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Resolved Question

confused regarding laptops and ac power

by May 4, 2014 8:08AM PDT

If laptops run on AC power, what is the need for an inverter that changes current from dc to ac when the laptop is already running on ac? I cant get my head around this sorry. can someone explain this to me please? where is the inverter getting the DC from to convert to AC?

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andrascymru has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
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My laptop runs on DC power only
by May 4, 2014 8:17AM PDT

The power for my Toshiba laptop is either the battery or from the power supply that plugs into the wall. While the INPUT to it is 120 VAC, the OUTPUT is around 19 VDC.
I don't know where you got this inverter idea from unless maybe you're looking at a situation where your house lost power, then you plugged an inverter into your car's 12 volt outlet to provide AC to the laptop's power supply. I've never had occasion to try that, although theoretically I suppose it should work, at least until your car's battery ran down.

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inverter converts
by andrascymru May 4, 2014 8:58AM PDT

inverter converts dc to ac to power the backlight, as a backlight can only use ac. I should of been more clear sorry,.

I thought though laptops run on AC anyway so didnt understand where the DC come from. All mains power is AC. A pc psu converts this AC to DC as a pc needs DC.

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Answer
Since all the electronics and chips run on DC
by Forum moderator May 4, 2014 8:15AM PDT

Something has to get it from AC to DC. The first power supply that is on the mains (some call that AC) does the bulk of the transformation. Inside the laptop are more power supplies for CPU and the other parts.

Can you share why you are asking? It's not possible to cram 4 years of college course work in this small space.
Bob

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