs, such as word processing and gaming, on the desktop monitor.
With a flat-panel, there are two types of displays available: LED and LCD. These displays can be joined to the computer using a VGA, HDMI, DVI, USB-C, or Display Port connector. DVI and VGA are more recent connections, whereas Display Port, HDMI, and USB-C are older ones.
The following are the possible ways to use a VGA connector to connect a PC to a TV. Below is a discussion of the detailed process.
Using a VGA connector, it is possible to connect a TV and computer. The connector’s two ends should be connected to a PC and a TV port, respectively.
- Connect the audio cable with a 3.5 mm jack to the headphone jack on the computer. Speakers or the TV’s audio port should be connected to the audio cable’s other end.
- Select “Control Panel” by clicking the Start button on your computer.”
- Change the resolution by selecting the display option.
- Select TV, and the drop-down menu for this option will appear on the display.
How Can I Change My VGA Or DVI Display?
To switch from one connection type to another, perform the following steps:
- Decide which VGA model you require.
- Get the conversion cable of your choosing.
- The line port needs to be secure and the pins should be facing downward.
- Make sure the lines are completely inserted.
- Before continuing with the connection, turn on your computer or other device and make sure you receive a signal through the VGA connector.
Conclusion
Since DVI and HDMI are now the most widely used digital connections with compatible devices, VGA connectors are no longer widely used in the majority of electronic devices, including computers and TV screens. Purchase an adapter that can switch between interfaces if you want to change the connection type. Turn on the devices and check to see if there are any pins visible if you need to confirm that your equipment is operational.
