Overview
ISO/IEC 2593:2000 defines the mechanical mateability and contact assignment for the 34‑pole DTE/DCE interface connector used where ITU‑T Recommendations V.36 or X.21bis together with V.10 and V.11 apply. The standard specifies the 34‑pole connector housing, contact layout (DTE = 34 male contacts; DCE = 34 female contacts), recommended jack‑screw locking, optional connector shielding, and assignment of contact letters/numbers for common telecommunication signals. A normative annex describes passive adaptors for interworking with 37‑pole and 15‑pole connectors.
Keywords: ISO/IEC 2593:2000, 34‑pole DTE/DCE connector, DTE DCE interface, connector dimensions, contact assignments.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Connector mateability and dimensions: Precise housing and contact spacing drawings and dimensions are provided so components from different manufacturers are mechanically compatible.
- Contact assignment: Assigned contact letters and CCITT circuit functions are specified for data, timing and control signals (including signal/common ground and shield connections).
- Contact types and sizes: Male and female contact forms are defined; the document references nominal contact diameters (for example 1.6 mm where indicated by the normative references).
- Locking system: A jack‑screw system (captive screws and nuts) is recommended for coupling and polarization; positions of jack‑screws relative to contact positions are defined.
- Shielding and cable adaptors: Connector shielding is optional but guidance is given for metallic shells and cable adaptors to maintain screen continuity and reduce interference.
- Thread options: Thread types for jack‑screws (e.g., 6‑32 UNC or metric per ISO 261) are noted to accommodate national procurement requirements.
- Interworking adaptors: Normative Annex A specifies passive adaptors to connect 34‑pole DTEs to DCEs using 37‑pole (ISO 4902) or 15‑pole (ISO 4903) connectors, facilitating limited interoperability between V‑series and X‑series interfaces.
Applications and who should use it
- Telecommunications equipment manufacturers designing DTE/DCE interfaces, modems and line interface units.
- Connector and cable assembly suppliers producing compliant 34‑pole rectangular connectors, shells and cable adaptors.
- System integrators and procurement teams ensuring mechanical compatibility and correct contact mapping across suppliers and national variants.
- Test laboratories and compliance engineers verifying mateability, contact assignments, shielding continuity and locking mechanisms.
- Maintenance and retrofit projects where legacy V.36/X.21bis interfaces must interoperate-passive adaptors per Annex A support practical interworking.
Keywords: DTE DCE interface, ITU‑T V.36, X.21bis, connector shielding, jack‑screw locking, passive adaptor.
Related standards
- ITU‑T V.36, V.10, V.11, X.21 / X.21bis (electrical and signalling characteristics)
- ISO 4902 (37‑pole connector), ISO 4903 (15‑pole connector) - adaptors described
- ISO 261 (metric screw threads), IEC 60807‑6 and IEC 60050(581)
This standard is essential when precise mechanical mateability and consistent signal assignments are required for legacy synchronous public‑network interfaces and interoperable telecom hardware design.