D Sub Connectors - Standard & High Density, UK Stock
We stock ITW McMurdo D Sub connectors, also known as D-subminiature or D-Sub connectors, covering both standard-density and high-density (HDS) ranges, in machined and stamped contact variants, with solder and crimp termination. Available from 9-way up to 78-way, in plug (male) and socket (female) configurations. These connectors are used across industrial automation, test and measurement, broadcast, medical, aerospace, and legacy interface applications, wherever a secure, shielded multi-pin connection is required.
Standard Density vs High Density D Sub Connectors: What Is the Difference?
All D-Sub connectors share the same D-shaped shell and locking hardware, but standard-density and high-density variants differ in pin spacing and the number of contacts they carry in each shell size. Standard density uses 2.77mm contact pitch; high density uses 2.29mm, allowing significantly more pins within the same overall shell dimensions. This matters when replacing or extending an existing system; you must match the density type of the existing connector.
Standard Density: 9, 15, 25, 37 & 50-Way
Standard-density D Sub connectors use the original pin spacing and are the most widely used configuration in industrial and legacy systems. We stock standard-density plugs and sockets in both machined and stamped contact variants, with solder or crimp termination, across all five standard sizes: DE-9 (9-way – RS-232 serial, legacy PC COM ports), DA-15 (15-way – game ports, analogue video), DB-25 (25-way – parallel printer ports, legacy data), DC-37 (37-way – industrial control and measurement), and DD-50 (50-way – SCSI and complex industrial wiring).
High Density (HDS): 15, 26, 44, 62 & 78-Way
High-density D Sub connectors (HDS series) fit a greater number of pins into the same shell footprint as the standard range by using tighter 2.29mm spacing. A high-density 15-way connector uses the same DE shell as a standard 9-way; a 26-way HDS uses the DB shell of a standard 15-way. This makes them the choice when you need more signals without increasing the connector’s physical size – common in medical devices, compact instrumentation, and space-constrained industrial panels. We stock HDS machined solder plug and socket (HDS-M series) and HDS stamped solder plug and socket (HDS-S series).
Machined vs Stamped Contacts, Which D Sub Connector Do You Need?
Each connector in our range uses either machined (precision-turned) or stamped (sheet-formed) contacts. The contact type affects current capacity, contact resistance, durability, and price. Both types are available in solder and crimp termination styles.
Machined Contacts (DM Series) — Higher Current, Lower Resistance, More Durable
Machined contacts are precision-turned from solid brass rod. This process produces a round-pin contact with tighter dimensional tolerances, higher current-carrying capacity (up to 7.5A per pin versus typically 5A for stamped), lower contact resistance, and greater mechanical strength rated for 500 or more mating cycles. Machined contacts are the right choice for applications with higher current loads, frequent mating and unmating, high-vibration environments, or where connector failure has serious consequences. Higher unit cost than stamped. Our DM series (machined solder) connectors use this contact type.
Stamped Contacts: Cost-Effective, Suitable for Standard Signal Applications
Stamped contacts are formed from sheet metal using progressive dies. They are lower cost than machined, can be supplied on carrier reels for automated crimping machines (making them the preferred choice in high-volume cable assembly production), and provide fully adequate performance for standard signal and low-current applications. Stamped contacts are the sensible choice when current loads are modest, mating cycles are infrequent, and production volume makes cost-efficiency a priority. Our stamped solder and crimp connector variants use this contact type.
Choose machined when: current per pin exceeds 5A, the connector will be mated and unmated frequently, the environment involves significant vibration, or the application is critical, and field failure is costly.
Choose stamped when: the application carries signal-level currents only, mating cycles are low, you’re using automated crimp assembly, or cost efficiency is the primary consideration.
Where D Sub Connectors Are Used
D Sub connectors are found across a wide range of industries and applications. Their combination of shielded construction, secure screw-lock coupling, and configurable pin count makes them one of the most versatile and long-lived connector standards in existence:
Industrial automation and control panels: PLC connections, servo drive interfaces, and fieldbus wiring
Test and measurement equipment: instrument front panels, data acquisition systems, and lab instruments
Medical devices and laboratory instruments: where reliable, shielded multi-pin connections are required
Broadcast and AV systems: video routing, audio mixing desks, and broadcast infrastructure
Aerospace, defence, and rail: ruggedised applications where machined-contact D Sub connectors are specified for durability
Legacy computer and network interfaces: RS-232 serial, parallel, and SCSI interfaces still in service on older industrial systems
Get Your D Sub Connectors Sorted Today
Please email us at buddy@componentbuddy.com or call 01536 263411. Explore our full range of D Sub connectors online and get expert advice, no-obligation quotes, and the right connector for your application.
