# Display connector types

## Overview

When working with pen displays tablets you'll encounter lots of different connector types. This is a visual map of those connectors.

## Terminology

* the "male" end is called the **plug**
* the "female" end is called the **receptacle**

## HDMI connectors

Wikipedia: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI>

![](https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FyCXP0zOcbhTjAOuqrgDj%2Fimage.jpg?alt=media\&token=9a56dda2-480d-4c3b-ae28-a6ffe0fb0ffa)

## DisplayPort connectors

Wikipedia: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DisplayPort>

Normal-sized DisplayPort connectors

![](broken-reference)

Mini-DisplayPort connectors

![](broken-reference)

## USB-C connectors

![](https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FgxX1UeZ3QpKIXtST9WyC%2Fusb-c%20connectors.jpg?alt=media\&token=cc8d4b0c-0a59-47d0-bb9d-7e55930e230f)

Wikipedia: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB-C>

The important thing to remember about USB-C is that it is a popular connector type, but it often not clear what a given cable or port support. For example:

* Some ports and cables support power only
* Some ports and cables support power + data
* Some ports and cables support power + data + display signal
* Some ports may not deliver as much power as you need
* Some cables may not support as much power as you need

## Thunderbolt 3 and 4 connectors

Thunderbolt 3 and 4 use the same USB-C port shape.

The important thing about thunderbolt cables and ports is that they are required to carry a display signal. So, if your USB

Wikipedia: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbolt_(interface)>

![](https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FltJYgTBp6z19ccNcTBMG%2Fthunderbolt34.jpg?alt=media\&token=14a24b85-ffdb-448c-9b3a-b55a9b14302c)

## Thunderbolt 2 connectors

Thunderbolt 2 connectors use the min-DisplayPort connector type. And again by definition they can carry a display signal.

![](https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FwJ5e0aaF3jgpItIo3sm3%2Fthunderbolt2.jpg?alt=media\&token=ccabd085-280b-4880-9f10-d0304d202489)

## USB-A connectors

USB-A ports are not used to provide a display signal. They are being listed here as a reference so you know what they look like compared to the other USB ports.

![](broken-reference)

## Other resources

* [Techquickie - Why DisplayPort Is Still Better Than HDMI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr-ACsQ1BXA) Aug 11, 2023