VGA Connector Pinout - Basic Introduction is Here

The connection between a peripheral device and a computer is made through a computer port. Keyboards, printers, mice, flash drives, speakers, and other peripheral devices are included here. Various computer port types can be used to transfer data from one device to another via a cable from a peripheral device. This article discusses the function of the VGA connector, one sort of computer interface.

In this article,

• What is a VGA Connector?
• A Common Misconception Regarding VGA
• Pin Configuration of VGA
• Main Features and Specifications
• Different Types of VGA
• Properties of VGA Connector
• Bandwidths of the VGA
• Way to Choose a VGA Connector
• How to use a VGA Connector to Connect a PC & TV?
• Advantages of VGA
• Disadvantages of VGA
• Applications

What is a VGA Connector?

One type of computer port is the VGA (Video Graphics Array/Video Graphics Adapter) connector, which has the ability to connect peripheral devices for sending video signals as an output. IBM created and introduced a well-known industry standard display in 1987.

Color display panels with 640 x 480 resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate and 16 colors displayed at once are provided by a VGA connector. 256 colors will be visible if the screen resolution is decreased to 320 x 200 pixels. VGA employs analog signals, which results in worse screen quality and fewer resolutions.

A Common Misconception Regarding VGA

One common misconception about VGA is that it supports audio. It has an analog audio signal with left and right channels but requires conversation via a separate cable (usually through 3.5mm jacks). The video signal is carried by the VGA cable, but it must be converted to something that your monitor can understand.

IBM designed two VGA connectors, one with five pins per row and one with three pins per row. D-subminiature is the version with three hooks.

The D-sub version is commonly found on older computers, VGA cables, and displays. DB-15 is the standard five-pin row version.

Pin Configuration of VGA

1. Pin1 (RED): Red video (75 ohms, 0.7V peak-to-peak)
2. Pin2 (GREEN): Green video
3. Pin3 (BLUE): Blue video
4. Pin4 (ID2 / RES) : Monitor ID Bit-2 or Reserved
5. Pin5 (GND): Ground Pin
6. Pin6 (RGND): Red Ground
7. Pin7 (GGND): Green Ground
8. Pin8 (BGND): Blue Ground
9. Pin9 (KEY): +5V DC output from graphic card
10. Pin10 (SGND): Sync Ground
11. Pin11 (ID0 / RES): Monitor ID Bit0 or Reserved
12. Pin12 (ID1 / SDA): Monitor ID Bit-1 / Data line with I2C bi-directional
13. Pin13 (HSYNC): Horizontal Sync
14. Pin14 (VSYNC): Vertical Sync
15. Pin15 (ID3 / SCL): Monitor ID Bit-3 or I2C data clock

Main Features and Specification

• The type of connector is – Computer Analog Video
• Data Signal is an I2C data channel used for DDC data
• The 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

A VGA connector typically includes a screw on one of the plug's faces for connecting it to a similar plug on the computer's backside. The plug inside has three tows of different pins that are inserted into the computer's backside holes.

VGA cables can be identified by inspecting the plug inside because most VGA connectors include 14 pins by displaying the 15th hole. Some pins will not appear due to system configuration.

Different Types of VGA

There are numerous varieties of VGA connections on the market. The RGB connector, Mini 015, HD15, Mini D15, HDB-15, DB15, and Mini sub D15 are additional names for VGA connectors.

The best examples of male connectors include DB13W3, HD15, 5BNC, 4BNC, etc. Hence, these kinds are typically referred to as "connector ones." The following connectors can also be used: USE B male cables, 4BNC male, 5BNC male, HD 15 female, HD15 female, HD15 male, or 6PIN Mini-Din PS2 male connectors.

The sun DB13W3, the VGA adapter, the KVM, the VGA to BNC breakout, the SVGA, the VGA to RCA breakout, and the BNC to BNC breakout cables are some more VGA connection kinds. These cables are offered with a variety of connections.

Properties of VGA Connector

The market offers VGA connectors and cables in a variety of lengths, from 0.75 feet to more than 30 feet. Also, these cables come in a variety of colours, including Beige & Black.

Moreover, these cables include double or triple shielding. The price of these connectors varies based on the type and length. Depending on the need, different cables are utilized for various functions. For each connector, these cables range from $10 to $400.

Bandwidths of the VGA

The highest bandwidth that can be transmitted through a VGA cable is 116 MHz, which is regrettably too low for the best 240Hz displays now on the market. The normal VGA's 14 MHz bandwidth range is the smallest, whereas UXGA's maximum bandwidth range is the largest.

This is a breakdown.

