Family reference
Identify older computer-interface forms without assuming a signal merely from a familiar shell or contact count.
13 forms 13 engineering profiles 6 related comparisons
Recognition & reference
Recognition illustrations are not to scale or fabrication drawings. The label-led symbols below, where present, are not interface geometry. Read the illustration limits in each exact reference; equal image boxes do not establish equal physical sizes.
Computer-generated illustrationP108 / Legacy computer / Connector form
A round socket still needs a port label.
Computer-generated illustrationP114 / Legacy computer / Connector form
Nine positions are not a serial pinout.
Computer-generated illustrationP115 / Legacy computer / Connector form
The same shell can carry unrelated interfaces.
Computer-generated illustrationP209 / Legacy computer / Connector form
A 36-position ribbon connector outline is not proof of IEEE 1284 mode, wiring or device compatibility.
Computer-generated illustrationP210 / Legacy computer / Connector form
Mini-DIN position count identifies a shell/contact form, not a universal signal standard.
Computer-generated illustrationP241 / Legacy computer / Connector form
Ribbon headers with the same pitch and row count can carry unrelated signals, so physical format and system role must be verified separately.
Computer-generated illustrationP242 / Legacy computer / Connector form
A familiar 40-position ribbon form does not by itself prove ATA/PATA, GPIO or another historical bus assignment.
Computer-generated illustrationP243 / Legacy computer / Connector form
Position count and IDC construction identify the connector form, not the signal assignment or attached device class.
Computer-generated illustrationP244 / Legacy computer / Connector form
The MDR family name and contact count identify a mechanical form only; cable signaling and equipment role remain implementation-specific.
Computer-generated illustrationP245 / Legacy computer / Connector form
A 68-contact MDR shell is not the same mechanical family as VHDCI merely because both can expose 68 contacts.
Computer-generated illustrationP246 / Legacy computer / Connector form
A 68-contact count does not make VHDCI interchangeable with MDR or other 68-position interfaces; shell and mating family must match.
Computer-generated illustrationP247 / Legacy computer / Connector form
The word “Centronics” is used loosely in legacy hardware, so the exact CHAMP position count and mechanical series should be confirmed.
Computer-generated illustrationP248 / Legacy computer / Connector form
Sharing a 36-contact count does not make MDR/1284C and CHAMP-36 the same connector.
An alternate overview of the same facts shown in the cards. On narrow screens, scroll the table horizontally or read the cards above. Alias lists retain the existing first four entries; the full record has further detail. This is not a dimension, pinout or compatibility table.
| Connector form | Shape | Common aliases | Engineering |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-pin Mini-DIN (PS/2 form) | round | PS2, PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse, 6 pin mini DIN | Engineering profile → |
| DE-9 D-sub (commonly called DB9) | d-sub | DB9, DE9, 9 pin serial, RS232 plug | Engineering profile → |
| DB25 D-sub connector | d-sub | 25 pin parallel, 25 pin serial, DB-25, SCSI DB25 | Engineering profile → |
| Centronics / CHAMP 36-position connector | ribbon | Centronics 36, CHAMP 36, IEEE 1284 printer connector, 36 pin parallel | Engineering profile → |
| 8-pin Mini-DIN connector | round | Mini-DIN 8, 8 pin mini DIN, 8-position Mini-DIN | Engineering profile → |
| 50-position 2.54 mm IDC ribbon header | ribbon | IDC 50, 50-pin ribbon header, 50 position ribbon connector, 2x25 IDC | Engineering profile → |
| 40-position 2.54 mm IDC ribbon header | ribbon | IDC 40, 40-pin ribbon header, 40 position ribbon connector, 2x20 IDC | Engineering profile → |
| 34-position 2.54 mm IDC ribbon receptacle | ribbon | IDC 34, 34-pin ribbon cable, 34 position ribbon connector, 2x17 IDC | Engineering profile → |
| 50-position Mini Delta Ribbon (MDR) connector | ribbon | MDR 50, Mini Delta Ribbon 50, 50-position MDR, half-pitch ribbon 50 | Engineering profile → |
| 68-position Mini Delta Ribbon (MDR) connector | ribbon | MDR 68, Mini Delta Ribbon 68, 68-position MDR, half-pitch ribbon 68 | Engineering profile → |
| 68-contact VHDCI SCSI connector | ribbon | VHDCI 68, Very High Density Cable Interconnect, 68-pin VHDCI, VHDCI SCSI | Engineering profile → |
| CHAMP 50-position connector | ribbon | CHAMP 50, Centronics 50, 50-pin CHAMP, 50-position CHAMP | Engineering profile → |
| 36-contact MDR / IEEE 1284C form | ribbon | MDR 36, IEEE 1284C connector, 36-contact MDR, Mini Delta Ribbon 36 | Engineering profile → |
Tell them apart
Related pages may include forms from another family. They explain distinctions, not permission to connect.
Similar at first glance
Before choosing a reference
Resolve abbreviations, informal names and legacy labels without treating an alias as an additional connector identity.
Open Legacy computer terminology and aliases →Continue with the evidence
A family name is a starting point. Use the exact record and device documentation before choosing cables or planning a connection.
