Page 198 - Electromechanical Devices and Components Illustrated Sourcebook

160 Electromechanical Devices & Components Illustrated Sourcebook

Radio frequency connectors in the large size range are
designed for higher frequencies and power levels. These con- Stereo
nectors are found on high-power radio transmitters and mili-
tary equipment. The G874 connector is unique because it is Plugs Jacks
the only RF connector that is a unisex design. Figure 9-38
shows various large RF connectors. Mono

Figure 9-40 1 / 4 -Inch Phone Connectors

G874
1 / -inch phone jack was a two-pole unit. With the advent of
4
stereo equipment a third pole was added and the design lives
1
on. Figure 9-40 shows both mono and stereo / -inch phone
4
7/16
plugs and jacks.
1
As audio equipment was miniaturized, the / -inch phone
4
Plugs Jacks
jack became a little unweilding in size. To accommodate the
1
smaller equipment format, the basic / -inch phone jack was
4
1
GHV shrunk to half of its original size and designated the / 8 -inch
phone jack. This is the connector that is used on most portable
cassette and CD players. Figure 9-41 shows both mono and
1
stereo / -inch phone plugs and jacks.
8
LC & LT
Stereo
Figure 9-38 Large Size RF Connectors
Plugs Jacks
Mono
Audio Connectors
Figure 9-41 1 / 8 -Inch Phone Connectors
Within the audio community there are only four connectors
1
1
commonly used. These are the RCA, / -inch phone, / -inch
4
8
phone, and the XLR connectors. Most of us have experience
The XLR connector, as shown in Figure 9-42, is a particu-
with the RCA and phone connectors in reference to our home
larly versatile audio connector. It is a three-pin design with a
stereos. The XLR connectors are primarily found on profes-
fully shielded housing. The plug incorporates an automatic
sional recording and public address systems. XLR stands for
locking mechanism which must be manually released to dis-
Type X connector, with Latch and Rubber surrounded termi-
connect the connector. Male and female versions are available
nals. Figure 9-39 shows a few common RCA connector con-
for panel mount or cable assemblies. These connectors are an
figurations. This style of connector is very inexpensive and
excellent choice for public address (PA) equipment as they
provides excellent performance with the sensitive signals
are very durable and stand up well to years of service. They
found in typical audio equipment.
are appropriate for low-level signals (microphone), interme-
diate signals (preamp outputs, tone controls, and so forth),
and low-power amplifier outputs.
Connector Molded
Flange Mount Long Termination
Cable Plug Panel Plug
Stud Mount Standard
PUSH
Figure 9-39 RCA Connectors

1
The / -inch phone connector was originally designed for Cable Socket Panel Socket
4
switch board applications with early telephone systems. It
has, however, proven to be a very adaptable design and finds
favor in a broad range of audio applications. The original Figure 9-42 XLR Phone Connectors