DVI Pinout: TMDS Data 0- Pin Number

This article identifies the exact pin number assigned to the TMDS Data 0- signal in a standard DVI (Digital Visual Interface) connector. It outlines the specific role of the TMDS Data 0 channel within digital video transmission, how differential signaling functions on this line, and the layout of the adjacent pins supporting this signal.

Exact Pin Assignment for TMDS Data 0-

In all digital DVI connector variants (DVI-D and DVI-I, both Single-Link and Dual-Link), the exact pin number for TMDS Data 0- is Pin 17.

Role of the TMDS Data 0 Channel

Transition-Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) is the high-speed serial data transmission technology used by DVI and HDMI to transmit digital video data.

TMDS organizes video into three primary data channels: Channel 0, Channel 1, and Channel 2:

• TMDS Data 0: Transmits the Blue color component as well as the horizontal synchronization (HSync) and vertical synchronization (VSync) signals during the blanking intervals.
• TMDS Data 1: Transmits the Green color component.
• TMDS Data 2: Transmits the Red color component.

The TMDS Data 0 Differential Pair

TMDS uses differential signaling to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) and improve signal integrity over copper cables. Every data channel requires an inverted signal line (negative) and a non-inverted signal line (positive), along with a ground shield to isolate the pair from noise.

The pins designated for the Data 0 channel on a DVI connector are:

• 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 Data 0 in single-link mode, and shared with Data 5 in dual-link configurations)

Pin 17 is located in the bottom row of the standard 24-pin digital grid (Row 3, first pin from the left when viewing the female receptacle).