What's the difference between a power adapter and a charger

1. What is a power adapter?

A power adapter is a power conversion device for small portable electronic devices and appliances. It generally consists of a casing, a power transformer, and a rectifier circuit. Based on its output type, it can be divided into AC output type and DC output type; based on its connection method, it can be divided into wall-mounted type and desktop type. It is widely used in devices such as cordless phones, game consoles, language repeaters, portable music players, laptops, and cellular phones.

Most laptop power adapters are compatible with 100~240V AC (50/60Hz). Basically, most laptops have an external power supply, connected to the host computer with a power cord. This reduces the size and weight of the host computer; only a very few models have the power supply built into the host computer. Power adapters have a nameplate indicating specifications such as power, input and output voltage, and current. Pay special attention to the input voltage range; this is what is known as a "travel power adapter."

2. What is a charger?

A charger is generally a device that converts AC power into low-voltage DC power. Chargers have a wide range of applications, especially in daily life, where they are widely used in common electrical appliances such as mobile phones and cameras.

A charger is a static converter that uses power electronic semiconductor devices to transform alternating current (AC) with a fixed voltage and frequency into direct current (DC). Chargers have broad application prospects in situations where batteries serve as the primary or backup power source.

3. The difference between a power adapter and a charger: A charger includes the functions of an adapter, but it also contains internal control circuits to meet charging characteristics, such as constant current and constant voltage regulation. The charging control circuitry of an adapter is generally located within the device itself. For example, mobile phone chargers and laptop chargers are actually just power adapters; they do not contain internal charging control circuitry. Charging control is handled internally by the phone or computer.

The biggest difference between a charger and an adapter is that a charger only charges the battery, while an adapter can not only charge the battery but also power the device.