AC adapter - Revision history

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Jmdonev at 20:00, 9 May 2018

2018-05-09T20:00:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:00, 9 May 2018
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	[[Category:Done ~~2017~~-07-01]]		[[Category:Done 2018-04-30]]
	[[File:AC adapter.jpg\|framed\|Figure 1. An AC adapter used for charging a laptop battery.]]		[[File:AC adapter.jpg\|framed\|Figure 1. An AC adapter used for charging a laptop battery.]]
	<onlyinclude>'''AC adapters''' convert a higher-voltage [[alternating current]] to a lower-voltage [[direct current]] for use with devices that require a relatively constant [[voltage]] (within a tolerance).</onlyinclude> Direct current is also required to recharge [[battery\|batteries]], making AC adapters essential for electronic devices like laptops (see Figure 1) and [[cell phone]]s.<ref>''What's the difference between AC and DC?'' [Online]. Available: http://engineering.mit.edu/ask/what%E2%80%99s-difference-between-ac-and-dc</ref> Older AC adapters waste quite a bit of [[electricity]] in the form of [[standby power]], but recent regulations and subsequent innovations have reduced the amount of electricity wasted considerably. See [[Standby power]] for more detailed information.		<onlyinclude>'''AC adapters''' convert a higher-voltage [[alternating current]] to a lower-voltage [[direct current]] for use with devices that require a relatively constant [[voltage]] (within a tolerance).</onlyinclude> Direct current is also required to recharge [[battery\|batteries]], making AC adapters essential for electronic devices like laptops (see Figure 1) and [[cell phone]]s.<ref>''What's the difference between AC and DC?'' [Online]. Available: http://engineering.mit.edu/ask/what%E2%80%99s-difference-between-ac-and-dc</ref> Older AC adapters waste quite a bit of [[electricity]] in the form of [[standby power]], but recent regulations and subsequent innovations have reduced the amount of electricity wasted considerably. See [[Standby power]] for more detailed information.

	==How it works==		==How it works==
	A simple AC adapter consists of a [[transformer]], a rectifier, and an electronic filter. The transformer initially converts a relatively high-[[voltage]] [[alternating current]] that is supplied by an [[electrical outlet]] to a lower voltage suitable for the device being powered.<ref>''Insight-How Adapter Works'' [Online]. Available: http://www.engineersgarage.com/insight/how-adaptor-works</ref><ref>''Inside a Power-Cube Transformer'' [Online]. Available: http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/inside-transformer1.htm</ref> A rectifier then converts [[alternating current]] into [[direct current]]. There are two separate types of rectifiers: the half-wave rectifier and the full-wave rectifier.		A simple AC adapter consists of a [[transformer]], a rectifier, and an electronic filter. The transformer initially converts a relatively high-[[voltage]] alternating current that is supplied by an [[electrical outlet]] to a lower voltage suitable for the device being powered.<ref>''Insight-How Adapter Works'' [Online]. Available: http://www.engineersgarage.com/insight/how-adaptor-works</ref><ref>''Inside a Power-Cube Transformer'' [Online]. Available: http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/inside-transformer1.htm</ref> A rectifier then converts alternating current into direct current. There are two separate types of rectifiers: the half-wave rectifier and the full-wave rectifier.

	===Half-wave rectifier===		===Half-wave rectifier===
	The half-wave rectifier effectively blocks current flow in one direction through the use of a [[diode]] (see figure 2). This creates a pulsating direct current. Due to half of the current being blocked, much of the supplied energy is lost, and the mean voltage of half-wave rectified power is lower than that of full-wave rectified power.		The half-wave rectifier effectively blocks current flow in one direction through the use of a [[diode]] (see figure 2). This creates a pulsating direct current. Due to half of the current being blocked, much of the supplied energy is lost, and the mean voltage of half-wave rectified power is lower than that of full-wave rectified power.
	[[File:Half-wave rectifier.png\|framed\|center\|Figure 2. A half-wave rectifier.<ref>''File:Half-wave rectifier'' [Online]. Available: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Halfwave.rectifier.en.svg</ref> The arrow-shaped symbol at the top of the circuit is a diode that only allows [[electron]] flow from right to left across the diode. The graph on the left is the input voltage and the graph on the right is the output voltage.]]		[[File:Half-wave rectifier.png\|framed\|center\|Figure 2. A half-wave rectifier.<ref>''File:Half-wave rectifier'' [Online]. Available: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Halfwave.rectifier.en.svg</ref> The arrow-shaped symbol at the top of the [[electric circuit]] is a [[diode]] that only allows [[electron]] flow from right to left across the diode. The graph on the left is the input voltage and the graph on the right is the output voltage.]]

