Single-stage AC-DC adapter design for compact chargers
This technology is a smarter architecture for the power adapters that convert wall power (AC) into the low-voltage DC used by laptops, phones, and other electronics. It combines two stages: a front-end circuit that both cleans up the incoming AC (power factor correction) and rectifies it, and a back-end resonant circuit that handles isolation and fine voltage regulation. Critically, it feeds the output voltage back into the front-end controller so both stages cooperate rather than working independently, and it injects harmonics of the AC input to allow the use of smaller, cheaper capacitors without sacrificing efficiency. The result is a more compact, efficient adapter design with fewer components.
What you could build
A reference design or chipset for compact, high-efficiency AC-DC power adapters used in consumer electronics, laptop chargers, and USB-C power delivery bricks; target buyers are ODMs and adapter manufacturers supplying brands like Dell, HP, or Lenovo.
Who in Virginia should care
Defense contractors and federal agencies in Northern Virginia with dense laptop/device fleets, plus electronics manufacturing suppliers serving the mid-Atlantic corridor, would have procurement or licensing interest.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Fred C. Lee, Xiucheng Huang, Qiang Li
- Granted
- December 19, 2017
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 9847710
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.