DVI Connector Pinout: TMDS Data 0+ Pin

This article provides a concise guide to the Digital Visual Interface (DVI) pin layout, specifically focusing on the pin configuration for digital video transmission. Readers will learn the exact pin assignment for the TMDS Data 0+ signal, understand its role within the Transition-Minimized Differential Signaling architecture, and review the surrounding pinout structure of standard DVI connectors.

Exact Pin Number for TMDS Data 0+

In a standard DVI connector (including DVI-D and DVI-I configurations), the exact pin number for TMDS Data 0+ is Pin 18.

Understanding TMDS Channel 0

DVI uses Transition-Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) to transmit high-speed serial digital data. Differential signaling relies on pairs of complementary signals (positive and negative) to reduce electromagnetic interference and increase signal integrity.

TMDS Channel 0 carries the blue color component of the digital video stream, as well as the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals (HSync and VSync) during the blanking intervals:

• Pin 17: TMDS Data 0- (Negative differential data line)
• Pin 18: TMDS Data 0+ (Positive differential data line)
• Pin 19: TMDS Data 0/5 Shield (Ground shield for the Channel 0 pair and dual-link Channel 5 pair)

Physical Location on the Connector

A standard DVI connector contains 24 primary pins arranged in three rows of eight pins each:

• Row 1 (Top): Pins 1 through 8 (Handles TMDS Data 2, TMDS Data 4, and DDC signals)
• Row 2 (Middle): Pins 9 through 16 (Handles TMDS Data 1, TMDS Data 3, power, and hot plug detection)
• Row 3 (Bottom): Pins 17 through 24 (Handles TMDS Data 0, TMDS Data 5, and TMDS Clock)

Pin 18 is located on the bottom row, directly next to Pin 17 (the start of the row on the left side when looking into a female receptacle) and Pin 19.