Serial interfacing is one of the most common protocols to make two electronic gadgets communicate. In such interfacings, the data is sent sequentially and bit bybit. RS232 is one sub type of serial interfacing that was introduced in the year 1932. Available in 9 pin and 25 pin configurations, RS 232 pins allow data exchanges at the maximum of 256kbps. Some well known applications of these connectors include linking modems to computers and other micro controller based UART electronic gadgets. Of course, such an interfacing would require different types of connectors; in this case, RS232 connectors are used. The Insight covers a conventional 9 pin female RS232 connector. Let’s find out the outer and inner details of it.   

Ever wondered how are wires connected to a connector. How different number of wires are connected to segments of the connector? A connector aka jack for the earphone, headphone, microphone, like any other gadgets has an equally interesting chapter in the book s of engineering. It is among the cheapest part but not the technically inferior. It deserves its attention from the engineers for its design and quality.The connector plays an important part of tranferring signals from the device like mobile, laptops, music players etc to the earphone and the microphone and vice versa. Even a small problem may lead to an unplesant experience with the device. The connector has three contacts/segments/parts called the TIP, RING, and the Sleeve. Therefore it is also called the TRS connector.  

Bantam Connectors are a sub type of phone-connectors, used thus in professional audio applications. From microphones to guitars, these connectors serve as high quality links to connect audio devices. They have a tip-sleeve (TS) structure and allow a permanent connection to wires by means of soldering. Often made from an alloy structure, these connectors might also come with a plastic covering which acts as a protector.What makes a bantam connector deliver audio signals to the mixers? How are the wires soldered inside them? Let’s find out in this Insight about easy plugging-in and pull-out connectors. 

Banana connectors are a popular species of electrical connectors which find major use in connecting power amplifiers, speakers, woofers etc. in audio systems. Designed for high power applications, these connectors are known to work at an average of 1000volts and 15amperes. In any audio set up, the connectors are color coded into red and black where red connector holds the live wire while the black one serves as a reference (ground). Except the color coding, there is no structural difference between the connectors. This Insight will give you a sneak-peek inside the assembly of such a connector, along with its external and internal details.  

Belling-Lee connectors are one of the oldest types of coaxial connectors and are still widely used in many countries across the world. Commonly known as PAL connectors or TV aerial plugs, these connectors have been named after the company which designed them Belling and Lee Ltd. Apart from television, these RF connectors are used in radio sets too: why? Easy wiring and installation. This 2 wired coaxial cable connector is available in various modifications- different casings, plating over the connecting nib etc. Even in terms of sizes there are two types: standard and miniature. The structure of these connectors is quite similar to the conventional RF connectors but they have an extra insulation over the tip where the connectors interface with the device. Let’s learn more about the Belling-Lee connector and their internal structure in this Insight. 

VGA connectors are sub miniature D type graphic connectors which are primarily used for connecting CPUs to monitors. The shape of the metal shield of these connectors resembles a “D”, hence the name “D” type connectors. Since their invention in the year 1987, these graphic connectors have come a long way. From interfacing desktop computers to light weight tablet computers, VGA connectors serve aas one of the most inexpensive video interfaces for smart computing devices. It is quite interesting to note that even though these connectors were developed by IBM PC, it was their counter rivals Apple Inc. who preferred these connectors for iPad. An interesting history with a mass applicative scenario, VGA connectors get demystified in this Insight.  

Named after its inventors Paul Neil and Carl Concelman, Bayonet Neil-Concelman (BNC) Connectors gained popularity in high frequency communication applications soon after they were invented. Categorized in terms of their impedance, these connectors keep signals intact and are resistant to signal attenuation. One of the most common known applications of these connectors is in Cathode Ray Oscilloscope or CROs. A CRO distinctly prefers such connectors in order to be interfaced with any device.Apart from various test equipments, these connectors are used in aviation electronics, video interfacing and radio connections. They are usually used for frequencies less than 3GHz.  Made up of alloy (preferably steel), these connectors have a tough structure but a quite simple functioning.  

Just like their name, Universal Serial Bus connectors, are unanimously used as a carrier in power and data exchange operations. Developed and promoted by computing giants like Intel, Microsoft, Dell, IBM and NEC, USB interfacing has been highly preferred to connect various computer peripherals. Mouse, keyboard, cameras, printers, scanners, laptop cooling pad, external memory are the prominent few names among a long and increasing list. Apart from computers, USB based connectors have also arrived in television, mobile phone chargers, multimedia players etc. 

Every year, technology sector companies invest millions of dollars in R&D to improve their products and release new products. An important part of these products is characterized by the connectors they use. For instance, a computer requires USB and PS2 Connector, a headphone requires TRS connector and a telephone requires RJ11 connector and so on. For high quality professional sounds, XLR connector is widely preferred. The term XLR derives its name from Cannon “X” series (where it was first used). Terms “L” and “R” are derived from latch and rubber used in the connector. 

Today, many of us are in the process of removing their CRT TVs and shopping for the new hype in the TV market –High Definition TVs. And if you happen to be one of them, you surely would have come across the term HDMI. Not only TV, HDMI port is available on home theatres, play stations, HD-DVDs and many others.The difference between a HDTVs and old TVs( also, now known as standard definition TVs) lies in the technology. Older TVs were analog, whereas HDTVs are digital. Older TVs used interlacing, aspect ratio of 4:3 and picture resolution of about 704 X 480 pixels. HDTVs use progressive scanning, aspect ratio of 16:9, picture resolutions up to 1920 X 1080 pixels. In other words, HDTVs use higher refresh rates, wider displays as well as enhanced picture resolution. What this implies is that HDTVs require higher amount of data to be processed and also at a faster rate compared to standard TVs.

When the internet computing era was catching pace, it was speculated that people might get distant from their loved ones and will immerse themselves in the computer mania. However, the manner in which internet has brought people close is quite amazing.  Now important meetings don’t require one to travel long distances. They can be scheduled through video conferencing, just with a click of the mouse. The medical experts at New York City can directly involve themselves in an operation conducted at Nairobi. Several more applications are there that display tremendous ways in which internet based audio-video solutions have got people all over the world closer to each other. All these things might seem magic to a computer illiterate, but this is something that computer savvy people use every day.  

Earphones/Earbuds have been assisting mobile gadgets since the invention of walkman. Though they account for hardly a few percentage of the cost of the entire device but their evolution over the time has never been an easy challenge for the engineers. Shape, size, comfort and sound quality are the key parameters while designing an earphone.  From morning walk to making long journeys pleasant, ear phones cannot be kept out of the daily life.Technically speaking earphones falls in the category of transducers that convert electrical energy into sound energy.  Undoubtedly, over the years companies have been adding more and more complex features in the earphones to improve the listening experience of the users.  In this article we will explore more about the earphones.