There are hundreds of types of
connectors. They are used for everything from power plugs, to phone cords, to radio and televisions cables. Connectors typically establish a temporary electrical connection that is easy to establish, like plugging a lamp into an electrical outlet. They also can establish permanent connections, such as an electrical circuit for a home. Here are some of the most used and most common.
Power Connectors. AC or DC plugs. Battery connectors. Power connectors are probably the most familiar type of connector in the electronic component market. Plugs on all household appliances, large or small, are power connectors. These types of plugs are AC connectors, and they are used in home and industrial settings. DC connectors, or direct current, are used to power small electronic equipment, such as a cell phone or cordless phone connector. Battery connectors are also power connectors that connect energy from a battery to electronic equipment.
RJ-XX. Registered Jack. Registered jacks are used everyday, and you're probably using one right now to view this article. Registered jacks are the standardized cord used in telephone jacks and computer networking devices. Registered jacks were introduced in the 1970's and replaced old bulky cords that were connected directly to the wall. The designs and connections are named with RJ-11, RJ-14 etc, to describe their differences. RJ's use pins to conduct an electrical connection. While some use 6 pins, others use nine. Some may use a 2, 4, or 6 wire connection.
Audio and Video Connectors. Audio and video connectors are another type of connector that is very common in everyday life. To watch television, DVDs, or play video games or CDs, there is an audio or video connector in use. Audio connectors can transmit digital and analog signals. Banana connectors, RCA connectors, and XLR connectors are all audio connectors used in common audio equipment including speakers, recording devices, and other stereo equipment. Video connectors transmit only analog video signals using several different types of electrical connectors. Component video is a type of video connection where analog video signals are transmitted by two or three connectors. S video transmits video signals using several connectors in one device.
RF Connector. RF connectors are a type of electrical connector that transmits high-megahertz radio frequencies. RF connectors are paired with coaxial cables to produce devices for transmitting cable television and AM/FM radio in stereos and automobiles.
Without electrical connectors, we would not be able to listen to the radio, talk on the phone, use a computer, or use appliances.
Angela Oliver is an author for
HRent.com, a wholesale distributor of
electrical connectors and other electronic components. Please visit the site for a selection of hard to find
electronic components for commercial, industrial, and military needs.
