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About Audio Connectors
Audio connectors are used to affix cables to other audio equipment, providing electronic signal transference and grounding protection. Connectors may be plugs, jacks, or combinations, and may have an integral switch. Plug type audio connectors are a plug, or male, connector includes pins that can be inserted into a socket. Jack type audio connectors are a jack, or female, connector consists of sockets that are aligned to mesh with a pin-type connector. Combination plug and jack connectors are also available. They may also have switches. Includes adapters and Y-adapters. Applications for audio connectors can be general purpose, telephone, or microphone. Most audio connectors are for commercial purposes, but some may conform to military specifications.
System signals for audio connectors can be mono or stereo. Mono, or monophonic, describes a system where all the audio signals are mixed together and routed through a single audio channel. Stereophonic sound systems have two independent audio signal channels. Important parameters for audio connectors include conductors and maximum diameter or side dimension. Conductors are the number of conductive elements in a connector that mate with a corresponding element to provide an electrical path. Maximum outer diameter or maximum side dimension of connector does not include dimension of flanges, if applicable.
Housing materials for audio connectors can be plastic or metal. Some audio connectors have no housings; they are open frame. Contact platings for audio connectors can be nickel, gold, silver, or none. Plated contacts are used for a more reliable connection, but do not have to be plated. Mounting options include right angle, panel or flange mount, threaded housing, strain relief, DIN mount, PCB mount, and BNC.
Terminal connections for audio connectors include crimp sleeve and solder cup. Crimp sleeve terminals have electrical connections made using a wire crimp. Mechanical compression during the crimping process causes a functional union between the conductor and crimp barrel. In solder cup terminals the electrical connections are conditionally detachable, and are made by soldering. Connections may be soldered directly, or through use of a solder cup, hollow cylinder, eyelet, or hook.
Features common to audio connectors include XLR connector, RCA connector, switch, shielded, lockable, waterproof, and field replaceable.
Products & Services Related to Audio Connectors
Coaxial Connectors
Coaxial connectors are composed of an insulated central conducting wire wrapped in another cylindrical conductor (the shield). The cable is usually wrapped in another insulating layer and an outer protective layer. Coaxial cables and connectors have the capacity to carry vast quantities of information. They are typically used in high-speed data and CATV applications.
Edge Connectors
Card edge connectors are edge-on connectors designed for single-sided or double-sided printed circuit boards (PCBs).
Gender Changers
Gender changers are devices that change the end of a cable into another type, allowing two cable assemblies with the same or different genders to mate.
Heavy Duty Rectangular Connectors
Heavy duty rectangular connectors are designed to accommodate large electrical loads and direct signals under a multitude of operating conditions.
Military (MIL-SPEC) Connectors
Military (MIL-SPEC) connectors are built in accordance with military specifications. Their design takes into account the need to protect the connection from environmental factors, allowing them to be used in military and aerospace applications.
Modular Connectors and RJ Connectors
Modular enclosures consist of smaller components that can be assembled to create custom enclosures, often for temporary or mobile systems. These modular components are available in standard sizes and allow modular enclosures to be used for a variety of purposes.
USB Connectors
USB connectors are used with universal serial bus (USB) ports. They can be used to connect USB products together, or to connect USB wires and peripherals to other standard port types.
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