Adapters, Converters
1. What are Adapters, Converters?
1) Adapters:
Mainly used for power conversion, such as converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), or adjusting the voltage level to meet the needs of different devices. Common power adapters (Power Adapter) belong to this category and are widely used in scenarios such as mobile phone chargers and laptop power supplies.
2) Converters:
Covering a wider range of voltage/current form conversion functions, including:
DC-DC Converter: Adjusting the DC voltage level (such as boost or buck).
AC-DC Rectifier: Converts AC to DC.
DC-AC Inverter: Converts DC to AC (such as home inverter power).
AC-AC Converter: Adjusts the amplitude or frequency of AC (such as inverter).
2. What are the Core Functions and Features of Adapters, Converters?
1) Adapter:
Take the power adapter as an example. Its core function is to convert the mains power (such as 220V AC) into the low-voltage direct current (such as 5V DC) required by the device, and it has functions such as voltage regulation and overload protection.
2) Converter:
Efficiency: Due to the high-frequency switching characteristics, the efficiency of switching converters (such as DC-DC) can reach more than 90%.
Isolation and Non-isolation: The isolated converter uses a transformer to isolate the input/output circuit to improve safety.
Control Mode: Including PWM (pulse width modulation) and PFM (pulse frequency modulation), etc.
3. What are Adapters, Converters Used for?
Adapter:
Mobile device charging (mobile phones, tablets).
Industrial equipment power supply adaptation (such as sensor, controller power supply).
Converter:
DC-DC: New energy vehicle power management, photovoltaic power generation system.
AC-DC: Household appliance power module, industrial rectifier equipment.
DC-AC: Solar inverter, UPS uninterruptible power supply.
AC-AC: Motor speed regulation (such as elevator, fan variable frequency control).
4. Technology Development Trends of Adapters, Converters
High Integration: Chip-level packaging (such as SIP) improves power density and reduces volume.
Intelligence: Digital control technology (such as DSP) optimizes dynamic response and energy efficiency.
Wide Input Range: Supports a wider voltage input range and enhances device compatibility.
5. Adapters, Converters FAQs
1) What is the difference between Adapters and Converters?
Adapters: Mainly used to solve compatibility issues of physical interfaces. For example:
Converting the shape of power plugs in different countries during travel (such as US standard to European standard);
In software development, it is used to adapt data models and views (such as ViewModel in MVVM mode adapts data to UI).
Converters: Solve the conversion problem of function or format. For example:
Voltage conversion (such as converting 220V to 110V to protect the device);
Data format conversion (such as converting SQL query results to DataFrame, type conversion in data binding).
2) Do you need to carry both an Adapter and a Converter when traveling?
Adapter only: If the device supports dual voltage (such as mobile phones and laptop chargers marked 100-240V), you only need to use an Adapter to adapt the plug shape. Converter required: If the device only supports single voltage (such as some hair dryers and electric kettles), you need to use a Converter to convert the voltage to avoid damaging the device.
3) How to choose a suitable travel adapter?
Choose by destination: Different countries have different plug standards (such as US Type A, European Type C);
Versatility: It is recommended to use a universal adapter that supports multiple countries’ plugs (such as versions with USB-C interfaces);
Safety: Give priority to brands with built-in overload protection or fireproof materials.
4) What should be noted when using Converters?
Voltage matching: Avoid using ordinary Converters with high-power devices (>1600W), which may cause overheating;
Data conversion: Type safety needs to be handled during development (such as adding exception handling when converting Float to String);
Obfuscation compatibility: If the code is obfuscated (such as ProGuard), Converter-related classes/methods need to be retained (through the -keep rule).