Adapters

Description

Adapters provide an interface between an appliance and the power source. They convert AC power from AC power source (such as a wall outlet) to DC power, for powering electronic .devices. Typically, they are separate devices that can be plugged to portable electronic devices. Electrical adapters electrically interconnect between power source and devices of different international electrical configurations. For example the socket used in one country could be different from the plug used in another country, and an adaptor provides the interface between the socket and plug. In case of equal number of electrical contacts, the interface could be achieved by electrically connecting the contacts directly. In case of unequal electrical contacts, adaptors normally use a PCB to ensure undistorted signal or power transmission. A serial port adaptor provides an interface between a 25 point contacts to a 9 point contact without signal distortion.

Types

Basically the adapters are classified as:

Ungrounded adapters
Grounded adapters
Power adapters
AC adapters (power transformer)
DC adapters
Universal voltage adapters (AC/DC power adapters)
USB adapters

Features

Some of the general features of the adapters are:

Over voltage protection
Short circuit protection

Applications

Adapters supply power to both electrical and electronic devices such as personal digital assistants (PDA’s), laptops, audio recorders, MP3 players, digital cameras compact disc (CD) players, portable digital video disc (DVD) players, hand held vacuum cleaners, electronic tooth brushes and shavers and are ideal for low rated appliances such as radios, televisions, hi-fi equipment and computers. Adapters are highly useful to personnel who travel world over for adapting to different configurations of power sockets in different countries. Universal voltage adapters are used in mobile chargers, household transceivers, and automobile equipments. AC/DC adaptors are used in household items, printers and low voltage DC boards.