the most common breakout boxes use d-subminiature connectors (sometimes referred to as d-sub connectors and sometimes erroneously as db connectors) and are configured with both male and female de-9, da-15, db-25, dc-37 or dd-50 standard density connectors and related test points. these units can also be used to simulate special cables, interconnect rs-232 devices, or adapt test equipment to an rs-232 device.