Phone Connector (audio)

Phone Connector (audio)

In electronics, a phone connector is a common family of connector typically used for analog signals, primarily audio. It is cylindrical in shape, typically with three contacts, although versions with two or four contacts are also common. Three-contact versions are known as TRS connectors, where T stands for "tip", R stands for "ring" and S stands for "sleeve". Similarly, two- and four-contact versions are called TS and TRRS connectors respectively.

It is also termed an audio jack, phone jack, phone plug, and jack plug. Specific models are termed stereo plug, mini-stereo, headphone jack, microphone jack, tiny telephone connector, bantam plug.

The phone connector was invented for use in telephone switchboards in the 19th century and is still widely used, both in its original 1⁄₄ in (exactly 6.35 mm) size and in miniaturized versions: 3.5 mm (approx. 1⁄₈ in) and 2.5 mm (approx. 3⁄₃₂ in).

In the UK, the terms jack plug and jack socket are commonly used for the respective male and female phone connectors. In the US, a stationary (more fixed) electrical connector is called a "jack". The terms phone plug and phone jack are sometimes used to refer to different genders of phone connectors, but are also sometimes used colloquially to refer to RJ11 and older telephone plugs and the corresponding jacks that connect wired telephones to wall outlets (the similar terms phono plug and phono jack (or in the UK, phono socket) refer to RCA connectors common in consumer hi-fi and audiovisual equipment). In conversation, the diameter is often added to specify which size – quarter-inch phone plug or 3.5 mm phone jack.