For novice users, the question often arises: “What is an adapter?” Previously, this name was widely used in various industries of electronics. But today it is most often seen in
computer field. Behind this word lies PC components that allow you to combine among themselves those elements that cannot be connected directly.
For example, the monitor and motherboard cannot be connected directly. For these purposes, a graphics accelerator is necessarily used. This is one of the possible examples of what an adapter is.
Classification
To date, such devices are classified according to two criteria. The first is in the field of application:
- video;
- sound;
- network;
- power sources;
- communications.
Using these converters, the computer can be connected to various external devices: a monitor, a speaker system, an external network, a power source, and peripheral devices. Depending on the version, the adapters can be external or internal (they are also called integrated into the motherboard). This is the second classification option.
Video
First of all, the question “what is an adapter” arises after getting acquainted with the graphics subsystem of a computer. It is implemented using a separate chip, the performance of which is comparable to the computer as a whole. She
It can be integrated into the system board (integrated version) or installed in an expansion slot (external). The latter differ more
high performance and are most often used in
graphic stations and gaming computers. For office PCs, there is simply no alternative to integrated solutions.
Sound
Special sound transducers are also used to organize the sound system. In most cases, integrated solutions are applied. And only in case of increased sound requirements is an external board used, which has improved characteristics.
Network
Another example of such converters is network cards. They can be integrated or external depending on the method of execution. Another criterion by which they are classified is connection. In one case, wires are used for data transmission (for example, twisted pair). In another - information can be transmitted using electromagnetic radiation Wi-Fi or BlueTooth. Most often, such an adapter for a laptop is used in integrated design, and for stationary - in the external. This is wireless data transfer.
Power supply system
For mobile PC owners, the question “what is the adapter” arises more often. This is due to the fact that their power supply system includes one more such converter, which is not included in stationary PCs. This is essentially a block
power supply, which converts the alternating voltage to constant and lowers it to the required value.
Communications
Now find out what an adapter is for connecting communications. Without exception, all modern computers are equipped with various ports: USB, LPT, COM, PS / 2 and more. There are times that, for example, the mouse is connected via PS / 2, and such ports are busy. In such a situation, there can be two solutions. Or buy a new manipulator, or apply a converter. The second solution is cheaper, and you’re already used to the mouse, and you don’t want to change anything. Here in such cases, adapters are used to connect various kinds of peripheral devices.
Total
Without such converters, it is quite problematic to imagine the work of modern computers. For example, a laptop power adapter allows you to connect it to an AC voltage network, without which it will be impossible to turn it on at all.