Explore Premier Cable’s compatible solutions for Molex 83421 Series, including Micro-D to D-Sub, Micro-D to Pigtail, and Micro-D to Micro-D cable assemblies.

 

When standard D-Sub connectors take up too much space, Micro-D offers a more compact alternative. The Molex 83421 Series combines 9-circuit Micro-D interfaces with D-Sub, Pigtail, or Micro-D connections for different equipment layouts. But which configuration fits your application, and what should you check before choosing a compatible cable? This guide breaks down the 83421 Series and its four main cable configurations.

 

 

1. What Is the Molex 83421 Series Cable?

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The Molex 83421 Series is a family of pre-assembled cable assemblies using 9-position Commercial Micro-D connectors. With a 1.27 mm pitch and two-row, 9-circuit layout, the Micro-D interface provides compact signal connectivity for space-constrained equipment.

 

Compared with standard D-Sub 9-pin connectors, Micro-D offers a smaller footprint and higher connector density. The 83421 Series uses 28 AWG conductors and is available in configurations featuring PVC cable, overmolded construction, and crimp or compression termination.

 

Micro-D is not simply a smaller DB9. Its mechanical dimensions, contact pitch, and mating interface are different, making the 83421 Series suitable for applications requiring compact connectivity and flexible termination options.

 

Molex Part Number	Cable Configuration	Standard Length	Premier Cable
834219036–834219038	Micro-D Female to D-Sub Male	0.46 / 0.91 / 1.83 m	PCM-S-0788
834219039–834219041	Micro-D Female to D-Sub Female	0.46 / 0.91 / 1.83 m	PCM-S-0590
834219042–834219044	Micro-D Female to Pigtail	0.46 / 0.91 / 1.83 m	PCM-S-0666
834219049–834219051	Micro-D Female to Micro-D Female	0.46 / 0.91 / 1.83 m	PCM-S-0787

 

2. Four Molex 83421 Series Cable Configurations

 

The Molex 83421 Series cable assemblies can be grouped into four primary connection configurations. Each configuration has its own Molex part numbers, with individual part numbers assigned according to cable length.

 

① Micro-D, CMD-to-D-Sub, 9 Circuits, Female to Standard DB9 RS232 Male

 

The first configuration combines a 9-circuit Micro-D CMD Female connector with a standard D-Sub Male connector.

 

This cable structure is suitable when one device uses a compact Micro-D interface while the mating equipment uses a D-Sub Male connection.

 

Typical Applications : 

 

• Data acquisition equipment
• Industrial control equipment
• Embedded electronic devices
• Serial communication systems
• Test and measurement equipment
• Control and instrumentation systems
• Equipment integration and retrofit projects
• Compact electronic equipment requiring D-Sub connectivity

 

Micro-D Female to Standard DB9 Male Molex part numbers:

 

Molex Part Number	Cable Length	Premier Cable
834219036	0.46 m	PCM-S-0788
834219037	0.91 m	PCM-S-0788
834219038	1.83 m	PCM-S-0788

• The three part numbers share the same basic connector configuration and primarily differ in cable length.

 

PCM-S-0788 Compatible with Molex 834219036, 834219037, 834219038 with OEM Length Available.

 

 

② Micro-D, CMD-to-D-Sub, 9 Circuits, Female to Standard DB9 RS232 Female 

 

The second configuration uses a 9-position Micro-D CMD Female connector on one side and a standard D-Sub 9-pin Female connector on the other.

 

Compared with the Male version, this configuration is designed for equipment that requires Female interfaces at both ends, while retaining the space-saving advantages of the Micro-D connector on one side.

 

 

Typical Applications :
 

• Data acquisition systems
• Industrial control systems
• Embedded electronic devices
• Serial communication equipment
• Test and measurement equipment
• Internal equipment interconnection
• Servers and networking equipment
• Equipment integration and retrofit projects

 

Micro-D Female to Standard DB9 Female Molex part numbers:

 

Molex Part Number	Cable Length	Premier Cable
834219039	0.46 m	PCM-S-0590
834219040	0.91 m	PCM-S-0590
834219041	1.83 m	PCM-S-0590

 

PCM-S-0590 Compatible with Molex 834219039, 834219040, 834219041 with OEM Length Available.

 

PCM-S-0590 Also Compatible with Dell EMC Null Modem Serial Cable 038-003-084

 

 

③ Micro-D, CMD-to-D-Sub, 9 Circuits, Female to pigtail open end

 

The third configuration is a single-ended Micro-D cable assembly with an open pigtail end instead of a standard D-Sub or Micro-D connector.

