> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/guides/pen-displays/display-connector-types.md).

# Display connector types

## Overview

When working with pen display 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>

The normal-sized HDMI connector is shown below.

<figure><img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FSrYmSPUUeXJ1zMwG9naC%2FSlide_0002.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=24c1521e-ffdb-4ff6-8340-4a7d171deec7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

There are some smaller versions of HDMI connectors and ports. The Micro and Mini sizes are not common.

<figure><img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FHgtawDVU24YhdD6V56HQ%2FSlide_0003.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=74966251-8328-4fd8-bce7-10899618a033" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## DisplayPort connectors

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

Normal-sized DisplayPort connectors are shown below.

<figure><img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FebRigZNSdR8rGLRWSJXK%2FSlide_0004.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=359765b1-6fdb-42a8-9e8d-f8b5173bd4ca" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Mini DisplayPort connectors are shown below.

<figure><img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FEgLJ9lmzdArvHna6sfae%2FSlide_0005.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=34ed9eb9-a1cf-4f09-990c-044a41b0fee2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## USB-C connectors

<figure><img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2Ff0O09aePl1BhWNch3Ruw%2FSlide_0006.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=ab7ada77-11d8-4ff6-a4f3-6476089f3e9a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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 is often not clear what a given cable or port supports. 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-C cable or port supports Thunderbolt 3 or 4, it can carry a display signal.

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

<img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FltJYgTBp6z19ccNcTBMG%2Fthunderbolt34.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=14a24b85-ffdb-448c-9b3a-b55a9b14302c" alt="" width="563">

## Thunderbolt 2 connectors

Thunderbolt 2 connectors use the mini-DisplayPort connector type. Again, by definition, they can carry a display signal.

<img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FwJ5e0aaF3jgpItIo3sm3%2Fthunderbolt2.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=ccabd085-280b-4880-9f10-d0304d202489" alt="" width="563">

## DVI connectors

DVI is an older video signal connector type. DVI connectors are rare these days, but you may find them on older hardware. Be aware that multiple DVI port types have different physical connectors, so not all DVI cables fit every DVI port.

<figure><img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FE0cKcZL5hPGKaiEcTGaY%2FSlide_0008.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=1f331309-ddd5-4a3c-a9d7-9cb27e506a91" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2F7ei1rveBUmO1IOE4pS1B%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=9b2469db-a696-4552-9af4-4e63bb6f629c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## VGA

VGA connectors are extremely old.

<figure><img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FzFwny2meDeBpVBaqMQgi%2FSlide_0009.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=be379d0e-bfed-4873-abc9-b190919a150f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## USB-A connectors

USB-A ports do not provide a display signal. They are listed here for reference, so you can compare them with other USB ports.

<figure><img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FA9pgWGykxYAaFliV5mvy%2FSlide_0007.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=7557344c-bee7-432a-8b3d-84e3713c1a03" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Resources

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