In the modern digital age, where technology intertwines seamlessly with our daily lives, it’s easy to take for granted the intricate web of connectors that power our devices and enable seamless communication. From transferring data at lightning-fast speeds to transmitting high-definition audio and video signals, computer connectors play a crucial role in ensuring our devices work harmoniously.
Behind the scenes, an array of connectors exists, each with its unique purpose and capabilities. As we navigate through the vast landscape of computer connectors, it becomes apparent that they are the unsung heroes, silently supporting our gadgets and facilitating the flow of information.
In this comprehensive guide, we embark on an exploration of computer connectors, shedding light on their diverse forms and functions. From familiar names like USB and HDMI to lesser-known gems like EtherCON and DVI, we delve into the world of connectors, demystifying their roles and uncovering the hidden potential they possess.
Join us as we traverse the vast tapestry of technology, revealing the stories behind these connectors, their evolution, and the critical roles they play in our digital lives. Whether you’re an avid tech enthusiast, a curious learner, or a professional seeking to deepen your understanding, this guide will serve as a roadmap, illuminating the complex world of computer connectors.
Prepare to embark on a journey where we unravel the secrets of Apple Attachment Unit Interface, explore the realms of DisplayPort and Thunderbolt, and delve into the nuances of DIN connectors and VGA ports. With each connector, we aim to provide clarity, demystify their purpose, and empower you with the knowledge needed to navigate the digital landscape.
So, let us embark on this adventure together, where we unravel the intricate network of computer connectors, unlocking a deeper understanding of the backbone that connects our digital world.
List of computer connectors
| Connector Name | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Apple Attachment Unit Interface (AAUI) | A connector used by Apple Macintosh computers for Ethernet networking. It has been replaced by other standards like Ethernet and Thunderbolt. |
| Atari Joystick Port | A connector used by Atari gaming systems to connect joysticks and game controllers. |
| Attachment Unit Interface (AUI) | A connector used for Ethernet networking, primarily in older computer systems. It has been replaced by other standards like Ethernet and Thunderbolt. |
| Berg Connector | A small electrical connector used for various purposes, including connecting cables and components on circuit boards. |
| Breakout Box | A device used to facilitate testing and troubleshooting of electronic systems by providing access points for connections and signals. |
| Commodore Bus | A proprietary connector used by Commodore computers for connecting peripherals and expansion devices. |
| D-subminiature (D-Sub) | A common type of electrical connector with multiple pins, used for a wide range of applications such as VGA, serial, and parallel connections. |
| DB-19 | A 19-pin D-sub connector used for various applications, including video connections and Apple’s Macintosh serial ports. |
| Digital Visual Interface (DVI) | A video connector used to transmit digital or analog video signals. It has various types such as DVI-D, DVI-I, and DVI-A, supporting different signal types. |
| DIN Connector | A connector with circular pins used for audio, video, and data connections. Common examples include MIDI connectors. |
| DisplayPort | A digital display interface used to connect monitors, TVs, and other video devices to computers and other source devices. |
| Edge Connector | A connector with multiple metal contacts on the edge of a circuit board, used for connecting expansion cards and peripherals. |
| Enterprise and Data Center Standard Form Factor (EDSFF) | A form factor and connector used for high-capacity solid-state drives (SSDs) in enterprise and data center environments. |
| EtherCON | A ruggedized connector used for Ethernet networking, commonly found in professional audio and video applications. |
| Game Port | A connector used for connecting game controllers to personal computers. |
| HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) | A digital audio/video interface used to transmit high-quality video and audio signals between devices like TVs, monitors, and computers. |
| Hex-Bus | A proprietary connector used by Roland for connecting musical instruments and devices in their Hex-Bus system. |
| IEEE 1394 (FireWire) | A high-speed serial bus interface used for connecting devices like cameras, hard drives, and audio equipment to computers. |
| Kick Harness | A connector used in arcade machines to connect additional controls beyond the standard built-in joysticks and buttons. |
| KVM Splitter | A device that allows multiple computers to be controlled using a single keyboard, video monitor, and mouse (KVM). |
| KVM Switch | A device that allows multiple computers to share a single keyboard, video monitor, and mouse (KVM). |
| LapLink Cable | A cable used to connect two computers for file transfer and data synchronization, popularized by the LapLink software. |
| M.2 | A small, versatile connector used for solid-state drives (SSDs), Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, and other peripherals in laptops and desktops. |
| Medium Attachment Unit (MAU) | A connector used in Ethernet networks to connect transceivers or network adapters to the network media. |
| MICTOR | A connector commonly used in electronic testing and debugging applications to provide access to various signals on a circuit board. |