 

Molex identifies this configuration as Commercial Micro-D, CMD Single Ended, 9 Circuits, Female-Pigtail. The three products use a 9-circuit, 28 AWG configuration with cable lengths of 0.46 m, 0.91 m, and 1.83 m.

 

The pigtail configuration provides greater flexibility for system integration because the open wire end can be terminated according to the customer's electrical design. Depending on the application, the wires can be connected to a PCB, terminal block, controller, custom connector, or another cable harness.

 

Typical Applications :

 

• Internal equipment wiring
• Custom cable assemblies
• Data acquisition equipment
• Industrial control equipment
• Embedded electronic systems
• Test and measurement systems
• Control panels and instrumentation
• PCB and terminal block connections

 

Micro-D CMD Female to Pigtail Molex part numbers:

 

Molex Part Number	Cable Length	Premier Cable
834219042	0.46 m	PCM-S-0666
834219043	0.91 m	PCM-S-0666
834219044	1.83 m	PCM-S-0666

 

PCM-S-0666 Compatible with Molex 834219042, 834219043, 834219044 with OEM Length Available.

 

 

 

④ Micro-D, CMD-to-CMD, 9 Circuits, Female - Female, Dual 9-Position Micro-D Connectors

 

The fourth configuration uses a 9-position Micro-D CMD Female connector on both ends, creating a Micro-D Female-to-Female cable assembly.

 

Compared with Micro-D to Standard D-Sub assemblies, the Micro-D to Micro-D configuration is more suitable for compact signal interconnection where both devices use Micro-D interfaces.

 

Typical Applications :

 

• Compact control systems
• Embedded electronic systems
• Industrial automation equipment
• Test and measurement equipment
• Aerospace and defense electronics
• Internal equipment interconnections
• Data acquisition and logging systems
• Instrumentation and monitoring equipment

 

Micro-D Female to Micro-D Female Molex part numbers:

 

Molex Part Number	Cable Length	Premier Cable
834219049	0.46 m	PCM-S-0787
834219050	0.91 m	PCM-S-0787
834219051	1.83 m	PCM-S-0787

 

PCM-S-0787 Compatible with Molex 834219049, 834219050, 834219051 with OEM Length Available.

 

 

 

3. Micro-D vs. D-Sub 9-Pin Connectors

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Micro-D and conventional D-Sub 9-pin connectors can both be used for multi-circuit signal connections, but their mechanical designs are different.

 

The main advantage of Micro-D is its compact connector size and 1.27 mm mating pitch. This allows the connector to occupy less space in equipment where PCB area, enclosure size, or internal cable routing space is limited.

 

The D-Sub 9-pin connector, on the other hand, has a long history of use in serial communication, industrial control, computer interfaces, and test equipment. A Micro-D-to-D-Sub cable assembly provides a practical interface between compact equipment and systems that continue to use conventional D-Sub connectors.

 

For equipment manufacturers, this mixed-interface cable architecture allows a compact Micro-D connector to be used inside a space-constrained system while maintaining compatibility with external or legacy equipment equipped with D-Sub interfaces.

 

Feature	Micro-D 9-Pin	D-Sub 9-Pin (DE-9)
Contact Pitch	1.27 mm (0.050")	2.77 mm (0.109")
Size	Ultra-compact, high-density	Standard-size connector
Weight	Lightweight	Larger and heavier
Standard	MIL-DTL-83513	MIL-DTL-24308 / Commercial D-Sub
Reliability	Designed for harsh environments	Suitable for general industrial use
Vibration Resistance	Excellent	Good (typically secured with jack screws)
Typical Applications	Aerospace, defense, satellites, UAVs, medical devices	RS-232 communication, PLCs, CNC machines, industrial automation, test equipment
Cost	Higher	More economical
Interchangeability	Not compatible with D-Sub	Not compatible with Micro-D

 

4. How to Select the Cable Length

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The Molex 83421 Series provides three common cable lengths: 0.46 m, 0.91 m, and 1.83 m.

 

0.46 m

Suitable for short-distance connections between internal modules or adjacent devices. The shorter cable helps reduce unnecessary cable loops and routing space.

 

0.91 m

Provides a balance between cable management and routing flexibility for medium-distance connections.

 

1.83 m

Suitable for applications where the connected devices are positioned farther apart and additional cable length is required for system installation.

 

When the standard lengths do not match the equipment layout, Premier Cable can provide OEM cable assemblies with customized cable lengths. For Molex 83421 Series replacement or cross-reference projects, connector configuration, pinout, wire mapping, conductor size, and termination method should also be verified.