Some DVI cables appear to have missing pins on them. This often confuses the users as to whether they are originally missing any pins or if they are part of the design. Actually, the cables that appear to have missing pins might be single-link DVI cables.
Single-link DVI cables look like they are missing at least six pine. Dual-link DVI cables have pins that are placed completely in the available slots. The single-link and dual-link cables primarily differ in their resolution.
The missing pins indicate this difference in the resolution. The additional pins present in the dual-link cables represent the extra resolution that the cable can provide.
DVI Cables Missing Pins
DVI connectors are available in three types. They are as follows.
- DVI-I (Digital and Analogue)
- DVI-D (Digital)
- DVI-A (Analogue)
In the DVI-I and DVI-D connector types, two variations are available. They are as follows.
- Single-Link
- Dual-Link
The single-link and dial-link connectors and cables differ in resolution, number of pins, etc. Dual-link connectors have more number of pins when compared to the single-link ones.
The more significant number of pins represent the higher resolution the dual-link connectors carry. The space for the additional resolution pins is left empty in single-link connectors and cables. So, it appears as if the single-link cables are missing several pins. But they are not missing any pins. The so-called missing pins contain up to 2560 x 1600 resolution information.
Now, let’s look at the features and other aspects of the DVI connector types.
DVI Cable
DVI is the short form of Digital Visual Interface. These cables are used widely to connect between computers and various display devices. They transfer the digital video signals in computers and DVD players to display devices like projectors, monitors, etc.
DVI cables are ideal for transmitting digital and analog signals alike. They enable the display device to show pictures and visuals in a higher quality. The visuals are sharper and more dynamic when connected through DVI cables.
DVI Cable: Types
As mentioned, there are three DVI cable types. They are:
- DVI-D (Digital)
- DVI-A (Analogue)
- DVI-I (Digital and Analogue)
DVI-D
DVI-D is the most commonly used DVI cable as of now. Most of the DVI-compatible devices today use the DVI-D interface. This connector type is ideal for transmitting digital signals exclusively.
DVI-A
DVI-A helps transmit analog signals. It may confuse many as to why the connector needs to transmit analog signals exclusively. The reason is that it is necessary to have a DVI cable that can connect to old devices and get the data stored in them.
So, DVI-A is a convenient connector option that lets the users connect to their old devices and transmit the data to a new device. DVI-A is usually used alongside analog VGA monitors that can receive analog signals.
DVI-I
DVI-I is the most convenient connector type of the three. This connector lets the user transmit digital and analog signals from a source to a display device. DVI-I is the most flexible connector available today.
Due to the convenience a DVI-I connector offers, few people purchase a DVI-A connector exclusively for transmitting analog signals. Regarding DVI-I, the buyer will get the service of both the digital and analog worlds without spending more.
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Single-Link and Dual-Link
DVI-D and DVI-I are available in two different variations.
- Single-Link
- Dual-Link
The first and foremost difference between single and dual-link cables is the number of pins. Dual-link cables use all 24 pins, whereas the single-link cables are missing about eight pins. The missing pins represent the difference in resolution betweensingle-link and dual-link cables.
DVI Single Link VS. Dual Link
Single-Link Cables
Single-link cables usually support up to 1920 x 1080 resolution. They can support about 165 million pixels per second. They usually use at least 12 of the total 24 pins. Single-link cables are mainly used with display devices like Plasma televisions.
Dual-Link Cables
Dual-link cables generally support up to 2048 x 1536 resolution. These cables also support 165 million pixels per second. Dual-link cables use all 24 pins available.
Most DVI digital devices can connect with single-link and dual-link cables. However,several Plasma TV models only support a single-link connection. So, checking with the dealer regarding possible connections is always ideal while purchasing a display device.
DVI-D and DVI-I: Missing Pins and Other Differences
Although DVI-D and DVI-I are similar in the variations of cables they support, there are some essential differences between them, too. Some of them are as follows.
DVI-D is only able to transmit digital signals. However, DVI-I can transmit both digital and analog signals.
DVI-D connector has 24 pins properly arranged in three columns and three rows. In the upper right corner of the connector, a pin is missing. The missing pin indicates analog signals. DVI-D does not transmit analog signals; thus, the analog signal pin is left empty at the DVI-D connector.
Regarding DVI-I connectors, they also have a total of 24 pins. These pins are arranged in three columns and three rows. However, the number of pins in a DVI-I connector varies depending on whether the connection is single-link or dual-link.
In single-link DVI-I connectors, some pins will be missing. The missing pins indicate the low resolution that the single-link connectors support. The single-link and dual-link connectors differ from each other in terms of refresh rate and transmission rate, too. Dual-link cables have a higher refresh rate and transmission rate than single-link cables.
Final Word
Both DVI-I and DVI-D cables come in single-link and dual-link variations. Based on these variations, the number of pins changes widely. The missing pins from a DVI cable can simply mean that it is a single-link cable and lacks resolution compared to a dual-link cable. Dual-link DVI cables are generally considered much more powerful than the single-link ones. Likewise, the cost of dual-link cables is also higher than that of the single-link cable.
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