Y-splitter also called a Y-cable, is a type of cable adapter that is arranged in a Y-shaped formation and is used to connect one device to a pair of other devices.
What is Y-splitter?
Also called a Y-cable, a type of cable adapter that is arranged in a Y-shaped formation and is used to connect one device to a pair of other devices.
Examples of Y-splitters include the following:
- PS/2 Y-splitter: Typically used to connect an external keyboard and mouse to a single PS/2 port on a laptop such as the IBM ThinkPad. This type of splitter typically has cables that are about 1 foot long.
- Internal power Y-splitter: An adapter used inside a PC to connect additional internal drives to the internal power supply of the PC. This type of splitter comes in various arrangements for connecting different combinations of hard drive, CD-ROM, and floppy drive.
- External power Y-splitter: An adapter commonly used with high-end Ethernet switches to connect them to two redundant external power supplies. If one power supply fails, the other immediately takes over the load, and the failed power supply can be hot-swapped with a replacement.
- RS-366 Y-splitter: Used for some videoconferencing systems running in dual port mode over Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) connections.
PS/2 Y-splitters
PS/2 Y-splitters should use shielded cabling for best operation in noisy electrical environments.
