12 Switching AC Adapter Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for switching ac adapters as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 12 switching ac adapter manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked switching ac adapter companies as of April, 2024: 1.CUI Inc, 2.Artesyn Embedded Power, 3.FSP Ltd..
Table of Contents
What Is a Switching AC Adapter?
A switching AC adapter is an adapter for converting alternating current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power for information equipment, etc., using the switching method, which is the current mainstream method of AC adapters.
Before the introduction of switching AC adapters, linear AC adapters converted power to low voltage through an iron core (transformer), regulated the AC with diodes, and then used capacitors and other circuits to conduct the electricity to the device being used. On the other hand, unlike the linear method, the switching AC adapter converts AC electricity into high-frequency DC from the start and does not use an iron core (transformer).
The feature of switching AC adapters is that they use switching transistors to perform high-speed voltage conversion, and electricity can flow to the side of the device being used. Since heavy and large transformers are not used, the parts are smaller and lighter, and high power supply efficiency is realized.
Uses of Switching AC Adapters
Switching AC adapters are mainly used in power cables for PCs. Other applications include information communication terminals such as tablets, medical equipment, and audio equipment. Since the power conversion circuit can be separated from the main device, it increases the possibilities of how the device can be used and stored.
And switching AC adapters can be switched on and off without the use of a transformer, making them smaller and lighter. It is also possible to use domestic products overseas, where outlet shapes and power supply/voltage differ by using a converter or transformer.
Since they enable safe, high-precision device operation and are sufficiently resistant to shock and vibration, these days they are being used in a wide range of electronic equipment.
Principle of Switching AC Adapters
Switching AC adapters use a highly efficient switching method, represented by pulse modulation, to convert the desired DC power source in a relatively high-frequency pulse state. This system uses semiconductor devices, such as transistors and MOSFETs, to separate incoming AC voltage into pulses through high-speed switching.
By smoothing the current wave, a flattened DC voltage is obtained. In this process, it is possible to combine power and signals of different frequencies, so it is possible to step down the voltage without a transformer. However, the control method must be carefully considered because of the complexity of the circuitry, and in particular, it is very important to take care of the circuitry of the new switching noise that is generated.
There are several control methods for switching AC adapters, the most typical of which is the "PWN" (pulse width modulation) method. The idea is to stabilize the voltage by adjusting the width of the pulse wave, or the on-time of switching on and off, so that the area of each pulse is the same. Because switching AC adapters can output power without waste by switching power on and off, they are characterized by extremely high power conversion efficiency.
In the case of switching AC adapters, the pulse frequency itself handles higher frequencies than commercial AC frequencies, ranging from several 10 kHz to several 100 kHz. Therefore, they are compact and lightweight, eliminating the need for large, heavy transformers.
How to Choose a Switching AC Adapter
There are many switching AC adapters on the market today. If you make a mistake in selecting the right adapter, you may not only be unable to use your electronic equipment, but in the worst case, you may even damage it.
1. Maximum Rating
The adapter must be capable of delivering the correct voltage (V) and current (A) for the electronic equipment to be used. This is generally found near the input terminals of the electronic equipment or on the rating nameplate. In this case, the voltage should be exactly the same, but the current should be the same or slightly higher.
2. Plug Shape and Polarity
In most cases, the plug part is a pipe-shaped electrode, which provides power by connecting to the contact points of the input terminals of the electronic device, respectively. Since standards have been established to some extent regarding the shape, inner diameter, and polarity of the plug, a compatible plug should be selected for use.
Plugs that convert the outer shape and inner diameter are also available on the market, but the increased number of electrical contacts increases electrical resistance, and this entails the risk of contact failures. It is recommended that plugs with higher voltage and current should not be used.
Other Information on Switching AC Adapters
Switching AC Adapter Using GaN
Compared to the conventional linear method, this switching AC adapter is compact and lightweight because it uses a highly efficient pulse switching method, but it has a certain weight and size for a power conversion adapter for PCs and tablets. Recently, USB-type power adapters using GaN (gallium nitride), a next-generation device, have appeared on the market as even more compact, lightweight, and highly efficient power conversion adapters.
