15pin

15pin commonly refers to the 15-pin D-sub connector family. The most familiar variant is the DE-15 shell, widely used for the VGA interface that connects computers to monitors. The connector has 15 pins arranged in three rows of five within a D-shaped metal shell and exists in male and female forms, typically with screw-on retainers to secure the connection.

In VGA use, the pins carry analog color information and synchronization signals, along with grounds. Specifically, three analog color channels (red, green, blue) are transmitted, accompanied by horizontal and vertical synchronization signals and multiple ground connections. The exact pinout can vary between devices, so cables and adapters should match both the connector type and the intended signal arrangement.

Beyond VGA, there are other 15-pin D-sub connectors and applications that use different pinouts. These include legacy computer game ports and various industrial or professional interfaces. Because of the variety of possible pinouts, a 15-pin connection should be matched to the specific device, rather than assumed to be universally interchangeable.

While 15-pin D-sub connectors remain in use for legacy analog video and certain control signals, many modern systems have shifted to digital interfaces such as DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-based connections. Adapters and cables that bridge VGA to these digital formats are common, preserving compatibility with older equipment while enabling newer displays and devices.