Adapter

An adapter or adaptor^[1] is a device that converts attributes of one electrical device or system to those of an otherwise incompatible device or system. Some modify power or signal attributes, while others merely adapt the physical form of one connector to another.

Travel adapters

Many countries with ties to Europe use 230-volt, 50 Hz AC

An AC-to-DC power supply adapts electricity from household mains voltage (either 120 or 230 volts AC) to low-voltage DC suitable for powering consumer electronics. Small, detached power supplies for consumer electronics are called AC adapters, or variously power bricks, wall warts, or chargers.

Computer adapters

A

Adapters (sometimes called

, or contain active circuitry.

A common type is a

USB adapter

.

One kind of

25-contact and nine-contact connectors,^[2]

but does not affect electrical power- and signalling-related attributes.

Software adapters

Main article: Adapter pattern

In software, an adapter is a piece of code that complies with an interface of an existing component while actually using another implementation.

See also

• AC power plugs and sockets
• Dongle (includes all sorts of adapters)
• Power strip
• Repurposing

References

1. ^ Both spellings are used in both British and American English."Macmillan English Dictionary". Macmillan Publishers Limited. 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-14. adapter noun [countable] /əˈdæptə(r)/ or adaptor an object that allows you to connect two pieces of equipment of different types or sizes a. British an object that allows you to connect several pieces of electrical equipment to one electricity supply b. an object that allows you to use electrical equipment in countries where there is a different type of electricity supply from your own
2. ISBN 978-0-619-21758-7
   . serial port adapter 25 9.

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