GaN devices have dramatically higher band gap energy and breakdown voltage than conventional Si-based devices, and can operate at higher speeds than SiC (silicon carbide) devices. Therefore, they are suitable for switching operation at higher temperatures and frequencies. The power density per unit area of the transistor can be larger than that of Si-based devices, and the cooling function can be simplified, resulting in smaller, lighter, and more efficient switching AC adapters.
Against this background, manufacturers have recently commercialized more compact portable USB-type switching AC adapters that use GaN devices.
List of 12 Switching AC Adapter Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- China
- Czech Republic
- Japan
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
-
-
-
CUI Inc
External AC-DC power supply
Manufacturer Overview
CUI is manufacturer of electronic components intended to create ease of access to power supply products. Established in 1989 and situated at USA The company offers PC adapters, wall plugs, board mounts and chassis mount as well as isolated and no isolated converters to clients. CUI Global is a publicly traded holding company devoted to maximizing shareholder worth through the acquisition and development of ingenious companies and technologies. From its GasPT2 platform targeting the energy sector, to its subsidiary the company is a elite digital power platform targeting the networking and telecom industries,
-
-
-
-
-
FSP Ltd.
Switching AC Adapters
Manufacturer Overview
FSP Group UK, incorporated in 2016, is a private limited company that operates as a holding company, based in East Sussex, England, is a manufacturer of power supply units in global marketing. The company majorly manufactures the OEM/ ODM power supply for PC, IPC, server system, workstation, and NVR/NDR. It has been cooperating with numerous global brands such as HP, Supermicro, Intel, Advantech, Siemens, Philips, TT Electronics, and many more. Its products are certified with low noise level by Cybenetics and high efficiency by 80Plus. Its overseas subsidiaries are involved in multiple sectors, providing a diverse range of services.
-
-
-
-
-
Fuhua Electronic Co.,Ltd.
Power supply
Manufacturer Overview
UE Electronic, also known as Fuhua Electronic is a manufacturer and a supplier of electronic components and accessories that is based in China. Established since 2006, this specialized company has been manufacturing connectors, terminals, cable assemblies, and wiring harnesses. One sample products is the FH-M05 series wire-to-board connector, which offers secure and dependable connections for applications such as automotive electronics, industrial equipment, and consumer electronics. It features a compact design, high current capacity, and contact reliability.
-
-
-
-
-
Sunpower Technology Corp.
AC-DC adapter
Manufacturer Overview
Sunpower Technology was established in 1986 and is a manufacturer of AC-DC and DC-DC switching power supplies used in industrial control, communications, and home appliance systems applications. The company is located in New Taipei City 235, Taiwan, and many of its products come in 850 models, have acquired the recognition of agencies such as UL, TUV, LVD, cUL, and CE. To make the quality of the products satisfactory, the company obtained the ISO-9001 in 1991 and ISO-14001 in 2000 for environmental protection. In 2017, Sunpower upgraded accreditation to ISO-9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards.
-
-
-
-
-
Skynet Electronic
Switching adapter
Manufacturer Overview
Skynet Electronic, Established in 1979, is a manufacturer of magnetic components, switching power supplies, and LED chip on board utilized in medical and office equipment, including printers. Based in Taipei, Taiwan, the company has over 180 products with customizable options and an impressive annual shipment volume of over 5 million units, the company ensures timely delivery within 30 days, aided by advanced forecasting. The ISO 9001 Quality Certification enables systematic operations monitoring and facilitates improvement audits. The company uses an extensive collection of circuit libraries and technology to reduce the time required to complete OEM and standard projects.
-
-
-
-
-
Sunny Computer Technology Europe, s.r.o.
