RCA connector

RCA connector
	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

The RCA connector^[3] is a type of electrical connector commonly used to carry analog audio and video signals. The name refers to the popular name of Radio Corporation of America, which introduced the design in the 1930s.^[4] Typically, the output is a plug type connector and the input a jack type connector. These are referred to as RCA plug and RCA jack respectively.

It is also called a phono connector,^[5]^[6]^[7] referring to its early use to connect a phonograph turntable to a radio receiver.^[4] As home audio systems became more complex, RCA cables became a standard way to connect components such as radio receivers, amplifiers, turntables, tape decks, and CD players. Their ubiquity led to them also being used for video: connecting analog televisions, videocassette recorders, DVD players, and game consoles. They remain in use as a simple, widely supported means of connection.

In some European countries such as France and Germany, the name cinch is still used as an antonomasia of the Chicago-based manufacturer Cinch,^[8] for such a connector and socket.

^ "RCJ Jack, Vertical, PCB Mount" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 October 2022.
^ "RCA Plug, Modular, Plastic Handle" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 October 2022.
^ "RCA | Connectors | CUI Devices". CUI Devices.
^ ^a ^b Cite error: The named reference RCA-GT-1939 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ "Music-Center Control Box" (PDF). Radio-Electronics. July 1953. pp. 93–94.
^ "Phono Tip Plug and Jack" (PDF). Lafayette. No. 951A. Radio Wire Television Inc. 1951. p. 63.
^ Cite error: The named reference SC-440M was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ "Cinch Cables". Teufel Audio. Berlin. Retrieved August 17, 2024.

[1] "RCJ Jack, Vertical, PCB Mount" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 October 2022.

[2] "RCA Plug, Modular, Plastic Handle" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 October 2022.

[3] "RCA | Connectors | CUI Devices". CUI Devices.

[RCA-GT-1939-4] Cite error: The named reference RCA-GT-1939 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[5] "Music-Center Control Box" (PDF). Radio-Electronics. July 1953. pp. 93–94.

[6] "Phono Tip Plug and Jack" (PDF). Lafayette. No. 951A. Radio Wire Television Inc. 1951. p. 63.

[SC-440M-7] Cite error: The named reference SC-440M was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[8] "Cinch Cables". Teufel Audio. Berlin. Retrieved August 17, 2024.

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