All about the adapters used for mobile devices and STBs

Compact electronic devices demand reliable external adapters. Let’s have a look at the types and models that are currently ruling the market

By Shruti Mishra

Adapters are the devices that make it possible to connect two electrical or electronic devices of different sizes and types. They are responsible for the safety, reliability and longevity of electronic components. In a nutshell, these physical devices are used to establish compatibility between two different hardware or electronic interfaces.
With mobile phones and television sets becoming common household devices, the global market has seen a healthy expansion in the usage of adapters in recent times. As per a Research and Markets report, the worldwide market for AC and DC adapters is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.09 per cent during the period 2016-2020.
India saw an unprecedented surge in demand for power adapters after the UPA government initiated cable TV digitisation in 2011, making it mandatory for consumers to install set-top boxes (STB) to view cable television. Soon after this announcement, STBs and their adapters became one of the fastest growing product segments in the Indian consumer electronics segment.
Mobile manufacturing in India has reached new heights with the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the NDA government, because of which the country has turned into a lucrative market for mobile spare parts and accessories like LCD displays, touchpads, adapters, etc. Under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the Indian government has increased the basic customs duty (BCD) on various mobile accessories, including adapters, from 0 per cent to 5 per cent. To further support local manufacturing, the government has also abolished excise duty/countervailing duty (CVD) on the manufacture of mobile components and sub-parts such as adapters.
If the experts are to be believed, India will witness an exponential increase in demand for power adapters in the coming years because of three reasons – the popularity of both DTH platforms and mobile technologies, the declining prices of STBs and smart devices, and increased consumption.

Types of adapters
AC-DC adapters: These are the most common types of adapters specifically designed to accept a certain AC input and convert it into a particular DC output. This type of adapter is used for both STBs and mobile devices.
Travel adapters (or plug adapters): These do not convert electricity or voltage but simply enable users to power electronic devices and appliances. As the electrical socket system of one country differs from the other, travel adapters are mainly used by international travellers just to be able to use or charge their socket-incompatible devices in a particular country/region. For instance, the plug system in Europe is completely different from that used across India and, therefore, the plug of a Continental European appliance will not fit into an outlet/socket in India without an adapter.

Newly launched products available in the market

Model: AC-DC adapter for set-top boxes – 12V/1.5 A, Manufacturer: Axiom Energy Conversion Ltd
These adapters are designed to provide the power requirements of STBs. They have been designed to operate with a wide AC input range (100V – 300V AC) and to withstand universal power conditions. The use of high frequency switching technology makes them reliable, cost-effective, compact and lightweight.

Key features

• Input voltage: 100V – 300V AC
• Input current: 300mA
• Input frequency: 47Hz/63Hz
• Output load regulation: 11.40V – 12.60V DC
• Output voltage: 12V
• Output current: 1.5A

Contact: www.axiomenergy.co.in

Model: DC power adapter, Manufacturer: Commerce Corporation
This adapter offers high efficiency in single output ranging from 6W to 60W, and comes with a plastic enclosed custom-built solution. Its compact size provides protection from short circuits, overload, over-voltage and over-temperature.

Key features

• AC input range: 90V to 270V AC
• Frequency: 47Hz – 63Hz
• DC output range: Any output VA rating or
  custom-built
• Output ripple and noise: Less than 1 per cent
• Working temperature: -15˚C to 65˚C
• Efficiency: Better than 85 per cent

Contact: www.comcosmps.com

Model: PS00132-0009 universal laptop AC adapter, Manufacturer: iGO
The iGo PS00132-0009 is a slick, state-of-art universal adapter with eight detachable connector tips that will support almost every laptop in the market. This adapter has built-in safety protection measures that include surge protection, over-current protection, voltage protection and overheating protection.

Key features

• Output voltage switch selections (DC): 0V – 24V
• Input switch selections (AC): 100V – 240V
• Built-in safety features and auto-sensing
• Includes a USB charge port
• 90 watts of maximum power

Contact: www.igo.com

Model: World adapter plug 3.0, Manufacturer: Loop Electronics
This Loop Electronics power adapter has a simple design with retractable power plugs and two USB ports on one of the sides. The model can be used directly to charge smartphones and tablets with a regular USB charging cable. It is compatible with almost every power plug in use.

Key features

• Weight: 136g
• Dimensions: 5.5cm x 5cm x 7cm
• AC power: 6 amp 100V-250V AC
• Maximum watts: 1400
• USB ports: 5V DC 2500mAh
• Single USB: Maximum output 2100mAh

Contact: www.loopelectronics.com

Model: SLA-11, Manufacturer: Global Tele Communication
These are linear adapters that find wide application in modems, hubs and routers. This model operates on a linear power supply and has a compact design along with a single output. These adapters provide protection from over-voltage/current, short circuits and over-temperature.

Key features

• Input voltage range: 230V AC ± 15 per cent
• Frequency: 48Hz – 52Hz
• Input current: 0.1A max
• Output voltage at no-load: 6.0V DC – 6.5V DC
• Output voltage at full-load: 4.5V DC – 5.5V DC
• Output current: 1 amp
• Maximum wattage: 5W
• Ripple and noise: < 50mv
• Efficiency: >60 per cent

Contact: www.globaltelecommindia.com