The DMX512 standard was developed in 1986 by the Engineering Commission of United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). “DMX512” stands for “Digital Multiplex with 512 pieces of information.”
The original aim was to provided standardized control over lighting dimmer packs, which at the time each used proprietary control systems. But the standard has expanded and been adopted for many control applications for stage, theater, and architectural lighting.
DMX512 uses 5-pin XLR connectors for communication between devices.