A designation for a particular type of connector. DB-9M Function Abbreviation\\ Pin #1 Data Carrier Detect CD\\ Pin #2 Receive Data RD or RX or RXD\\ Pin #3 Transmitted Data TD or TX or TXD\\ Pin #4 Data Terminal Ready DTR\\ Pin #5 Signal Ground GND\\ Pin #6 Data Set Ready DSR\\ Pin #7 Request To Send RTS\\ Pin #8 Clear To Send CTS\\ Pin #9 Ring Indicator RI\\ http://www.avishowtech.com/midibox/photos/dsub9m.gif