Display question

How should I count DVI contacts: grid, blade or analog group?

Read DVI-D and DVI-I single-/dual-link counts without mixing a visible contact pattern with a numbered assignment table.

The answer

Short answer Say which count you mean: the pin grid has 18 positions (single-link) or 24 (dual-link), separate from the flat blade and the analog contacts C1–C5.

State the counting convention first. The small grid has 18 positions in a single-link pattern or 24 in a dual-link pattern. A digital-only flat blade is separate from those grid counts; the integrated interface names its analog group C1–C5.

DVI-D single-link connectorComputer-generated illustration, not a photograph

DVI-D dual-link connector — contact-pattern sketch; role not specified; original, not-to-scale identification schematic; drawing review pending — DVI-D dual-link connectorOriginal identification schematic · not to scale · review pending

Why the simple answer is not enough

Keep the evidence layers separate

1Reasoning step

Dell distinguishes 18- and 24-position grids. DDWG Table 5-1 numbers the digital-only grid from 1 to 24; it does not supply an extra numbered pin 25 for the flat blade.

2Reasoning step

DDWG Table 5-2 lists the integrated interface as 1–24 plus C1–C5. C1–C4 are the four contacts around the blade; C5 is the analog return. A drawing’s visible pieces and a supplier’s circuit count are different conventions.

3Reasoning step

Molex part 0743232031 is a documented single-link digital/analog example with 23 loaded circuits. This part-specific count does not establish every receptacle’s internal wiring, housing dimensions or PCB footprint.

4Reasoning step

Molex also documents partially loaded cable plugs. Count the actual visible pattern, then check the cable and exact equipment documentation; neither a full housing nor the name “DVI” proves an end-to-end operating mode.

Four represented DVI forms and their published counting boundaries
Reference	Published count	What is and is not counted	Evidence
DVI-D single-link	18 grid positions	The separate flat blade is not included in this grid count. No numbered assignment is published here.	C013B (private workspace) · C013C (private workspace)
DVI-D dual-link	24 numbered grid positions	DDWG Table 5-1 positions 1–24. The separate flat blade is not invented as pin 25.	C014B (private workspace)
DVI-I dual-link	29 named positions	DDWG positions 1–24 plus C1–C5. This is an interface assignment, not proof of a device implementation.	C015B (private workspace)
DVI-I single-link example	23 loaded circuits	Molex 0743232031 digital/analog single-link component. No socket-terminal map is inferred.	C116C (private workspace)

Scroll horizontally on narrow screens. Common grid-plus-blade shorthand is a visual naming aid. Counts here carry their own explicit scope; they are not fabrication or cable-wiring instructions.

What to check next

Identify DVI-D versus DVI-I without probing or forcing the plug.
Record whether the number counts the grid, C1–C5 or a visible blade.
Check plug loading separately from receptacle openings.

Canonical connector and cable notes

DVI-D single-link connectorDVI-D single-link uses a digital-only contact layout distinct from dual-link and DVI-I.DVI-D dual-link connectorDVI-D dual-link uses a fuller digital contact grid than single-link DVI-D.DVI-I dual-link connectorDVI-I distinguishes an integrated analog/digital interface from digital-only DVI-D.DVI-I single-link connectorThe DVI-I single-link form has the integrated analog/digital contact arrangement, distinct from DVI-D and dual-link forms.

Related permanent comparisons

DVI-D single-link vs DVI-D dual-linkBoth are DVI-D forms, but their contact patterns differ. Inspect the complete pin field instead of relying on the DVI label alone.DVI-D dual-link vs DVI-I dual-linkDVI-D and DVI-I use related shells but have different contact arrangements. The analog-contact area is a key physical distinction.DVI-A, DVI-I single-link and DVI-DThe analog/digital distinction comes before an adapter choice.

Your next step

Continue with the relevant reference.

DVI-D dual-link engineering reference DVI-I dual-link engineering reference Prepare connection checks More DVI questions

Question pages do not create compatibility verdicts.

They reorganize facts and uncertainty already represented in the atlas. Exact-device, cable, protocol, power, safety and performance requirements remain separate where the evidence says they are separate.

Evidence behind this page

Scope first. Source second. Approval separate.

10 linked sources · 17 scoped claims · 0 sources with inspection/access flags.

Page scope: Evidence attached to records and cable profiles referenced by this guide; not a sentence-by-sentence editorial approval.

Assessment 2026-10-22 · earliest scheduled source review 2026-12-30. This is a recorded-date assessment, not a live source check. Page-level independent review is not established by this panel.

Inspect 10 source scopes, access limits and dates

S018 · Video connector guide

C2G / Legrand · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-01 · due 2026-12-30

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Narrow physical identifiers only, not historical speed or video capability descriptions.

Not established / limitations: The old DisplayPort technology/speed description on this page is not relied on.

