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Definition: RCA connector


A plug and socket for coaxial cable. RCA connectors are used for analog audio signals (see analog audio). They are also used for digital audio (see S/PDIF) and analog video (see composite video).

For decades, both RCA and the smaller mini-phone 3.5mm connectors have been the most widely used plugs and sockets on consumer audio equipment (see mini-phone connector).

An RCA connector is also known as a "phono connector," because in the 1940s, Radio Corporation of America (RCA) designed it to wire an RCA Victor "phonograph" turntable to the radio to greatly amplify the sound. Only one cable was used as it carried a monophonic signal, not stereo. See A/V ports.




RCA (Phono) Connector
The plug's 1/8" by 5/16" prong connects the signal wire. The outer shell is ground, which connects to the sheath that wraps around the signal wire. See coaxial cable.






Ubiquitous RCA Sockets
Even in the digital age, most consumer A/V equipment supports analog signals from a turntable, CD player, tuner and VCR. The red/white audio jacks on this A/V receiver are analog stereo, and the yellow jacks are analog composite video. See analog stereo and composite video.





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