	===Full-wave rectifier===		===Full-wave rectifier===
	There are several types of full-wave rectifiers. Rather than blocking the [[current]] in one direction, these rectifiers flip its direction so that a constant pulsing [[direct current]] is the output. A common type of full-wave rectifier is the full-wave bridge rectifier<ref>''Rectifier circuits'' [Online]. Available:http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_3/chpt_3/4.html</ref> (See Figure 3).		There are several types of full-wave rectifiers. Rather than blocking the [[electric current]] in one direction, these rectifiers flip its direction so that a constant pulsing direct current is the output. A common type of full-wave rectifier is the full-wave bridge rectifier<ref>''Rectifier circuits'' [Online]. Available:http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_3/chpt_3/4.html</ref> (See Figure 3).
	[[File:Full-wave bridge rectifier.png\|framed\|center\|Figure 3. A full-wave bridge rectifier.<ref>''File:Gratz.rectifier.en.svg'' [Online]. Available: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gratz.rectifier.en.svg</ref> The graph on the left is the input voltage and the graph on the right is the output voltage.]]		[[File:Full-wave bridge rectifier.png\|framed\|center\|Figure 3. A full-wave bridge rectifier.<ref>''File:Gratz.rectifier.en.svg'' [Online]. Available: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gratz.rectifier.en.svg</ref> The graph on the left is the input voltage and the graph on the right is the output voltage.]]

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	SMPS is used in many applications such as battery chargers, laptops, vehicles, [[LED]] lighting, and other consumer electronics. To learn more about how SMPS units work, visit [http://www.learnabout-electronics.org/PSU/psu30.php Learn about Electronics].		SMPS is used in many applications such as battery chargers, laptops, vehicles, [[LED]] lighting, and other consumer electronics. To learn more about how SMPS units work, visit [http://www.learnabout-electronics.org/PSU/psu30.php Learn about Electronics].

			== For Further Reading ==
			For further information please see the related pages below:
			*[[Direct current]]
			*[[Alternating current]]
			*[[Phantom power]]
			* Or explore a [[Special:Random\| random page!]]

	==References==		==References==
	<references/>		<references/>
	[[Category:Uploaded]]		[[Category:Uploaded]]

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2017-08-29T01:47:37Z

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Jmdonev at 03:54, 27 August 2017

2017-08-27T03:54:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:54, 27 August 2017
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	[[Category:Done ~~2015~~-07-01]]		[[Category:Done 2017-07-01]]
	[[File:AC adapter.jpg\|framed\|Figure 1. An AC adapter used for charging a laptop battery.]]		[[File:AC adapter.jpg\|framed\|Figure 1. An AC adapter used for charging a laptop battery.]]
	<onlyinclude>'''AC adapters''' convert a higher-[[voltage]] [[alternating current]] to a lower-voltage [[direct current]] for use with devices that require constant ~~current and~~ voltage.</onlyinclude> Direct current is also required to recharge batteries, making AC adapters essential for electronic devices like laptops (see ~~figure~~ 1) and cell ~~phones~~.<ref>''What's the difference between AC and DC?'' [Online]. Available: http://engineering.mit.edu/ask/what%E2%80%99s-difference-between-ac-and-dc</ref> Older AC adapters waste quite a bit of [[electricity]] in the form of [[standby power]], but recent regulations and subsequent innovations have reduced the amount of electricity wasted considerably.		<onlyinclude>'''AC adapters''' convert a higher-voltage [[alternating current]] to a lower-voltage [[direct current]] for use with devices that require a relatively constant [[voltage]] (within a tolerance).</onlyinclude> Direct current is also required to recharge [[battery\|batteries]], making AC adapters essential for electronic devices like laptops (see Figure 1) and [[cell phone]]s.<ref>''What's the difference between AC and DC?'' [Online]. Available: http://engineering.mit.edu/ask/what%E2%80%99s-difference-between-ac-and-dc</ref> Older AC adapters waste quite a bit of [[electricity]] in the form of [[standby power]], but recent regulations and subsequent innovations have reduced the amount of electricity wasted considerably. See [[Standby power]] for more detailed information.