Locator: HD15, HDMI, HDMI Mini, HDMI Micro, DVI-D and RCA sections

S093 · DVI identification FAQ in DVIVGAMF documentation

StarTech.com · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-03 · due 2027-01-01

Within inspection window

Scoped support: DVI-I single-link is listed as 23-pin; DVI-A as 17-pin; digital/analog roles differ.

Not established / limitations: The adapter-specific product claims and typical resolution examples are not generalized to all DVI equipment.

Locator: How can I identify which DVI connector type I have or need?

S411 · Digital Visual Interface, Revision 1.0 (02 April 1999)

Digital Display Working Group (DDWG) · Unclassified publisher domain · inspected 2026-10-07 · due 2027-01-05

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Primary DDWG specification authored in 1999, read from an explicitly third-party document mirror. Digital-only and combined assignments, interface grouping and numbered receptacle/plug views.

Not established / limitations: Mirror hosting is not an official live DDWG publication channel. No independent authentication, fabrication approval, current product conformance, universal PCB layout or timing guarantee.

Locator: Printed/PDF pp. 43–47; Tables 5-1 and 5-2; Figures 5-1, 5-3 and 5-5.

S412 · MicroCross DVI Connector System — signal interface and cable assemblies

Molex · Unclassified publisher domain · inspected 2026-10-07 · due 2027-01-05

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Primary manufacturer brochure hosted by Mouser. Numbered DVI-I front view and named cable-family distinctions.

Not established / limitations: Archived brochure, not evidence of current availability. Plug contacts may be partially loaded for a signal set. Do not transfer full receptacle assignments to unspecified cables or PCB terminals.

Locator: PDF p. 2: DVI-I Receptacle Connector Front View and signal roles; p. 3: single/dual-link and analog cable families; partially loaded plug note.

S413 · SE2416HM Monitor User’s Guide — DVI-D connector assignments

Dell · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-07 · due 2027-01-05

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Exact SE2416HM manual example. Positions 4, 5, 12, 13, 20 and 21 are labeled Floating despite the full numbered grid.

Not established / limitations: Labels belong to this manual. Do not substitute its Self test or supply labels for the DDWG standard; no voltage application, hardware measurement, or universal DVI implementation is established.

Locator: PDF/printed p. 44: numbered DVI-D view and 24-position assignment table.

S414 · Video Display and Multiple Video Display General Information — DVI questions

Dell · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-07 · due 2027-01-05

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Bounded use: 18 versus 24 grid positions; source/cable/display requirements; named E-Port single-link wiring despite accepting dual-link-shaped cables; active versus passive circuitry.

Not established / limitations: General article includes simplified descriptions and a broad conversion chart; those are not adopted as universal compatibility rules. E-Port wording is not an inventory of every dock revision.

Locator: Article 000052929, version 13; modified 17 April 2026. First FAQ on dual link, E-Port dock note, and active/passive adapter definitions.

S415 · MicroCross DVI 0743232031 generated part sheet (26 June 2015)

Molex · Unclassified publisher domain · inspected 2026-10-07 · due 2027-01-05

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Exact archived digital/analog single-link component example with 23 circuits; corroborates the represented DVI-I single-link contact group.

Not established / limitations: Distributor-hosted primary manufacturer sheet. Not a current lifecycle statement, assembly drawing, universal mating tolerance or evidence of analog output from any chosen computer.

Locator: PDF p. 1: part number, digital/analog single-link description, 23 circuits.

S493 · DVI2VGAE active DVI-D to VGA datasheet

StarTech.com · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-11 · due 2027-01-09

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Named active DVI-D source to VGA display path. Reverse operation is not established. Conflicting resolution labels are not used.

Not established / limitations: Named example only. No universal compatibility or publication approval. Raw-byte acquisition status is recorded separately.

Locator: PDF pages 1–2: direction, low-powered-port note, Hardware / AV Input / AV Output / Audio; page 2 visually inspected.

S494 · DVIVGAMF passive DVI-I to VGA datasheet

StarTech.com · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-11 · due 2027-01-09

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Named DVI-I output to VGA display adapter, not a DVI-D converter. Its illustrated plug is a dual-link DVI-I example.

Not established / limitations: Named example only. No universal compatibility or publication approval. Raw-byte acquisition status is recorded separately.

Locator: PDF pages 1–2: DVI-I use note, DVI-D referral, passive classification and pictured adapter. Visually inspected.

S843 · 18/24/24+5 pin DVI-D, DVI-I, Single/Dual Link Female

Hatteland Technology · Unclassified publisher domain · inspected 2026-10-21 · due 2027-01-19

Within inspection window

Scoped support: The manufacturer distinguishes18/24 digital-interface contacts from24+5 integrated analog/digital arrangements and identifies analog-only additions. Its pictured dual-link connector does not guarantee that a named product implements dual-link.

Not established / limitations: Named manufacturer interface sheet; not current normative conformance or universal device capability. C013A also retains the existing DDWG specification S411. No new electrical contact assignments, dimensions or fabrication map imported. Sheet's pin21 color wording and resolution-specific statement are not generalized or reproduced.

