Headphone jack how does it work

Ring: Right-hand channel for stereo signals, negative polarity for balanced mono signals, power supply for power-using mono signal sources 3. Tip : Left-hand channel for stereo signals, positive polarity for balanced mono signals, signal line for unbalanced mono signals 4. Insulating rings. It is also termed an audio jack , phone jack , phone plug , and jack plug. Specific models are termed stereo plug , mini-stereo , headphone jack , microphone jack , tiny telephone connector , bantam plug.

Three-contact versions are known as TRS connectors , where T stands for "tip", R stands for "ring" and S stands for "sleeve". Below is an example of a 4 conductor plug, with 3 switches located on the tip, ring 1, and ring 2 terminals.

Even though this looks more complex, it is still has the same basic functionality of the single switch variation, except there are 2 additional switches present. The switches that we have looked at so far have all been normally closed switches. Many of these switches would be isolated from the audio signals and could be used to control other portions of a circuit.

The application dictates how many and what type of switches are needed. If you are simply plugging your headphones into an MP3 player to listen to music, you would not necessarily need an audio jack with switches. However, if you are needing to switch the audio between speakers and headphones, detect when the plug is inserted, use the inserted plug to control other portions of your circuit, or are using an audio mixing board, you will likely want to use a connector with a switching function.

The following are some conceptual examples that could apply to multiple applications. In the first figure, the plug is not inserted, so the terminal 10 and 11 switches are closed routing the audio to the speaker. In the second figure, the plug is inserted which opens the 10 and 11 contacts thus routing the audio to the headphones. In a similar manner, this setup would engage a detect feature when the terminal 10 contact is opened by inserting the plug.

This utilizes a SPDT switch in which terminals 4 and 5 are connected in the un-plugged state, and then terminals 5 and 6 would be connected in a plugged state. This could be used to switch between circuit functions "A" or "B" with the inserted plug. By understanding how to use the various switch configurations within an audio jack and their function, you can utilize these interconnect devices in a wide array of applications to perform tasks of varying complexity.

Have comments regarding this post or topics that you would like to see us cover in the future? Send us an email at cuiinsights cuidevices. With an extensive knowledge of CUI Devices' products, Ryan Smoot provides customers with a wide range of technical and application support capabilities in the field.

His management of CUI Devices' robust CAD model library further offers engineers with an invaluable resource for streamlining their product designs. When he's not assisting customers, Ryan enjoys running, the outdoors, and spending time with his wife and two kids. Keep current with the latest product releases, technical resources and company updates from CUI Devices.

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