VGA DB-15 pinout — plug and socket
The high-density 15-contact VGA connector carries analog red, green, and blue video, separate horizontal and vertical sync, and a DDC / I²C channel for display identification. This reference shows both mating faces and all 15 contact assignments.
Scope: This is the common VGA / DDC assignment. Older equipment may use pins 4 and 11 for monitor identification, and pin 9 may be absent or unpowered. Check the actual equipment before wiring.
Connector overview
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Connector | High-density 15-contact D-sub (DE-15, often called DB-15) |
| Contacts | 15 in three rows of five |
| Video | Analog RGB with separate HSync and VSync |
| Display identification | DDC / I²C on pins 12 and 15 |
| Auxiliary supply | +5 V on pin 9 when implemented |
Pinout diagram
The image shows the front mating faces of the plug and socket. Their left-to-right numbering is mirrored. A solder-side or PCB-footprint view is different; use the connector manufacturer's footprint for routing.
Pin assignment table
Color key: RGB video · Ground · Synchronization · DDC / I²C · Power · Reserved / NC
| Pin | Signal | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red | Analog red video |
| 2 | Green | Analog green video |
| 3 | Blue | Analog blue video |
| 4 | Reserved / NC | Legacy monitor ID; no connection in the common DDC assignment |
| 5 | GND | Signal ground |
| 6 | Red return | Return for red video |
| 7 | Green return | Return for green video |
| 8 | Blue return | Return for blue video |
| 9 | +5 V | DDC / EDID auxiliary supply when supported |
| 10 | Sync ground | Return for sync and control signals |
| 11 | Reserved / NC | Legacy monitor ID; no connection in the common DDC assignment |
| 12 | DDC SDA | I²C data for EDID |
| 13 | HSync | Horizontal synchronization |
| 14 | VSync | Vertical synchronization |
| 15 | DDC SCL | I²C clock for EDID |
The metal shell is the connector and cable shield, separate from the 15 numbered contacts. Ground and shield connections depend on the product's EMC design.
Signal groups and electrical notes
- RGB video (1–3): three independent analog color channels, typically 0.7 V peak-to-peak into a 75 Ω load. Keep each channel with its own return (6–8).
- Synchronization (13–14): separate horizontal and vertical timing signals, commonly TTL-compatible. Pin 10 is their return.
- DDC / I²C (12, 15): SDA and SCL let the source read the display's EDID capabilities. Pin 9 may provide the auxiliary +5 V needed for identification; it is not a general-purpose power output.
- Reserved / legacy ID (4, 11): leave unconnected unless the selected devices explicitly document their use. Older VGA pin assignments also differ at pins 9, 12, and 15.
Wiring checks
- Verify whether the drawing or footprint is viewed from the mating face or the solder side before numbering contacts.
- Keep the three video paths and their returns together, with suitable 75 Ω signal routing and connector-side ESD protection.
- Confirm DDC voltage tolerance, +5 V availability, shield grounding, and sync levels from the source and display documentation.
- VGA is an analog video interface; the connector alone does not guarantee a particular resolution or refresh rate.