T.S.
Overview
The term "T.S." is used to describe a two-conductor 1/4" "phone" plug similar to a guitar cable plug.
History
The T.S. connector is similar to the T.R.S. connector originally developed for use in telephone switchboards except that it has only two conductors. It is widely used in audio applications for making unbalanced audio connections.
Basics
The T.R.S. connector is a 1/4" diameter "phone" plug that has two conductors:
- The "tip" which is the conductor at the tip of the plug
- The "sleeve" which is the longest conductor furthest from the tip.
This type of connector is typically wired as follows:
- The tip is connected to the signal conductor.
- The sleeve is connected to the Shield/signal return.
In the vast majority of cases, a coaxial cable is used for cables with T.S. connectors on one or both ends. This means the the shield acts as both the shield conductor and the signal return conductor.
In cases where hum or noise pick-up is a problem; it is also possible to use a T.S. connector with shielded twisted-pair cable typically used for balanced connections with a "quasi-balanced" connection scheme.