DIN connector classification and application
What is DIN connector?
DIN connector is a connector standard developed by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN, Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V.). Because there are too many DIN connector standards, the term DIN connector does not mean any kind of connector if there is no additional number (such as "DIN 41524 connector"). In consumer electronic products, "DIN connector" usually represents a member of the circular connector family defined by DIN. DIN connectors were originally used for the transmission of analog audio signals. Some of these connectors were later used for analog video and digital interfaces, such as MIDI or IBM PS/2 interface keyboard and mouse cables. The original DIN connector standard has been replaced by the equivalent international standard IEC60130-9.
Although DIN connectors and XLR terminals are similar in appearance, they are not compatible.
DIN circular connector
The male DIN connectors are all 13.2 mm diameter metal shielded plugs, but their pin definitions are different.
The connector plug has a circular metal shielding skirt to protect the pins. The protective skirt also ensures that the plug is inserted in the correct direction to prevent damage to the pins. Due to the same protective skirt, it cannot prevent the DIN male connector from being connected to the incompatible DIN female connector. This design was modified in mini DIN.
There are 7 common patterns of DIN connectors, and you can see up to 8-pin DIN connectors. There is limited compatibility in connectors of different standards.
The screw-locked version of this connector is also used in instrumentation, process control and professional audio.
Speaker connector
The two-pin DIN 41529 connector is used to connect speakers and power amplifiers. Used in 16mm film projectors and Mercedes-Benz cars. Generally speaking, DIN connectors are durable, but the reliability of two-pin connectors has been criticized.
Application of DIN connector
Analog audio
The 3/180° and 5/180° interfaces were originally used in the connection of analog audio equipment in Germany. Later, it was also widely used in the Czech Republic, the Soviet Union and the countries of the economic exchange. For example, the stereo amplifier or preamplifier of a stereo tape recorder uses four signal connections plus a grounded 5-pin. This interface is rare in the US market and has been replaced by RCA terminals.
Digital signal
5/180° connectors are used for:
DIN electronic musical instrument synchronization interface
MIDI electronic musical instrument interface
The serial interface of the early Apple IIc
IBM PC and PC/AT, as well as the keyboard cable of Amiga, were later replaced by the PS/2 interface of ATX.
The two-pin DIN 41529 connector is used to connect speakers and power amplifiers. Used in 16mm film projectors and Mercedes-Benz cars. Generally speaking, DIN connectors are durable, but the reliability of two-pin connectors has been criticized.
Application of DIN connector
Analog audio
The 3/180° and 5/180° interfaces were originally used in the connection of analog audio equipment in Germany. Later, it was also widely used in the Czech Republic, the Soviet Union and the countries of the economic exchange. For example, the stereo amplifier or preamplifier of a stereo tape recorder uses four signal connections plus a grounded 5-pin. This interface is rare in the US market and has been replaced by RCA terminals.
Digital signal
5/180° connectors are used for:
DIN electronic musical instrument synchronization interface
MIDI electronic musical instrument interface
The serial interface of the early Apple IIc
IBM PC and PC/AT, as well as the keyboard cable of Amiga, were later replaced by the PS/2 interface of ATX.
See
Mini-DIN connector
PS/2 interface
XLR terminal
