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What Is A Universal Adapter?

Views: 34     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2023-10-17      Origin: Site


Why are almost all charging electronic devices powered by DC power?

The advantage of direct current is that it can provide more consistent voltage transmission. Small electronic devices require less voltage and current, which makes DC a more ideal choice for certain small electronic device applications.


Alternating current is easier to generate and more conducive to transmitting electrical energy over long distances with very little loss. Therefore most power supply types are AC. The magnitude and direction of its current will continue to change during use. This change is periodic, and a transformer can be used to change the voltage.


Direct current does not change the direction or magnitude of its current. Electronic components work by identifying high and low potentials. For example, in a computer, if there is potential, it is 1, and if there is no potential, it is 0. If AC power is used, the direction of the input current will continue to change as it flows to the positive and negative poles, and it will be difficult for electronic components to judge whether there is current flowing through it. But if direct current is used, the current flows continuously from the positive electrode to the negative electrode, and the potential changes are more regular.


Therefore, large equipment is generally powered by AC power, while small electronic equipment is more often powered by DC power. That's why most charging equipment uses direct current.


DC and AC

What is AC DC Adapter?

If we want to convert alternating current into direct current for use by electronic devices, we need a current conversion device: AC DC Adapters.


AC DC Adapter is generally composed of transformers, inductors, capacitors, control ICs, PCB boards and other components. Its working principle converts AC input to DC output, and outputs high voltage to the required stable low voltage. According to the connection method, it can be divided into wall-mounted adapter and desktop adapter.


So, if my computer has a 65w adapter, can I charge another laptop with a different power (for example, 55w)?

The answer is: yes in some cases. The decisive factor that determines whether it can be charged is not the power, but the voltage and input protocol.


When the voltage (V) required by the two devices is the same, or roughly the same, and the input current (A) is also roughly the same, this can work normally. The 65W adapter can easily charge a device with a rated power of 55W, and the adapter is backward compatible in terms of current intensity. If you use 65W to charge a device with a rated power of 90W, the current flowing through the adapter will exceed the rated current of the adapter, which can easily cause the adapter to become hot, posing a safety hazard.


What are Universal AC DC Adapters? How does it work?

The universal power adapter is a universal power adapter that can adapt to a variety of portable electronic devices and its output voltage can be intelligently adjusted.


There are three main factors that affect the inability of the power adapter to be universal:

  • Output voltage is inconsistent (main factor)

  • There is a difference in output power

  • The power plug is not standard

Therefore, by solving the above three problems through technical means, the universal use of the power adapter can be realized. That is, the Universal AC DC Adapter is a universal power adapter that can adjust/set the output voltage, has adaptive power matching, adheres to existing standards in various countries, and has a conversion plug. When the device cannot be directly connected to the mains power, the Universal AC DC Adapter can be used to connect the AC power to the required DC power and convert the unsuitable voltage into a suitable voltage.


Plug access types vary from country to country around the world, and universal adapters often include a variety of removable connectors or prongs that fit various types of charging ports and are easily replaced to match the specific type of electrical outlet used in a specific country or region. These connectors are designed to be compatible with a range of devices, making it easier to adapt the adapter to different devices. They are very friendly for people traveling abroad.


Common plug types include Type A, Type B, Type C, Type D, Type E, Type F, Type G, Type H, Type I, Type J, Type K, Type L, and Type M, etc.


Type A: Two flat parallel pins. Used in: United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan

Type B: Two flat parallel pins with a grounding pin (often referred to as NEMA 5-15). Used in: United States, Canada, Mexico

Type C: Two round pins (commonly referred to as Europlug). Used in: Europe, South America, Asia

Type D: Three round pins in a triangular pattern. Used in: India

Type E: Two round pins with a hole for a grounding pin. Used in: France, Belgium, Poland

Type F: Two round pins with grounding clips on the sides (commonly referred to as Schuko). Used in: Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Sweden

Type G: Three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Used in: United Kingdom, Ireland, Malaysia, Singapore

Type H: Three flat pins in a row, typically with grounding. Used in: Israel, Palestine

Type I: Two flat slanted pins with a grounding pin. Used in: Australia, New Zealand, China, Argentina

Type J: Three round pins in a linear arrangement. Used in: Switzerland, Liechtenstein

Type K: Three round pins in a triangular pattern. Used in: Denmark, Greenland

Type L: Three round pins in a line, with or without grounding. Used in: Italy, Chile

Type M: Three round pins in a triangular pattern. Used in: South Africa, India

6W 01


Types of Universal AC DC Adapters

There are two common types of universal AC to DC adapters based on form factor:

  • wall-mount universal AC DC adapters

  • desktop universal AC DC adapters


Wall-mount universal AC DC adapters

Designed to plug directly into a wall outlet or power strip. Compact and space-saving, perfect for tight spaces or when you want to keep the power source close to an outlet. Wall adapters typically have a fixed AC plug that plugs into a wall outlet and a DC output cable with various connectors or tips that can be changed to fit different devices.

They are commonly used to charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other portable electronics.

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Desktop universal AC DC adapters

These adapters come in a larger, box-like form factor that's suitable for placement on a flat surface such as a desk or table. They typically have a detachable AC power cord that connects to a wall outlet and a DC output cable with interchangeable tips.


Desktop adapters tend to offer higher power output and can be used to power larger devices such as desktop computers, monitors, printers, and other peripherals. They may include additional features such as adjustable voltage settings and multiple output ports to accommodate different devices at the same time.


Both wall-mounted and desktop universal AC to DC adapters are designed to provide a wide range of voltage and current outputs to accommodate a variety of electronic devices. They are a convenient solution for powering or charging devices with different power requirements while minimizing the need for multiple specialized adapters.

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Features of Universal AC DC Adapter

  • Strong compatibility: The universal adapter is designed to be compatible with different input voltage standards around the world. Removable connectors or prongs that match country-specific power sockets and can be used to power different devices.

  • Protective function: Universal adapters have built-in protection against voltage and current surges that can damage equipment or even cause fires. Overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection and short circuit protection can prevent damage to connected equipment and greatly reduce safety hazards.

  • Portable and space-saving: When traveling, you only need to carry a universal adapter and plug accessories suitable for your destination to power your different devices, which is more space-saving than separate adapters.

  • Cost savings: Avoid buying separate adapters for every device you own, which can save you a lot of money. And it helps reduce electronic waste and resource consumption, making it more environmentally friendly.


Precautions for using universal adapter

What is adapter polarity? What impact will it have on my device?

Batteries have positive and negative poles. Normally, for a terminal type plug, the red wire is the positive pole and the black wire is the negative pole. For DC plugs, the inner core is generally connected to the positive pole and the outer diameter is connected to the negative pole. There are also just the opposite.

There is a symbol next to the original adapter or the power socket of the appliance. This symbol  positive inside and negative outside indicates positive inside and negative outside, and this onenegative inside and positive outside indicates negative inside and positive  outside.

Before connecting the adapter to your device, make sure the adapter polarity setting matches your device's requirements. Using incorrect polarity may damage your device.


Avoid overload

  • Do not overload the adapter by connecting too many devices at once or by drawing more current than the adapter can provide. This may cause the adapter to overheat and become damaged.

  • Please follow the device's instructions for use. When using, please ensure that the environment of the adapter is well ventilated to avoid hindering the heat dissipation of the device. Keep away from fire, waterproof, moisture-proof, high temperature and other extreme environments.

  • When not in use, unplug the adapter from the outlet.



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