What Are DIN Connectors?

DIN is an abbreviation for Deutsches Institut für Normung, or German Institute for Standardization, which is a German manufacturing industry standards group. DIN connectors are round, with pins arranged in a circular pattern. This type of connector was used widely for PC keyboards, MIDI instruments, and other specialized equipment. Another type of DIN connector is the mini-DIN. As the name suggests, mini-DIN connectors are smaller in size than a regular DIN. They are still round, but with the pins arranged in horizontal rows rather than in a circular pattern. Mini-DIN connectors are used for S-video connections, PS/2 mouse & keyboards, and some other applications. DIN and mini-DIN connectors are both held in place by the friction of the connector body and by pins.