• VGA standard - 14 MHz
• Cables for SVGA - 27 MHz
• Cable XGA - 48 MHz
• Cable SXGA at 79 MHz
• Cable UXGA - 116 MHz

Way to Choose a VGA Connector

The following are some examples of factors that might be taken into consideration when choosing a VGA connector:

Quality

The brand name of the connector can determine its quality, which significantly impacts quality. Cable Power, RS Pro, Matrox, and StarTech are some of the well-known brands of VGI connections.

Length

The length of the connector defends the video signals from dropping quality, so short cables need to use as much as possible. So that cable can be protected from the interference of the signal.

Pins

When compared to copper, gold acts as a better conductor and can be used to coat the connector's pins. The gold coating ensures the signals are stronger and the data transfer speed is swift.

Signal interface Protection

The signals running via the VGA connector cable can interfere with other signals, such as RF and EM. Thus, designers must create the cable with many layer coats for material shielding in order to minimize this problem. This feature ensures no signal will interfere with data transmission through the cable's wires.

M-F / F-M Connection Type

Choose the cable carefully choose the cable depending on the need, such as male to female or male to male. For instance, a male-to-male connector is essential to expand the length of an existing cable, whereas a male-to-female cable is essential to connect a laptop. HD15 SVGA male-to-male cables are used with ferrite beads.6

Genders of VGA Connector

Male and female VGA connectors are available, with male connectors with plugs or pins and female connectors with sockets or holes. VGA connectors are possible t by their orientation in relation to the connector's gender. You may need a variety of VGA adapters, splitters, and extenders to create a functional connection for a particular system, depending on the precise cable type being used and the precise pattern of the connection you need to build at the computer or other end of the display. ( Male to Male, Male to Female, Female to Male, Female to Female)

How to use a VGA Connector to Connect a PC & TV?

A user can access a desktop computer through a monitor. You may 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 monitors can use a VGA, HDMI, DVI, USB-C, or Display Port connector to connect to the computer. DVI and VGA are older connections, whereas USB-C, Display Port, and HDMI are more recent.

A VGA connector has the ability to link a TV and a computer. Attach the connector's first end to a TV port, and it is second to a computer.

Benefits of using VGA for the monitors

Several businesses offer free VGA and monitor cables, although it can be challenging to locate them in local markets now that digital cable has been developed. In addition, VGA cable costs a little less than other diesel cables, but that does not mean you should sacrifice image quality.

Advantages of VGA

• Transmit analogue video.
• Different electrical equipment, such as TVs, PCs, and CRT displays, are possible to connect easily.
• Sends out three hues (red, green, and blue).
• The ground shield is between the red, green, and blue data pins.
• For interacting with connected devices, two clock pins that alternate.
• DB-15 connection type or D-sub connection type (five-row setup) (three-row configuration).
• Superior materials (gold plated).
• Because VGA connectors are inexpensive to produce, customer prices remain low.

Disadvantages of VGA

• The output from a VGA connection is low-resolution.
• With longer cables, VGA signal quality quickly deteriorates.
• VGA cable transmissions frequently experience interference.
• Signals are not possible to transmit over a greater distance with VGA cables of a lower gauge.
• With one pin unoccupied, the VGA cable connector has fifteen pins. This increases the likelihood of sending the other pins, distorting the image. The output from a VGA connection is low-resolution.
• With longer cables, VGA signal quality quickly deteriorates.
• VGA cable transmissions frequently experience interference.
• Signals are not possible to transmit over a greater distance with VGA cables of a lower gauge.
• The fifteen-pin VGA cable connector has one spare pin. This increases the likelihood of sending the other pins, which causes visual distortion.

Applications

In the world of electronics, there are numerous uses for the VGA connector. The following are some uses for the VGA connection.

• It is most frequently essential when you need to fix your laptop to your projector or TV. However, if your monitor has an HDMI or DVI output, it would normally be preferable to connect it via this type of connection. This connection will provide you with a nice reflection if the output device only has a VGA port.
• VGA is a connector that is applicable in many electronic devices to connect and send signals between monitors and computers, TVs and computers, and laptops and PCs.
• It serves as a connector in monitors, computers, video cards, televisions, and other devices.

Final Word

This article has given you a general understanding of the VGA connector, which is mostly used to connect computers to display devices like a projector, TV, or monitor. The HDMI, DVI, Connector, and Display Port cables are currently used to alter this connector, which is widely used.

Most electronic devices, including computers and TV screens, have long used VGA connectors, although today, the most popular digital connections with compatible devices are DVI and HDMI. Purchase an adapter that can change from one interface to another to convert a connection type. Turn on the devices and check to see if any pins are visible if you need to make sure your equipment is functioning.