TRSliittimiä

TRSliittimiä, commonly known as TRS connectors, are a type of electrical connector used for analog audio signals. The acronym TRS stands for Tip, Ring, and Sleeve, which are the three conductive parts of the connector. The Tip is typically used for the left audio channel or mono signal, the Ring for the right audio channel (in stereo applications), and the Sleeve serves as the common ground connection.

These connectors are prevalent in audio equipment, including headphones, microphones, and musical instruments. They are manufactured in various sizes, with 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) and 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) being the most common. The 1/4 inch TRS connector is often found on professional audio gear, while the 3.5 mm version is standard for portable electronics like smartphones and laptops.

TRS connectors can transmit balanced or unbalanced audio signals. In balanced audio, the Tip and Ring carry identical signals with opposite polarity, while the Sleeve acts as the ground. This configuration helps to reduce noise and interference over longer cable runs. In unbalanced audio, both Tip and Ring carry the same signal, and the Sleeve is the ground.

While TRS connectors are widely used, they are distinct from TS (Tip-Sleeve) connectors, which only have two conductive parts and are typically used for unbalanced mono signals, and TRRS (Tip, Ring, Ring, Sleeve) connectors, which have an additional conductor and are often used for headphone jacks that also support microphone input.