RCA connector
The RCA connector is a type of electrical connector commonly used to carry audio and video signals. The name RCA derives from the company Radio Corporation of America, which introduced the design in the 1930s. The connector’s male plug and female jack are called RCA plug and RCA jack.
|
RCA plugs for composite video (yellow) and stereo audio (white and red) | |||
| Type | RF coaxial connector | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Production history | |||
| Designer | Radio Corporation of America | ||
| Designed | 1930s | ||
| General specifications | |||
| Diameter |
0.327 in (8.3 mm) 0.126 in (3.2 mm) contact dia. | ||
| Cable | Coaxial | ||
| Passband | Typically 0–100 MHz | ||
It is also called RCA phono connector or phono connector. The word phono in phono connector is an abbreviation of the word phonograph, because this connector was originally created to allow the connection of a phonograph turntable to a radio receiver. RCA jacks are often used in phono inputs, a set of input jacks usually located on the rear panel of a preamp, mixer or amplifier, especially on early radio sets, to which a phonograph or turntable is attached.
In some European countries such as France and Germany, the name cinch is still used as an antonomasia of the Chicago-based manufacturer Cinch, for such a connector and socket.