DVI Pinout Guide: TMDS Data 2- Pin Number

This guide provides an overview of the Digital Visual Interface (DVI) pin specification, focusing specifically on the assignment of high-speed differential signal lines. Within standard DVI connectors, Transition-Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) channels transmit digital video data. This article identifies the exact pin number used for TMDS Data 2-, explains its physical placement, and details the role this line plays in transmitting digital video signals.

Exact Pin Number for TMDS Data 2-

The exact pin number for TMDS Data 2- in a DVI connector is Pin 1.

In all digital DVI connector variants—including DVI-D (digital only) and DVI-I (integrated digital and analog), whether single-link or dual-link—Pin 1 is designated as the negative line for digital data channel 2.

Pin Layout and Position

A standard DVI connector contains three rows of eight digital pins, totaling 24 pins in a dual-link configuration (with single-link omitting certain middle pins), alongside a separate analog section on the side:

• Pin 1 (TMDS Data 2-) is located in the top row on the far left when looking directly into a standard female DVI receptacle (top-right when viewing the front face of a male plug).
• Pin 2 (TMDS Data 2+) is positioned directly adjacent to Pin 1, forming the differential pair required for channel 2.
• Pin 3 (TMDS Data 2/4 Shield) provides the ground shield for the Channel 2 differential pair.

Function of TMDS Data 2-

DVI relies on Transition-Minimized Differential Signaling to carry high-speed serial data over twisted pairs. A TMDS channel consists of a positive (+) and a negative (-) line:

• Differential Signaling: The transmitter sends the true signal on Pin 2 (TMDS Data 2+) and an inverted copy on Pin 1 (TMDS Data 2-). The receiver measures the voltage difference between the two lines, minimizing electromagnetic interference and rejecting common-mode noise.
• Color Channel Mapping: In typical RGB color spaces, TMDS Data 2 carries the Red color component along with vertical and horizontal synchronization signals during blanking intervals.

Summary Table of DVI Channel 2 Pins