| Mini-DIN Connector | A smaller version of the DIN connector, used for audio, video, and data connections. |
| Mini-VGA | A smaller version of the VGA connector, commonly found on laptops and other compact devices. |
| Modular Connector | A type of electrical connector commonly used for telephone and Ethernet connections. |
| Molex Connector | A brand of electrical connector commonly used in computer power supplies and other applications. |
| Multimedia Extension Connector (MEC) | A connector used in some laptops for docking stations and other peripheral connections. |
| N Connector | A threaded RF connector commonly used for coaxial cable connections, particularly in high-frequency applications. |
| Parallel ATA (PATA) | A connector used for connecting storage devices like hard drives and optical drives to a computer’s motherboard. |
| Parallel Port | A connector used to connect devices like printers and scanners to a computer’s parallel interface. |
| Phone Connector (Audio) | A connector commonly used for audio output and input on smartphones, headphones, and other audio devices. |
| Port Expander | A device that allows for the expansion of available ports on a computer or other electronic device. |
| PS/2 Port | A connector used for connecting keyboards and mice to computers, commonly found on older systems. |
| Rackmount KVM | A device that combines a rackmount switch with a keyboard, video monitor, and mouse (KVM) for server management. |
| Registered Jack (RJ) | A standardized telecommunication connector commonly used for telephone lines and networking connections. |
| ROM Cartridge | A removable cartridge containing read-only memory (ROM) chips used in older gaming consoles and computer systems. |
| SATA (Serial ATA) | A connector used for connecting storage devices like hard drives and SSDs to a computer’s motherboard. |
| SATA Express | A connector that combines SATA and PCIe technologies to provide faster data transfer speeds for storage devices. |
| SCSI Connector | A connector used for connecting SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) devices such as hard drives and tape drives. |
| Serial Port | A connector used for serial communication between a computer and external devices like modems and mice. |
| U.2 | A connector used for high-speed data transfer between a computer’s motherboard and storage devices like SSDs. |
| USB (Universal Serial Bus) | A versatile connector used for connecting various devices like keyboards, mice, printers, and storage devices to computers. |
| VGA Connector | A connector used to transmit analog video signals between computers and monitors. |
| Video-in Video-Out (VIVO) | A connector that combines video input and output capabilities, commonly found on graphics cards. |
| XJACK | A retractable connector used for built-in modem connections on laptops and portable devices. |
| Thunderbolt | A high-speed connector developed by Intel and Apple, capable of supporting various data and video protocols. |
| USB-C | A small, reversible connector that supports high-speed data transfer, power delivery, and video output, widely adopted in modern devices. |
| Mini DisplayPort | A smaller version of the DisplayPort connector, commonly used in laptops and other compact devices. |
| BNC Connector | A connector commonly used in professional video applications, especially for coaxial cable connections. |
| Mini-DVI | A smaller version of the DVI connector, commonly used in Apple computers and devices. |
| S-Video | A video connector used to transmit analog video signals, commonly found on older televisions and video devices. |
| SCART | A connector used for audio and video signals in Europe, commonly found on older televisions and video devices. |
| MICRO-DVI | A smaller version of the DVI connector, used primarily in Apple’s MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops. |
| Lightning | A proprietary connector developed by Apple for their iOS devices, used for charging, data transfer, and audio connections. |
| RJ45 (Ethernet) | A connector commonly used for Ethernet networking, allowing for high-speed data transmission. |
| RJ11 (Telephone) | A connector commonly used for telephone lines and analog modems. |
| TOSLINK (Optical Audio) | A fiber optic connector used for digital audio connections, providing high-quality, noise-free audio transmission. |
| RCA Connector (Composite Video/Audio) | A connector used for analog audio and video signals, commonly found on TVs, DVD players, and other multimedia devices. |
| XLR Connector (Professional Audio) | A professional audio connector commonly used for microphones and other audio equipment, known for its robustness and balanced signal transmission. |
| TRS Connector (Audio) | A connector used for audio signals, commonly found on headphones and audio devices. |
| Coaxial Connector | A type of connector used for coaxial cables, commonly used for television and radio signals, as well as networking applications. |
| DisplayPort Mini | A smaller version of the DisplayPort connector, commonly used in laptops and other compact devices. |
| DisplayPort Micro | An even smaller version of the DisplayPort connector, commonly used in small portable devices. |
| Mini-USB | A smaller version of the USB connector, commonly used for connecting devices like cameras and mobile phones. |
| Micro-USB | A compact version of the USB connector, commonly used for mobile phones, tablets, and other small devices. |
| USB 3.0 | A USB connector that supports high-speed data transfer, offering faster performance compared to USB 2.0. |
