What Is a Tip Ring?

Some electronic connectors have a tip and a ring to make connections.

Before the invention of dial telephones, when your made a call, you told an operator the number you wanted and she plugged a cord into a switchboard. The connector on the end had a "Tip" and a "Ring."

Tip and Ring

The tip at the end of the connecting plug carried the positive voltage of the telephone signal. The ring, a short way back on the plug and separated by an insulating material, carried the negative voltage.

Modern Uses

Tip and ring cords now plug into electronic equipment to carry signals to or from batteries, headphones, microphones, speakers and many other devices. Some cords use the plug body for a third connection, designated "S" for "Sleeve."

Confusion

Don't confuse the "T" and "R" for "Transmit" and "Receive" on various electronic signals. The two wires of a transmitted signal are designated "T" and "R," and the two wires of a recieved signal, "T1" and "R1."

References

• TOPBitS.com: Tip and Ring
• Sage Instruments: Universal Analog Interface Adapter