AC/DC adapter makers plan more fast-charging releases

Most AC/DC adapters from China companies use Quick Charge 2.0, while some supplier have started introducing version 3.0 models. There are units with USB PD support.

Demand for rapid charging of higher-capacity batteries, especially in portable devices, drives China manufacturers of AC/DC adapters to launch more compliant models. Most products still follow the Quick Charge 2.0 standard, although some companies now offer Quick Charge 3.0 units and a few accommodate requests for those based on Quick Charge 4.0. In USB-output types for mobile and wearables electronics, makers generally comply with any specified USB Power Delivery version.

Shenzhen Cenwell Technology Co. Ltd plans to launch types for mobile devices, including those used in gaming, which will support Quick Charge 3.0 and USB Power Delivery. GME's new fast-charging adapter with Quick Charge 3.0 has 20V and 15W output voltage and power, and 88.6 percent efficiency. The RoHS-compliant unit meets DOE Level VI requirements, and is CE-approved and UL-listed.

To improve competitiveness in the growing application market, makers will continue to pursue the overall objective of boosting product reliability. Their current range has built-in protection against overvoltage, -current, -load, -heating and short circuits, and includes variants with up to IP68 rating for outdoor LED lighting applications.

More companies will target conformity to the DOE Level VI and the CoC Version 5 efficiency standards for external power supplies. At present, the majority can ensure AC/DC adapters up to DOE Level V and with BS, CB, CCC, CE, C-Tick, cUL, FCC, GS, KC, PSE, SAA and UL approval.

In addition, suppliers will keep enhancing capability for customization, which is still the sector’s major R&D driver and revenue generator. Units in such specifications represent between 40 and 80 percent of total shipments of domestic enterprises.

Others also strive for differentiation and undertake development of own designs. Shenzhen YuanGuangYuan has secured national patents for its AC/DC adapters.

From established bases in mobile electronics, home appliances, security products, medical devices, office equipment and LED lighting, thereare also wearable devices, robotics and electric vehicles now.

Local and overseas demand for AC/DC adapters used in wearable devices and robotics, in particular, has increased in the past two years. This has prompted most China manufacturers to raise output by 10 to 15 percent. The same upward rate is expected in the year ahead.

Shenzhen Cenwell has invested $44 million to expand its factory and acquire more automatic production equipment to sustain 30 percent sales growth in 2019. The line makes up its entire shipments.

There are more than 1,000 suppliers of AC/DC adapters in China, at least 70 percent of which are locally owned. Including foreign-invested companies, these manufacturers are based mainly in Guangdong, Zhejiang and Fujian provinces, with the first playing host to over half and still the biggest hub. More players are expected to join the pool and intensify competition.

Switching types lead

Switching AC/DC adapters continue to dominate output in China, while some companies still offer linear types. The latter variant has a production share of less than 10 percent and targets applications in the scientific research, industrial and mining sectors.

Products come in desktop and wall-mount types. These have 100 to 240VAC, 50/60Hz input, 5 to 24VDC output voltage and 3 to 80W rated power. In terms of output connector, there are DC and USB kinds. The second is turned out mainly for mobile and wearable devices.

Besides meeting various safety standards, releases abide by the RoHS guidelines.

Makers source ICs from foreign or local companies, depending on customer requirements. For AC/DC adapters supporting rapid charging, they rely on Qualcomm chipsets. The rest of the components and materials are from the domestic supply.

Input costs and product prices are expected not to change much in 2019. To compete with foreign-invested companies there, China manufacturers highlight price-performance ratio and willingness to accept low-volume orders.

The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our China-based market analyst for representing current trends in AC/DC adapters from China makers.

IP44-rated AC/DC adapter

Dongguan Rico Electronic Co. Ltd’s model RKPO-UL123000 AC/DC adapter has 100 to 240VAC, 50/60Hz input, 12V output voltage and 36W rated power. The 52x97x31mm unit carries an IP44 rating. It meets RoHS and UL requirements. An order of at least 500 units is required for delivery within 12 days.

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AC/DC adapter in various output ratings

This AC/DC adapter from Shenzhen Cathedy Technology Co. Ltd, model Q65 Type-C, has 100 to 240VAC, 50/60Hz input, and 5V 3A, 5.2V 2.4A, 9V 3A, 12V 3A, 14.5V 2A, 15V 3A, 20V 3.25A or 20.3V 3A output. The black or white unit comes with a 1.8m or 6ft DC cord, 1.2m or 4ft AC cable and an EU, UK, AU or US plug. It has built-in overcurrent, -temperature and short-circuit protection, and complies with CB, CE, FCC, GS, REACH, SAA and UL standards. The minimum order is 50 units for delivery within 5 days.

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AC/DC adapter has 6 to 65W rated power

Model CW1203500 wall-mount AC/DC adapter from Shenzhen Cenwell Technology Co. Ltd requires 100 to 240VAC input and has 6 to 65W rated power. It comes in white or black, and may have a US, UK, EU, AU or CN plug and a DC or USB output connector. The product bears CB, CCC, CE, FCC, GS, KC, RoHS and UL approval.

The maker requires a minimum order of 1,000 units for delivery within 25 days.

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AC/DC adapter with multiple output voltages

From Starwell Technology Co. Ltd, model Manual-30W-12 AC/DC adapter has 110 to 240VAC, 50/60Hz input and 5.1V, 2.1A USB output. It supports 3, 4.5, 5, 6, 7.5, 9 and 12VDC output voltages. The leakage current is <5mA.

The 80W unit has C-Tick, CE, cUL, FCC, GS, PSE, RoHS, SAA, TÜV and UL certification.

The minimum order is 100 units. Delivery lead time is 18 days.

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