Kuulokeliitäntöjä

Kuulokeliitäntöjä, known in English as headphone jacks or audio jacks, are electrical connectors used to connect headphones or other audio output devices to a source of audio, such as a smartphone, computer, or audio player. The most common type of headphone jack is the 3.5mm (1/8 inch) TRS connector. This connector typically has three conductors: tip, ring, and sleeve, which carry the left audio channel, the right audio channel, and the ground connection, respectively.

Variations of the headphone jack exist, including the 6.35mm (1/4 inch) connector, which is often found in professional audio equipment like guitars and amplifiers. Older devices might also use 2.5mm (3/32 inch) jacks. Some modern devices, particularly smartphones, have eliminated the traditional headphone jack in favor of digital audio transmission via USB-C or wireless Bluetooth connections. However, the 3.5mm jack remains prevalent in many consumer electronics due to its widespread compatibility and simplicity.

The functionality of headphone jacks can be extended beyond simple audio output. Some jacks, particularly on mobile devices, support TRRS (Tip, Ring, Ring, Sleeve) connectors. These additional conductors can be used to transmit microphone audio, allowing for hands-free calls with headsets that include a microphone. The specific wiring and pinouts of headphone jacks can vary slightly between manufacturers, but the 3.5mm TRS and TRRS standards are widely adopted.