Power supply
Manufacturer Overview
Sunny Computer Technology (SCT) is a manufacturer of switching power accessories and supplies originally founded in 1980 and currently headquartered in Brno, Czech Republic, with a Chinese division based in Hengli Dongguan. The company produces various power supplies including desktop and wall mounted models, USB charging stations for smart devices, and power and extension cables. Other products include accessories like connectors, LED drivers and car adaptors. These primarily supply clients in the consumer electronics, telecommunications and security systems sectors, for whom SCT also provides custom product development and certification services.
-
-
-
-
-
TAMURA Corporation
AC adaptor
Manufacturer Overview
TAMURA Corporation, founded in 1924 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, serves as a manufacturer and supplier of electronic and magnetic components. Its product lineup encompasses gate drivers for power switches, current sensors for measuring current flow, power modules for efficient power conversion, LED drivers for LED control, and transformers, reactors, and choke coils for energy transfer and regulation. These solutions provide dependable choices for system and machine design across industrial, automotive, communication, medical, and lighting sectors.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Li Tone Electronics
Switching AC/DC adaptor
Manufacturer Overview
Li Tone Electronics, established in 1986, is a manufacturer and supplier of electronic components and power supplies, headquartered in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Their product range includes high-frequency transformers, power inductors & coils, AC/DC adapters, and LED drivers. These products can be applied in industries such as telecommunications, consumer electronics, industrial automation, and automotive. Li Tone Electronics is certified with ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management.
-
-
-
-
-
Artesyn Embedded Power
External AC-DC power adapter
Manufacturer Overview
Artesyn Embedded Power, founded in Tempe, AZ, is a manufacturer of precision power conversion, measurement, and control solutions for mission-critical applications and processes. The company's product portfolio includes High Voltage Products, Low Voltage Power Supplies, Remote Plasma Sources, Temperature Measurement Products and SCR Power Controllers. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, and Custom Manufacturing.
-
-
-
-
-
Phihong USA Corp.
Adapter
Manufacturer Overview
Phihong, founded in Fremont, California, in 1972 is a manufacturer of Power Adapters, Power Supplies, and Battery Chargers. The company's product portfolio includes SB Adapters, Desktop Adapters, Wall Mount Adapters, LED Drivers,and Power-over-Ethernet for OEMs. The company serves markets including Automotive and Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage and Electronics and IT Infrastructure. They have design labs, manufacturing facilities, and sales support centers in California, New York, The Netherlands, China, Japan, and Taiwan.
-
-
-
-
Switching AC Adapter Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CUI Inc |
27.8%
|
| 2 | Artesyn Embedded Power |
16.7%
|
| 3 | Skynet Electronic |
9.3%
|
| 4 | FSP Ltd. |
7.4%
|
| 5 | Li Tone Electronics |
7.4%
|
| 6 | Fuhua Electronic Co.,Ltd. |
5.6%
|
| 7 | Phihong USA Corp. |
5.6%
|
| 8 | FranMar International Inc. |
5.6%
|
| 9 | Fabrimex AG |
5.6%
|
| 10 | Sunpower Technology Corp. |
3.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the switching ac adapter page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- FSP Ltd.: 9,200
- TAMURA Corporation: 4,576
Newly Established Company
- FranMar International Inc.: 1997 (27 years ago)
- Fuhua Electronic Co.,Ltd.: 1989 (35 years ago)
- CUI Inc: 1989 (35 years ago)
Company with a History
- TAMURA Corporation: 1924 (100 years ago)
- Fabrimex AG: 1947 (77 years ago)
- Sunpower Technology Corp.: 1986 (38 years ago)
Switching AC Adapter Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of Switching AC Adapter Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
Taiwan
|
4 | 40.0% |
United States of America
|
1 | 10.0% |
United Kingdom
|
1 | 10.0% |
China
|
1 | 10.0% |
Czech Republic
|
1 | 10.0% |
Japan
|
1 | 10.0% |
Switzerland
|
1 | 10.0% |
