The

Video Graphics Array Video Graphics Array (VGA) is a video display controller and accompanying de facto graphics standard, first introduced with the IBM PS/2 line of computers in 1987, which became ubiquitous in the IBM PC compatible industry within three years. T ...

(VGA) connector is a standard connector used for computer video output. Originating with the 1987

IBM PS/2 The Personal System/2 or PS/2 is IBM's second generation of personal computers. Released in 1987, it officially replaced the IBM Personal Computer, IBM PC, IBM Personal Computer XT, XT, IBM Personal Computer/AT, AT, and IBM PC Convertible, PC Co ...

and its VGA graphics system, the 15-pin connector went on to become ubiquitous on PCs, as well as many monitors, projectors and HD television sets. Other connectors have been used to carry VGA-compatible signals, such as mini-VGA or BNC, but "''VGA connector''" typically refers to this design. Devices continue to be manufactured with VGA connectors, although newer digital interfaces such as DVI,

HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a proprietary digital interface used to transmit high-quality video and audio signals between devices. It is commonly used to connect devices such as televisions, computer monitors, projectors, gam ...

and

DisplayPort DisplayPort (DP) is a digital interface used to connect a video source, such as a Personal computer, computer, to a display device like a Computer monitor, monitor. Developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), it can also car ...

are increasingly displacing VGA, and many modern computers and other devices do not include it.

Physical design

The VGA connector is a three-row, 15-pin

D-subminiature The D-subminiature or D-sub is a common type of electrical connector. They are named for their characteristic D-shaped metal shield. When they were introduced, D-subs were among the smallest connectors used on computer systems. Description ...

connector referred to variously as DE-15, HD-15 or commonly DB-15(HD). DE-15 is the accurate nomenclature under the proprietary D-sub specifications: an "E" size D-sub connector, with 15 pins in three rows.

Predecessor and early variant

The standard 15-pin VGA connector was derived from the earlier DE-9 connector, which used the same "E" D-shell size (hence that connector's misnomer of DB-9 transferred its "DB" part to the new DE-15 connector as well, see above). Though

IBM International Business Machines Corporation (using the trademark IBM), nicknamed Big Blue, is an American Multinational corporation, multinational technology company headquartered in Armonk, New York, and present in over 175 countries. It is ...

always used DE-15 connectors for their

hardware, several VGA clone hardware makers initially did not