RCA
RCA Connector
Standard: None (de facto standard) Last updated: 2025-01-21
RCA connectors were introduced by the Radio Corporation of America in the 1930s for internal phonograph connections. They became the consumer A/V standard through the 20th century. While being replaced by HDMI and digital connections, RCA remains common on audio equipment, especially subwoofers, turntables, and home theater receivers. The connector's simplicity is both its strength and weakness - easy to use but unbalanced and prone to interference.
Quick Specifications
Max Speed
3.072 Mbps
Pins
1
Reversible
No
⚠️ Common Confusion Points
- Audio RCA cables and video RCA cables may look identical but video cables need 75Ω impedance
- S/PDIF digital (orange) uses the same connector as analog audio but carries digital data
- Composite video (yellow) cannot carry HD - you need component (green/blue/red) for that
- Component video uses 3 cables (Y/Pb/Pr) and is NOT the same as composite despite similar colors
- Phono inputs on turntables/receivers include a ground wire - regular RCA inputs don't
- Red/White is stereo audio; add yellow for composite video; green/blue/red is component video
- Subwoofer cables are mono RCA but may be labeled differently
Protocols & Versions
| Protocol | Data Rate | Power | Max Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analog Audio (Stereo) (Analog Stereo) | Analog | — | 5m typical for line-level |
| Composite Video (Composite) | Analog | — | 15m with quality cable |
| Component Video (Component) | Analog | — | 15m with quality cable |
| S/PDIF Coaxial (S/PDIF) | 3.072 Mbps | — | 10m |
Analog Audio (Stereo) Features
Cable requirements: RCA audio cable
Composite Video Features
Cable requirements: 75Ω video-rated RCA cable
Component Video Features
Cable requirements: 75Ω video-rated RCA cables (matched set)
S/PDIF Coaxial Features
Cable requirements: 75Ω digital coaxial cable
Connector Specifications
- Shape
- circular with center pin
- Pins
- 1
- Width × Height
- 8 × 8 mm
- Depth
- 20 mm
- Reversible
- No
Electrical Specifications
- Max Voltage
- 2V
- Impedance
- 75Ω (video/digital), varies for audio
Compatibility
Can Adapt To
- 3.5mm
- 6.35mm
- XLR (active)
- HDMI (active converter)
Can Adapt From
- 3.5mm
- 6.35mm
- HDMI (active converter)
Common Uses
- Home theater receivers
- DVD/Blu-ray players
- Turntables
- CD players
- Older game consoles
- VCRs
- Soundbars
- Subwoofers
- Older TVs
Buying Guide
For audio, basic RCA cables work fine for short runs. For video (composite/component) or S/PDIF digital, use 75Ω rated cables. Shielding quality matters more than gold plating. For turntables, use cables with a separate ground wire if your equipment needs it. Color coding is just convention - electrically the cables are often identical.
Also Known As
Data Sources
- IEC 60268-12 (Audio connectors)
Retrieved: 2025-01-15
- Sony S/PDIF Specification
Retrieved: 2025-01-15