	==How it works==		==How it works==
	A simple AC adapter consists of a [[transformer]], a rectifier, and an [[electronic filter]]. The transformer initially converts a relatively high-[[voltage]] [[alternating current]] that is supplied by an [[electrical outlet]] to a lower voltage suitable for the device being powered.<ref>''Insight-How Adapter Works'' [Online]. Available: http://www.engineersgarage.com/insight/how-adaptor-works</ref><ref>''Inside a Power-Cube Transformer'' [Online]. Available: http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/inside-transformer1.htm</ref> A rectifier then converts [[alternating current]] into [[direct current]]. There are two separate types of rectifiers: the half-wave rectifier and the full-wave rectifier.		A simple AC adapter consists of a [[transformer]], a rectifier, and an electronic filter. The transformer initially converts a relatively high-[[voltage]] [[alternating current]] that is supplied by an [[electrical outlet]] to a lower voltage suitable for the device being powered.<ref>''Insight-How Adapter Works'' [Online]. Available: http://www.engineersgarage.com/insight/how-adaptor-works</ref><ref>''Inside a Power-Cube Transformer'' [Online]. Available: http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/inside-transformer1.htm</ref> A rectifier then converts [[alternating current]] into [[direct current]]. There are two separate types of rectifiers: the half-wave rectifier and the full-wave rectifier.

	===Half-wave rectifier===		===Half-wave rectifier===
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	As seen in Figures 2 and 3, the output voltage of the two rectifiers still varies greatly. However, a constant voltage is required for most devices that operate on [[direct current]]. A smoothing circuit or [[capacitor]] is used to achieve this. At its simplest, a circuit component known as a reservoir capacitor or smoothing capacitor is placed at the output of the rectifier. Essentially it releases stored energy when no voltage is being output from the rectifier.<ref>''What's a smoothing capacitor?'' [Online]. Available: http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-a-smoothing-capacitor</ref> This creates a fairly steady voltage. However, some ripples from the AC voltage remain (See Figure 4).		As seen in Figures 2 and 3, the output voltage of the two rectifiers still varies greatly. However, a constant voltage is required for most devices that operate on [[direct current]]. A smoothing circuit or [[capacitor]] is used to achieve this. At its simplest, a circuit component known as a reservoir capacitor or smoothing capacitor is placed at the output of the rectifier. Essentially it releases stored energy when no voltage is being output from the rectifier.<ref>''What's a smoothing capacitor?'' [Online]. Available: http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-a-smoothing-capacitor</ref> This creates a fairly steady voltage. However, some ripples from the AC voltage remain (See Figure 4).

			==Modern AC adapters==

			In modern use the most common adapter is the '''Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS)'''. These are considerably more complex than linear regulated power supplies and have clear advantages. The main advantage for SMPS is that it gives DC supplies that can deliver more power for a given size, cost and weight of the adapter.<ref>Learnabout Electronics. (Accessed December 24, 2015). ''Switched Mode Power Supply'' [Online], Available: http://www.learnabout-electronics.org/PSU/psu30.php</ref>

			SMPS is used in many applications such as battery chargers, laptops, vehicles, [[LED]] lighting, and other consumer electronics. To learn more about how SMPS units work, visit [http://www.learnabout-electronics.org/PSU/psu30.php Learn about Electronics].
	==References==		==References==
	<references/>		<references/>
	[[Category:Uploaded]]		[[Category:Uploaded]]