| USB 3.1 | A USB connector that provides faster data transfer speeds and increased power delivery compared to USB 3.0. |
| USB 3.2 | A USB connector that offers even faster data transfer speeds and improved power delivery compared to USB 3.1. |
| USB 4 | The latest version of the USB connector, providing increased data transfer speeds and support for multiple high-resolution displays. |
| FireWire (IEEE 1394b) | An updated version of the IEEE 1394 connector, offering faster data transfer speeds and improved features. |
| eSATA | An external SATA connector, designed for connecting external storage devices like hard drives to computers. |
| Fiber Channel Connector | A high-speed serial connector used for storage area networks (SANs) and other data storage applications. |
| HDMI Mini | A smaller version of the HDMI connector, commonly used in portable devices like cameras and camcorders. |
| HDMI Micro | An even smaller version of the HDMI connector, commonly used in compact portable devices like smartphones and tablets. |
| F Connector | A coaxial connector commonly used for cable TV and satellite connections. |
| MMCX Connector | A small coaxial connector commonly used in wireless communication devices like Wi-Fi and cellular modules. |
| U.FL Connector | A miniature coaxial connector commonly used in Wi-Fi and cellular modules for space-constrained applications. |
| PC Card | A type of connector used for adding functionality to laptops, commonly found in older devices. |
| ExpressCard | A successor to the PC Card connector, used for adding functionality to laptops and other devices. |
| Thunderbolt 2 | An updated version of the Thunderbolt connector, offering faster data transfer speeds and improved capabilities. |
| Thunderbolt 3 | The third-generation Thunderbolt connector, featuring even faster data transfer speeds and additional functionalities. |
| Molex Mini-Fit Jr. Connector | A compact electrical connector commonly used in power supply and industrial applications. |
| Power over Ethernet (PoE) Connector | A connector used for delivering power and network data over Ethernet cables, commonly used in IP cameras and other network devices. |
| RCA Jack (Audio/Video) | A jack used for analog audio and video signals, commonly found on TVs, DVD players, and audio/video devices. |
| XLR Jack (Professional Audio) | A professional audio jack commonly used for microphones and other audio equipment, known for its robustness and balanced signal transmission. |
| Banana Plug (Audio) | A connector commonly used for speaker connections in audio systems, known for its ease of use and secure fit. |
| Speakon Connector (Audio) | A professional audio connector commonly used for high-power speaker connections, providing secure and reliable connections. |
| USB Type-A | The traditional rectangular USB connector commonly used for connecting various devices to computers. |
| USB Type-B | A square-shaped USB connector commonly used for connecting printers, scanners, and other peripherals to computers. |
| USB Type-Mini | A smaller USB connector commonly used in cameras, smartphones, and other portable devices. |
| USB Type-Micro | A compact USB connector commonly used in smartphones, tablets, and other small devices. |
| USB Type-OTG (On-The-Go) | A USB connector with added functionality for connecting peripherals directly to smartphones and tablets. |
| USB Type-Micro-B | A small USB connector commonly used in smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices. |
| USB Type-Micro-AB | A USB connector with both Type-A and Type-B compatibility, commonly used in smartphones and tablets. |
| USB Type-C (USB-C) | A small, reversible USB connector that supports high-speed data transfer, power delivery, and video output. |
| USB Type-C with Thunderbolt support | A USB-C connector that also supports the Thunderbolt technology, allowing for high-speed data transfer and versatile connectivity. |
| RJ48 | A connector used for T1 lines and ISDN connections, providing high-speed digital data transmission. |
| DVI Dual Link | A DVI connector that supports higher resolutions and higher refresh rates by using additional pins for data transmission. |
| DVI Single Link | A DVI connector that supports lower resolutions and lower refresh rates, commonly used for standard display connections. |
| DVI-I (Integrated) | A DVI connector that supports both digital and analog signals, allowing for compatibility with different types of displays. |
| DVI-D (Digital) | A DVI connector that supports digital signals only, commonly used for connecting digital displays. |
| PS/2 Keyboard Connector | A round connector used for connecting keyboards to computers, commonly found on older systems. |
| PS/2 Mouse Connector | A round connector used for connecting mice to computers, commonly found on older systems. |
| RCA Phono Connector (Audio) | A connector commonly used for analog audio signals, often found in home theater systems and audio devices. |
| Speakon Jack (Audio) | A professional audio jack commonly used for high-power speaker connections, providing secure and reliable connections. |
| DIN Jack (Audio/MIDI) | A jack used for audio and MIDI connections, commonly found in musical instruments and audio devices. |
| MIDI Connector | A connector commonly used in musical instruments and audio equipment for MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) connections. |
| TRRS Connector | A connector used for audio and microphone connections in smartphones, tablets, and other devices. |
| TRRRS Connector | A connector used for audio, microphone, and video connections in smartphones, tablets, and other devices. |
