What Is VGA (Video Graphics Array)?

Video Graphics Array
or VGA
is a 15-pin video connector that’s primarily used to transmit graphics or media from supply to show like monitor, TV, projector, and so forth. VGA is created in 1987 which was primarily based on IBM primarily based D-subminiature connection kind. VGA was a highly regarded connection kind between the beginning of the 1900s and the top of the 2010s. As an outdated know-how VGA makes use of analog alerts which makes it much less succesful than newer digital protocols like HDMI, DVI, and so forth. VGA is a generic time period even the actual title is Video Graphics Array it may be additionally named as Video Graphics Adaptor
as a result of its connectivity capabilities for graphic playing cards.
VGA Use Instances
VGA is a highly regarded know-how and connection kind which is utilized in totally different circumstances and areas in an effort to transmit or ship graphics or media from the supply gadget to the show. Under we’ll record some instance use circumstances about VGA.
- VGA primarily used to attach a Private Pc or PC to the monitor.
- Laptops and Ultrabooks use VGA in an effort to share the media with the exterior monitor or projectors.
- SmartTV, Kodi, Chromecast can present graphics on the TV or projector through the use of the VGA connection.
- Completely different streaming gadgets can be utilized to point out graphics on the TV or projector for the general public.
VGA Connection Parts
VGA connections consist of easy parts. VGA consists of two connectors in an effort to join the supply and vacation spot. There’s a VGA cable between these two VGA connectors.

VGA Connector
VGA Connector is an important a part of the VGA. It comprises 15 pins in an effort to join cables with the supply gadget. These pins are used to transmit analog alerts. VGA connectors may be additionally referred to as as VGA male. Feminine kind VGA comprises holes that are situated on supply and vacation spot gadget like laptop computer, PC, Streaming gadgets, monitor, TV, projector. As we are able to see under a typical VGA comprises two screws either side of the connector head which is resided two sides of the ping. These screws are used to attach and nail the VGA connector to the supply of the vacation spot gadget to guard.

VGA Connector Varieties
Essentially the most used and default VGA connector for many of the supply and vacation spot gadgets is DE-15 male connector which proven under. However for small issue gadgets, VGA supplies a small and fewer pinned VGA connector referred to as as DE-9
which comprises solely 9 pins. BNC is one other kind of VGA connector which isn’t sensible or common for use.
VGA DE-15 Connector

VGA DE-9 Connector

VGA BNC Connector

VGA Resolutions
As an analog know-how VGA helps resolutions not too excessive. However in some circumstances, this decision may be sufficient for use. Really, till the HD, 2K, or 4K resolutions, the VGA was highly regarded and sufficient to transmit totally different decision however with the development of the graphic resolutions, VGA grow to be inadequate. VGA know-how supplies resolutions as much as 2040x1536px @85 Hz refresh price. Nevertheless it’s decision may be lesser based on the VGA cable and connector high quality with the size of the cable.
When the VGA first launched the preferred decision was 640x540px which is named as VGA
.
Tremendous Video Graphics Array
or SVGA
decision is an prolonged model of the VGA and which can be utilized for 800×600 px.
Prolonged Graphics Array
or XGA
supported by many of the laptops and create in 1990. XGA present 1024x768px decision.
Tremendous Prolonged Graphics Array
or SXGA
helps 1280×1024 decision.
Extremely Prolonged Graphics Array
or UXGA
helps 1600×1200 decision.
Large Prolonged Graphics Array
or WXGA
helps decision as much as 2040×1536 @85 Hz refresh price.
VGA Pinout
VGA comprises 15 pins that are used to transmit sign from supply to vacation spot. As analog alerts are used extra cables or pins are required to ship knowledge. Under we’ll record the pins and their capabilities.

Pin 1 | RED | Purple video |
---|---|---|
Pin 2 | GREEN | Inexperienced video |
Pin 3 | BLUE | Blue video |
Pin 4 | ID2/RES | Reserved since E-DDC, previously monitor id. bit 2 |
Pin 5 | GND | Floor (HSync) |
Pin 6 | RED_RTN | Purple return |
Pin 7 | GREEN_RTN | Inexperienced return |
Pin 8 | BLUE_RTN | Blue return |
Pin 9 | KEY/PWR | +5 V DC (powers EDID EEPROM chip on some screens), previously key |
Pin 10 | GND | Floor (VSync, DDC) |
Pin 11 | ID0/RES | Reserved since E-DDC, previously monitor id. bit 0 |
Pin 12 | ID1/SDA | I²C knowledge since DDC2, previously monitor id. bit 1 |
Pin 13 | HSync | Horizontal sync |
Pin 14 | VSync | Vertical sync |
Pin 15 | ID3/SCL | I²C clock since DDC2, previously monitor id. bit 3 |
VGA Extender
VGA can carry alerts round 20 meters which suggests after 20 meters the alerts cannot be carried correctly and with out errors and issues. As a way to carry alerts greater than 20 meters, VGA Extender
can be utilized which can merely improve the sign energy. VGA Extenders additionally named VGA boosters and a number of VGA extenders can be utilized for single VGA connection in a serial connection topology.
VGA Alternate options HDMI, DVI
As outdated applied sciences there are quite a lot of options to the VGA. However a few of them are highly regarded the place they’re changed for the VGA. HDMI and DVI are the preferred options to the VGA. HDMI is extra widespread than VGA and DVI. Let’s evaluate VGA with the HDMI.
- HDMI makes use of digital alerts the place VGA makes use of analog alerts.
- Each HDMI and VGA are suitable with one another through the use of converters.
- HDMI can transmit audio alerts in several codecs bu VGA cannot transmit audio alerts.
- HDMI supplies quite a lot of greater resolutions with higher coloration depth than VGA.