VGA (a
TLA for Video Graphics Array) was introduced by
IBM in 1987 for its
PS/2 line of computers. It was released at the same time as
MCGA, and supports all MCGA modes. It offers all
screen modes used by previous
graphics adapters, (
MDA,
CGA,
EGA,
PGA, and
MCGA) as well as the standard
640x480x16 display mode. While it can
emulate these screen modes, it is not
compatible with earlier monitors, as they use digital signalling with
TTL logic, whereas VGA is transmitted in
analog. Also, VGA monitors connect through a 15-pin
D-type connector, while the earlier graphics adapters used a 9-pin D-type connector.
VGA connector pinout
the pinout is the same for MCGA and SVGA, as well.
1 Red
1 5 2 Green
____________ 3 Blue
/ o o o o o \ 4 Gnd
\ o o o o o / 5 Gnd
\o o o o o / 6 Red Gnd
---------- 7 Green Gnd
11 15 8 Blue Gnd
9 Not used
10 Gnd
11 Gnd
12 Not used
13 Horizontal sync
14 Vertical sync
15 Not used