Apple Display Connector Article Index for
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Information About

Apple Display Connector




  type analog/digital video connector + USB
  caption ADC Connector
  designer Apple Computer
  manufacturer Apple Computer
  superseded By DVI
  superseded By Date June 2004
  external Yes
  hotplug Yes
  maximum Voltage 25 V
  maximum Current 40 A
  num Pins 35
  pin1 Name 25 V Supply
  pin2 Name 25 V Supply
  pin3 Name LED
  pin4 Name TMDS Data0–
  pin5 Name TMDS Data0+
  pin6 Name TMDS Data0/5 Shield
  pin7 Name TMDS Data5–
  pin8 Name TMDS Data5+
  pin9 Name DDC Data
  pin10 Name Vsync
  pin11 Name 25 V Return
  pin12 Name 25 V Return
  pin13 Name Soft Power
  pin14 Name TMDS Data1–
  pin15 Name TMDS Data1+
  pin16 Name TMDS Data1/3 Shield
  pin17 Name TMDS Data3–
  pin18 Name TMDS Data3+
  pin19 Name DDC CLock
  pin20 Name Clock Return
  pin21 Name USB Data+
  pin22 Name USB Data–
  pin23 Name USB Return
  pin24 Name TMDS Data2–
  pin25 Name TMDS Data2+
  pin26 Name TMDS Data2/4 Shield
  pin27 Name TMDS Data4–
  pin28 Name TMDS Data4+
  pin29 Name Clock+
  pin30 Name Clock-
  pin Custom1 Name C1
  pin Custom1 Analog Blue Video
  pin Custom2 Name C2
  pin Custom2 Analog Green Video
  pin Custom3 Name C3
  pin Custom3 Analog Horizontal Sync
  pin Custom4 Name C4
  pin Custom4 Analog Red Video
  pin Custom5 Name C5
  pin Custom5 Analog RGB Return and DDC Return


The Apple Display Connector ('''ADC''') is a proprietary modification of the DVI connector that combines analog and digital video signals, USB , and power all in one Cable . Apple used ADC for its LCD -based Apple Cinema Displays and their final CRT displays, before deciding to use standard DVI connectors on later models.

A setup using ADC dramatically reduces the cable clutter behind a computer. USB devices like the keyboard and mouse could be plugged into the display, the display into the host computer using ADC, and a single power cable to the wall from the computer. The result was effectively a single cable wiring the components together.

First implemented in the July 2000 Power Mac G4 and G4 Cube , ADC disappeared from displays in June 2004 when Apple introduced the aluminum-clad 20", 23", and 30" Apple Cinema Displays, which feature separate DVI , USB and FireWire connectors, and their own power supplies. The ADC connector was still standard on the Power Mac G5 until April 2005, when new models meant the only remaining Apple product with an ADC connector was the single processor Power Mac G5 introduced in October 2004. This single processor Power Mac G5 was discontinued soon after in June 2005.


COMPATIBILITY ISSUES


The Apple Display Connector, first debuted in the Apple Studio Display, is incompatible with the standard DVI connector, as was previously used in the PowerBook G4 and the older Power Mac G4. The Apple DVI to ADC Adapter which cost $149US at launch[http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2002/apr/29adapter.html , takes USB and DVI connections
from the computer, together with power, and combines them into an ADC connection, allowing ADC monitors
to be used with DVI-based machines.

When ADC was first implemented in some models of Power Mac G4s, Apple also removed all the DVI connectors from these computers, so the previous Mac owners cannot use DVI monitors without using ADC to DVI adapter.

The ADC connector can only carry 100 W of power, so it could not run the 19-inch or bigger CRTs that were widely available during ADC's debut, nor can it run contemporary flat panels marketed for home entertainment (many of which support DVI or VGA connections). The power limit was an important factor for Apple to abandon ADC when it launched the 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display.

On newer displays lacking ADC, Apple still attempts to clean up the cabling through the use of a "ganged cable" that connects the separate signal cables to each other so they cannot tangle, though the widespread sale of Apple Bluetooth keyboards and mice often help as well.


SEE ALSO



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