An inverter converts DC power to AC power, commonly used in car adapters and laptop screens. Inverters control screen brightness and can fail over time, but are replaceable by a qualified technician. LED-backlit laptops do not require inverters.
In electronics, an inverter can be defined as a device for converting direct current (DC) power into alternating current (AC). An example of an inverter is the adapter used in cars to convert low voltage (DC) cigarette lighter power to equivalent mains voltage (AC). This allows for the use of many types of household electrical devices while on the go. In a laptop, an inverter is often used to light up the computer screen.
A laptop inverter is a small circuit board, usually about the size of a pen. Internally, a laptop runs on low voltage, except for the screen, which uses a backlit liquid crystal display (LCD). Without the inverter and the bulb it powers, the screen would be too dim to see properly. By controlling the inverter output, the laptop can adjust the brightness of its display. Some types of laptop inverters are able to do this automatically by using a small sensor to detect how bright the room is and adjusting their output accordingly.
Traditional laptop LCDs are lit by one or two thin fluorescent bulbs that require a higher voltage than the rest of the computer. The inverter is typically housed close to the lamp, keeping its power cables as short as possible and avoiding running them unnecessarily through other parts of the machine. Less commonly, some laptops use white light emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide backlighting. These laptops don’t require an inverter at all, as the LEDs can be powered directly from the laptop’s motherboard.
As with any electronic component, laptop inverters can fail, especially after years of use. Common symptoms include the screen flickering on and off, the screen appearing too dim to read, and sometimes even a faint hum. It should be noted that there are other possible causes for all of these symptoms, which are best diagnosed by a laptop technician or other trained professional. If found to be faulty, the laptop inverter can usually be replaced.
Each laptop model will have a specific inverter design and they are generally not interchangeable. Replacing an inverter is a relatively quick and inexpensive solution and is usually more cost-effective than repairing it. The replacement process simply involves removing the screen bezel, unplugging the old inverter, and replacing it with the new one. A laptop inverter carries a high voltage warning and should only be replaced by a qualified professional under static control conditions.
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