When IBM first constructed a PC they opted to go with the DB25 or D-Sub connector as it was less bulky than a printer 36-port connector. This was first introduced when IBM came up with its PC, they had a discussion with the most prominent printer manufacturer at the time known as Centronics, and they came up with the control signal line necessary for the signals to control the printer with the PC, and ever since this design has become the standard design for many printer manufacturers. The parallel port was used in the computer since the beginning of the PC era and it mostly remained unchanged over the years. MIL-DTL-24308 Parallel Port Connector Description Note: Complete technical details about this connector can be found in the DB25 Port Connector datasheet at the end of the page.
An example would be the pink port on the backside of the old motherboard which was used to connect dot matrix printers.
With their versatile design, these high-performance connectors are used in a variety of applications where weight & size are critical factors. These use pin & socket machined contacts that provide high reliability & density for the connectors.
D-Sub connectors are sub-miniature panel-type connectors with polarized shells.
