But what is inside this device and what functions can it perform?
Let’s understand in more detail.
The design of the simplest car charger is quite similar to a standard power supply unit for a smartphone. It usually consists of a plastic or metal case, a spring, a pair of boards (one for the USB connector, the other for the conversion) and a protective fuse.
More about the composition
An important part of car charging is the short-circuit and overload protection provided by the safety fuse. In case of overload, it activates and cuts off the power supply to the equipment. This is not only a safety requirement when working with the charger, but in this way the device itself is protected from damage.
In addition, the cigarette lighter charger has two elements responsible for its operation: a DC converter and a board with USB connectors. The converter takes alternating current from the cigarette lighter and converts it to direct current, which is necessary for charging mobile devices. A board with USB connectors provides data transfer to connected devices.
Another option is voltage regulation. It allows you to measure the voltage depending on its power.
The modern cigarette lighter charger also features USB Type-C ports and fast charging, allowing you to quickly charge your device and manage standby time. A remote unit with an extension cord allows you to install the charger in a convenient place in the car.
The most popular among drivers are standard chargers that are simply connected to the cigarette lighter. However, if there is a desire to purchase something more interesting and functional, it is worth paying attention to models with the following options: • LED display, which displays the voltage level and current strength both at the output and at the input, and also displays other data.
• FM transmitter. Allows you to play audio files from external storage devices on a standard tape recorder. A kind of mini-radio station built into the charger.
• A built-in thermometer that measures the air temperature in the cabin and displays the readings on the display. However, this feature does not work properly in many chargers. When the gadget is connected, the device heats up and measures the temperature of the case, not the air, which affects the final indicators.
• Hinged joint for connecting and closing charging.
• USB Type-C port for charging modern devices.
• QC-enabled port for fast charging of devices.
• Remote unit with extension for ease of use.
• Ability to measure on-board network parameters. The error of most chargers is small – about 0.1-0.2 V. However, in the most common models, it can be larger.
• Wireless car chargers are also appearing on the market, although they are not yet widespread and are produced by a relatively small number of companies. Some models come with a smartphone holder, which makes them more practical to use. Most wireless chargers support Qi, so they can be used to charge both Android and iOS smartphones.
Is there, at all, a danger of charging through a cigarette lighter?
The cigarette lighters of most cars can deliver a current of 10 A. This is too much for gadgets. But it should be remembered that the chargers in the cigarette lighter have a second name – the adapter. If it is of good quality, the smartphone or tablet battery will be protected from voltage surges and current.
But if we are talking about cheap and low-quality adapters, then the following problems are possible:
– voltage surges;
– overheating of the gadget’s battery;
– overheating of the adapter itself;
– failure of the adapter fuse – you can blow the car fuse, this will burn the electricity in the cabin, after which you will need to go to the service station. Therefore, although the basic design of the car charger from the cigarette lighter is relatively simple, manufacturers are constantly expanding the set of offered functions. When choosing a charger, drivers should consider their individual needs and the additional features they need to stay connected on the road without draining their battery.
