Signal-Carrying ConnectorsThree families - video, audio and data. From the analog SCART of the 1980s to DisplayPort 2.1 (16K) and USB 3.2 (20 Gbps). |
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Bandwidth Comparison
| Connector | Generation | Max bandwidth | Max resolution / data rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| VGA | analog (1987) | ~ 400 MHz | 2048 × 1536 @ 75 Hz |
| DVI-D Dual-Link | digital (1999) | 9.9 Gbit/s | 2560 × 1600 @ 60 Hz |
| HDMI 2.1 | 2017 | 48 Gbit/s | 8K @ 60 Hz / 4K @ 120 Hz |
| DisplayPort 2.1 | 2022 | 80 Gbit/s | 16K @ 60 Hz |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 | 2017 | 20 Gbit/s | External SSD, monitors via DP-Alt |
| PCIe 5.0 x16 | 2019 | 63 GB/s | GPUs, NVMe x16, 100G NICs |
| FireWire 800 | 2002 | 800 Mbit/s | Pro audio, DV camcorders (legacy) |
Frequently Asked Questions
HDMI vs DisplayPort - which one for a workstation?
DisplayPort is the workstation default - higher bandwidth (80 Gbit/s vs 48), MST daisy-chaining of multiple monitors, royalty-free. HDMI is the consumer/AV default - eARC, CEC and TV compatibility. For 4K/120 Hz or 8K, both work; for 16K only DisplayPort 2.1.
Why is XLR symmetrical and a 3.5 mm jack not?
XLR has three pins - signal+, signal- and ground - so noise picked up on both signal lines is rejected by the differential receiver (common-mode rejection). A 3.5 mm jack has only two signal lines per channel and is unbalanced; it is fine for short distances (< 3 m) but picks up hum on long runs.
Has FireWire been completely replaced by USB?
For consumer use, yes - USB 3.x or Thunderbolt 3/4 cover all former FireWire applications. In professional video archives and some legacy industrial systems FireWire 800 is still in service, so spare cables and PCIe cards remain available in our shop.
| B2B procurement: Phone +49 7666 88499-0 · sales@industry-electronics.com · volume pricing, custom assemblies, EU-wide shipping. |