| Coaxial Power Connector | A connector commonly used for power adapters, providing a secure connection for power transfer. |
| Optical Audio Connector (TOSLINK) | A fiber optic connector used for transmitting digital audio signals, providing high-quality audio transmission. |
| F-Type Connector | A coaxial connector commonly used for cable TV and satellite connections, providing secure and reliable connections. |
| RJ9 | A connector used for telephone headsets, commonly found in call center and office environments. |
| RJ10 | A connector used for telephone headsets, commonly found in call center and office environments. |
| RJ12 | A connector used for telephone lines and some networking applications, providing multiple connections in a single interface. |
| RJ25 | A connector used for telephone lines and some networking applications, providing multiple connections in a single interface. |
| RCA Phono Jack (Audio) | A jack commonly used for analog audio signals, often found in home theater systems and audio devices. |
| BNC Jack | A jack commonly used in professional video applications, especially for coaxial cable connections. |
| MCX Connector | A miniature coaxial connector commonly used in wireless communication devices like Wi-Fi and cellular modules. |
| MMCX Jack | A miniature coaxial jack commonly used in wireless communication devices like Wi-Fi and cellular modules. |
| SMB Connector | A connector commonly used in RF and microwave applications for coaxial cable connections. |
| Type F Connector | A connector commonly used for cable and satellite TV connections, providing reliable coaxial cable connections. |
| FME Connector | A connector commonly used in RF applications, offering a versatile and interchangeable connection for coaxial cables. |
| UHF Connector | A connector commonly used in RF applications, offering a reliable and robust connection for coaxial cables. |
| RCA Component Video Connector | A connector used for transmitting component video signals, providing high-quality video transmission. |
| USB Type-AB | A USB connector with both Type-A and Type-B compatibility, commonly used for connecting various devices to computers. |
| USB Type-Mini-AB | A USB connector with both Type-A and Type-B compatibility, commonly used in smartphones and tablets. |
| USB Type-Mini-A | A USB connector commonly used in cameras and other devices for data transfer and power delivery. |
| USB Type-Micro-A | A USB connector commonly used in smartphones and other portable devices for data transfer and power delivery. |
| USB Type-Micro-OTG (On-The-Go) | A USB connector with added functionality for connecting peripherals directly to smartphones and tablets, supporting OTG features. |
| USB Type-C with USB 3.1 Gen 2 support | A USB-C connector with support for USB 3.1 Gen 2, providing faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. |
| USB Type-C with USB 3.2 support | A USB-C connector with support for USB 3.2, offering even faster data transfer speeds and improved capabilities. |
| USB Type-C with USB 4 support | A USB-C connector with support for USB 4, providing faster data transfer speeds and enhanced functionalities. |
| USB Type-C with Thunderbolt 4 support | A USB-C connector with support for Thunderbolt 4, offering blazing-fast data transfer speeds and versatile connectivity. |
| USB Type-C with USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) support | A USB-C connector with support for USB Power Delivery, allowing for fast charging and power delivery capabilities. |
| RJ21 | A connector used for telephone lines and some networking applications, providing multiple connections in a single interface. |
| S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) Connector | A connector used for transmitting digital audio signals, providing high-quality audio transmission. |
| TNC Connector | A threaded RF connector commonly used in RF and wireless applications for coaxial cable connections. |
| SMA Connector | A threaded RF connector commonly used in RF and wireless applications for coaxial cable connections. |
| Type N Connector | A threaded RF connector commonly used in RF and microwave applications for coaxial cable connections. |
| SC Connector | A connector used in fiber optic connections, commonly found in telecommunications and networking applications. |
| LC Connector | A connector used in fiber optic connections, known for its small size and low insertion loss. |
| FC Connector | A connector used in fiber optic connections, commonly used in high-performance applications. |
| ST Connector | A connector used in fiber optic connections, commonly used in telecommunications and networking applications. |
| MU Connector | A small form-factor connector used in fiber optic connections, known for its compact size and high-density applications. |
| EIAJ Connector | A connector used for audio and video connections in some older devices, particularly in Japan. |
| MC-Card Connector | A small coaxial connector commonly used in wireless communication devices like Wi-Fi and cellular modules. |
| MS-156 Connector | A miniature coaxial connector commonly used in wireless communication devices like Wi-Fi and cellular modules. |
| TS-9 Connector | A connector commonly used in wireless communication devices like Wi-Fi and cellular modules. |
| U.FL Jack | A miniature coaxial jack commonly used in Wi-Fi and cellular modules for space-constrained applications. |
| Hirose Connector | A versatile connector commonly used in various applications, including audio and video equipment. |