Locator: Page1, title, user-POV note, DVI-I-only C1-C4 note and analog versus digital signal labels.

Trace 17 claims to their source records

C013A · P013

DVI-D single-link uses a digital-only contact layout distinct from dual-link and DVI-I.

Claim scope: Consumer identification / documented standard or product class only

Source links: S411 · S843 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C013B · P013

Dell distinguishes 18 grid contacts in single-link DVI cables from 24 in dual-link cables. The flat blade is a separate visual feature and is not included in this numbered-grid count.

Claim scope: Grid-count convention; not the total of all visible metal, connected conductors or PCB terminals.

Source links: S414 · S411 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C013C · P013

Molex distinguishes digital single-link, digital dual-link and analog cable families and states that plug contacts may be partially loaded according to the signal set.

Claim scope: Manufacturer cable-family scope. No complete single-link terminal assignment is supplied here.

Source links: S412 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C014A · P014

DVI-D dual-link uses a fuller digital contact grid than single-link DVI-D.

Claim scope: Consumer identification / documented standard or product class only

Source links: S018 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C014B · P014

DDWG DVI 1.0 Table 5-1 defines 24 numbered digital-only positions. Pin 8 is not connected in that table; positions 4/5, 12/13 and 20/21 carry the additional TMDS data pairs.

Claim scope: Full digital-only interface assignment from the named specification; not a guarantee that an exact device implements every signal.

Source links: S411 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C014C · P014

Dell SE2416HM documentation shows a numbered 24-position DVI-D grid but labels positions 4, 5, 12, 13, 20 and 21 Floating. Its implementation must not be substituted into a universal dual-link pinout.

Claim scope: Exact manual table, page 44. Other source-specific labels remain separate from the DDWG table.

Source links: S413 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C014D · P014

Dell documents E-Port docks with DVI connectors accepting dual-link-shaped cables but wired for single-link operation. It also identifies the source, cable, display and any adapter as separate dual-link requirements.

Claim scope: Named legacy dock example and documentation checklist, not a universal resolution limit or all-dock inventory.

Source links: S414 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C014E · P014

StarTech DVI2VGAE is an active adapter with DVI-D input and VGA output; the hardware table lists no audio.

Claim scope: Named direction and video-only conversion. The pictured DVI connector is a dual-link form; pin loading is not a resolution guarantee.

Source links: S493 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C015A · P015

DVI-I distinguishes an integrated analog/digital interface from digital-only DVI-D.

Claim scope: Consumer identification / documented standard or product class only

Source links: S843 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C015B · P015

DDWG Table 5-2 defines the combined interface as 24 numbered positions plus C1–C5. Pin 8 carries analog vertical sync, C1/C2/C3 carry analog color channels, C4 horizontal sync and C5 their analog return.

Claim scope: Combined interface assignment; analog and digital paths do not imply simultaneous multiple-display operation or exact source support.

Source links: S411 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C015C · P015

Molex labels its numbered illustration as a DVI-I receptacle front view: the 1–8 row is above 9–16 and 17–24, with the analog group on the right. The DDWG plug and receptacle drawings use opposing views.

Claim scope: Read connector type and viewing side before applying numbers. Not a solder-side or PCB drawing.

Source links: S412 · S411 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C015D · P015

DDWG distinguishes a digital-only interface from a combined analog/digital interface; the digital-only receptacle lacks sockets for the analog pins. Dell distinguishes active conversion circuitry from passive adapters.

Claim scope: A passive mechanical adaptation cannot establish an analog signal from a digital-only source. Exact direction, supported modes and power remain product-specific.

Source links: S411 · S414 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C015E · P015

StarTech DVIVGAMF is a passive DVI-I-to-VGA adapter; its instructions refer DVI-D users to a separate converter.

Claim scope: Named adapter for a DVI-I output and VGA display. The source does not approve arbitrary DVI-I devices, modes or mechanical pairings.

Source links: S494 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C116A · P116

StarTech lists DVI-I single-link as a 23-pin connector form.

Claim scope: Identification and explicitly scoped documentation only; not an end-to-end connection approval

Source links: S093 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C116B · P116

DVI-I can accommodate analog and digital signals, but actual device support must be checked.

Claim scope: Identification and explicitly scoped documentation only; not an end-to-end connection approval

Source links: S093 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C116C · P116

Molex’s 26 June 2015 sheet identifies 0743232031 as a digital/analog single-link DVI component with 23 circuits.

Claim scope: Exact archived component example; not a measured universal connector dimension or electrical capability of an unknown device.

Source links: S415 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C116D · P116

Molex separately illustrates a digital/analog single-link cable family and notes that contact loading depends on the signal set. A single-link combined form is distinct from digital-only DVI and from a fully populated dual-link interface.

Claim scope: Cable-family distinction and partial-loading caveat; no inferred assembly pin mapping.

Source links: S412 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

Prepare this page for review →Read the evidence method →

Recorded evidence only. An inspection date, publisher label, source link or generated packet is not independent technical review, hardware testing, fabrication approval or a compatibility verdict.