In Line Y Adapter

An adapter is a device that is basically used to connect incompatible devices so that they can start functioning in conjunction with each other. Several types of adapters have been invented for a plethora of uses. An adapter may also be defined as a type of connecter that is used to join devices, parts or cables having different sizes, designs, shapes, etc., thereby enabling them to work together by being fitted to each other.

An in line adapter works on the same lines as any other adapter, with the additional feature that it does not allow the passing signal to be changed in any way. For example, in a power adapter the electricity will pass through the adapter in line with the rest of the connected devices. This makes an in line adapter very useful for many different applications.

What is an In Line Y Adapter?

An in line Y adapter is no different from any other standard in line adapter. The only difference with this type of adapter, as the name suggests, is that it is somewhat shaped like a Y. There would be one end having one input connection and the other end having two output connections where two devices may be connected.

The functioning of a Y adapter can be compared to that of a splitter which is meant to split a signal so that it may reach multiple devices. However, an in line Y adapter serves the dual purpose of not only splitting the signal to reach more than one device, but also connecting incompatible devices to each other.

Types of In Line Y Adapters

Given its versatile properties, an in line Y adapter may find use in several different device applications, some of which are:

Splitter Y Adapter for iPod and other music devices: This type of adapter comes with a male stereo jack on one end that can be plugged to the source of music. The other end has two female jacks where two different headphones can be connected. This enables two people to use the same source to listen to music or watch movies from an iPod or a laptop.
In line Y Adapter trainer cables: This type of adapter is commonly found in call centers where employees need to be trained on calls through a system known as side or buddy jacking. One side of the Y adapter cable needs to be connected to the phone adapter, and the other two ends of the cable can be connected to two different headsets. This way one person would actually be on the call, while the other person would be able to listen in.
Y Adapter for DSL connections: If a phone socket needs to be used for providing both DSL as well as voice services, a Y adapter is what is used to accomplish this. When connected to the wall jack, the connection is split, thereby allowing a phone as well as a DSL modem to be connected.

There are many other uses of in line Y adapters, apart from these. These are fairly inexpensive and can be purchased from one of several retail websites selling electronic equipment on the internet.