This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Audio Connectors category on DigiKey.com
Audio barrel connectors are a style of connector most commonly used for connecting audio equipment such as headphones and small microphones. They are characterized by a cylindrical plug divided into two or more sections along its length and having an indented region near one end that is engaged by a spring-loaded contact in a mating jack to provide retention force. Several standard (nominal) sizes are available, the most common being the 1/8" (3.5 mm) format commonly used for audio connections in desktop and mobile devices, and the older 1/4" (6.35 mm) size more commonly found on older or non-portable equipment where durability is of generally greater interest than minimal size.
SelectionCharacteristics
Connector Type: Indicates the style and configuration of the device.
Gender: Indicates whether the device is male or female in configuration.
Signal Lines: Indicates the number of signal paths established between a mated connector pair. (mono=2, stereo=3, multiple=4+)
Industry Recognized Mating Diameter: Indicates nominal connector dimensions, as referenced for purposes of determining mechanical compatibility.
Actual Diameter: Indicates the true dimension of the mating portion of a device, as contrasted with an industry-recognized mating diameter.
Number of Positions/Contacts: Indicates the number of distinct conductors presented at a connector’s mating interface and the number of electrical contact points present within a connector. The incorporation of switching functions may cause the two to differ.
Internal Switch(s): Indicates if a device incorporates a switch actuated when a device is mated with a compatible connector. Primarily applicable to jacks/receptacles.
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
Termination: Selection of termination style used to connect the device to a system, such as crimp, screw, or solder.
Shielding: Whether or not the device possesses an electrically insulating barrier that helps to reduce or eliminate electromagnetic interference.
Features: These are different capabilities or properties of the device such as a cover, IP rating, or strain relief.
IP Ratings
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings such as (IP20, IP65, IP67, etc.) define how likely water and dirt will get into the system. The first number represents dirt and solid contaminants while the second represents water and liquids.
| Solids | Liquids | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Protected against solids larger than 50mm. | Protected against vertically falling drops of water. Limited Ingress permitted. |
| 2 | Protected against solids larger than 12.5mm. | Protected against vertically falling drops of water with the enclosure tilted up to 15 degrees from vertical. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 3 | Protected against solids larger than 2.5mm. | Protected against spraying water up to 60 degrees from vertical. Limited ingress permitted for 3 minutes. |
| 4 | Protected against solids larger than 1mm. | Protected against water splashed from any direction. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 5 | Protected against dust. Limited ingress of dust permitted. | Will not affect operation of equipment 2-8 hours. Protected against jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 6 | Dust tight. No ingress of dust 2-8 hours. | Protected against powerful jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 7 | ______________________ | Protected against the effects of immersion in 15cm-1m for 30 minutes. |
| 8 | ______________________ | Continuous immersion in water up to 3m for long periods of time. |
| 9 | ______________________ | Protected against high pressure jets of hot water. (30 seconds) |
| 9K | ______________________ | Protected against high pressure jets of hot water. (2 minutes) |
Insulation Color: The dominant color of the insulating part of the device.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | SJ-3523-SMT-TR |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | CP-3523SJTR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | CUI Devices |
| DESCRIPTION | 3.50mm (0.141", 1/8", Mini Plug) - Headphone Phone Jack Stereo (3 Conductor, TRS) Connector Solder |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | SJ1-2503A |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | CP1-2503A-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | CUI Devices |
| DESCRIPTION | 2.50mm (0.094", 3/32", Sub Mini, Miniature) - Headphone Phone Jack Stereo (3 Conductor, TRS) Connector Solder |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | MP3-2501 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | CP3-1004-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | CUI Devices |
| DESCRIPTION | 2.50mm (0.094", 3/32", Sub Mini, Miniature) - Headphone Phone Plug Mono Connector Solder |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | RCJ-021 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | CP-1406-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | CUI Devices |
| DESCRIPTION | 3.20mm ID, 9.00mm OD (RCA) Phono (RCA) Jack Mono Connector Solder |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | MR-3501 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | CP-3506-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | CUI Devices |
| DESCRIPTION | 3.50mm (0.141", 1/8", Mini Plug) - Headphone Phone Jack Mono Connector Solder |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | A050-000-ST-KJ |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | TL1246-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Tripp Lite |
| DESCRIPTION | Phono (RCA) Jack Connector Screw |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
TechForum
Barrel Audio connectors Positions/Contacts Internal Switches
Barrel Connector Measurement Tricks