J.williams: 1 revision imported

2015-08-26T21:30:38Z

1 revision imported

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J.williams at 22:41, 11 August 2015

2015-08-11T22:41:01Z

New page

[[Category:Done 2015-07-01]]
[[File:AC adapter.jpg|framed|Figure 1. An AC adapter used for charging a laptop battery.]]
<onlyinclude>'''AC adapters''' convert a higher-[[voltage]] [[alternating current]] to a lower-voltage [[direct current]] for use with devices that require constant current and voltage.</onlyinclude> Direct current is also required to recharge batteries, making AC adapters essential for electronic devices like laptops (see figure 1) and cell phones.<ref>''What's the difference between AC and DC?'' [Online]. Available: http://engineering.mit.edu/ask/what%E2%80%99s-difference-between-ac-and-dc</ref> Older AC adapters waste quite a bit of [[electricity]] in the form of [[standby power]], but recent regulations and subsequent innovations have reduced the amount of electricity wasted considerably.

==How it works==
A simple AC adapter consists of a [[transformer]], a rectifier, and an [[electronic filter]]. The transformer initially converts a relatively high-[[voltage]] [[alternating current]] that is supplied by an [[electrical outlet]] to a lower voltage suitable for the device being powered.<ref>''Insight-How Adapter Works'' [Online]. Available: http://www.engineersgarage.com/insight/how-adaptor-works</ref><ref>''Inside a Power-Cube Transformer'' [Online]. Available: http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/inside-transformer1.htm</ref> A rectifier then converts [[alternating current]] into [[direct current]]. There are two separate types of rectifiers: the half-wave rectifier and the full-wave rectifier.

===Half-wave rectifier===
The half-wave rectifier effectively blocks current flow in one direction through the use of a [[diode]] (see figure 2). This creates a pulsating direct current. Due to half of the current being blocked, much of the supplied energy is lost, and the mean voltage of half-wave rectified power is lower than that of full-wave rectified power.
[[File:Half-wave rectifier.png|framed|center|Figure 2. A half-wave rectifier.<ref>''File:Half-wave rectifier'' [Online]. Available: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Halfwave.rectifier.en.svg</ref> The arrow-shaped symbol at the top of the circuit is a diode that only allows [[electron]] flow from right to left across the diode. The graph on the left is the input voltage and the graph on the right is the output voltage.]]

===Full-wave rectifier===
There are several types of full-wave rectifiers. Rather than blocking the [[current]] in one direction, these rectifiers flip its direction so that a constant pulsing [[direct current]] is the output. A common type of full-wave rectifier is the full-wave bridge rectifier<ref>''Rectifier circuits'' [Online]. Available:http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_3/chpt_3/4.html</ref> (See Figure 3).
[[File:Full-wave bridge rectifier.png|framed|center|Figure 3. A full-wave bridge rectifier.<ref>''File:Gratz.rectifier.en.svg'' [Online]. Available: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gratz.rectifier.en.svg</ref> The graph on the left is the input voltage and the graph on the right is the output voltage.]]

For more information about rectifiers, visit [http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/diode/diode_6.html ''ElectronsTutorials''] or [http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_3/chpt_3/4.html ''All About Circuits''].

===Smoothing===
[[File:Smoothing Capacitor.png|framed|right|Figure 4. The output voltage (green) of a half-wave rectifier and smoothing capacitor from the input AC voltage (yellow). Note the ripples in the output voltage.]]
As seen in Figures 2 and 3, the output voltage of the two rectifiers still varies greatly. However, a constant voltage is required for most devices that operate on [[direct current]]. A smoothing circuit or [[capacitor]] is used to achieve this. At its simplest, a circuit component known as a reservoir capacitor or smoothing capacitor is placed at the output of the rectifier. Essentially it releases stored energy when no voltage is being output from the rectifier.<ref>''What's a smoothing capacitor?'' [Online]. Available: http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-a-smoothing-capacitor</ref> This creates a fairly steady voltage. However, some ripples from the AC voltage remain (See Figure 4).

==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Uploaded]]