A reader asked me this recently, so here is the answer. DIN stands for Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V. which, in English, means the German Institute for Standardization.
DIN standards are used in more than electronics; there are around 30,000 different standards that cover all sorts of technologies, from metric screw threads to typefaces for engraving, from film speeds to hydraulic valves, and electrical and electronics technologies.
Electronics standards are documents that establish uniform engineering or technical specifications, criteria, methods, processes, or practices to ensure compatibility among the various manufacturers in the industry. Like patent laws, these standards may seem at first glance restrictive, but they actually set up a structure that allows for more creativity and innovation.
For example, DIN IEC 62341-6 controls the measuring of Organic Light Emitting Diode Displays (OLEDs), which means that when they start appearing in monitors in a few years, we’ll have a common specification to compare them to one another with.
Founded in May 1917, the Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V is located in Berlin and is a non-profit organization. It is supported by fees from its members, which include:
- individual corporations and companies
- associations
- civil and public authorities
- industrial organizations
- organizations from research bodies, commerce, and trades
For more information on DIN standards: official DIN English site