Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
The DVI-D connector is the same as the DVI-I connector, except that it lacks the analog connections.
By virtue of the unique MicroCross connector design, a digital-only device can connect only to
receptacles with digital support, and an analog-only device can plug in only to receptacles with
analog support. This design feature ensures that an analog-only device cannot be connected to a
digital-only receptacle, and vice versa.
Figure 12.7
shows the DVI-D connector. The pinout is the
same as the DVI-I connector, except for the missing analog signals. The DVI-D connector is widely
used on laptop port replicators and docking stations that provide DVI support.
Figure 12.7. The DVI-D connector.
The DVI-I connector shown in
Figure 12.6
can be converted into a VGA port for use with CRTs or
with analog LCD panels via a simple adapter. Often new graphics cards purchased at retail that
support only DVI come with just such an adapter that allows you to connect a traditional VGA
connector from the display to the adapter.
The DVI-I connector can also be used with the rarely seen DVI-A cable, which supports analog
displays only. Compared to the DVI-I connector, the DVI-A cable features the MicroCross connector
and ten pins: six near the MicroCross connector and four on the far side of the connector.
Unfortunately, the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG) that created DVI has disbanded, leaving
DVI frozen in time at the DVI 1.0 specification level. This means that DVI will not be updated in the
future. Although it has enjoyed tremendous popularity as the first widely used digital display
