A screen inverter powers the LCD display in a laptop by transforming direct current into alternating current. It can improve screen resolution and display options, but is often one of the first things to fail in an outdated machine. Common problems include dim or faded images, and faulty circuitry or conductor coils. Repairs can be done at home with some computer engineering knowledge, but it’s recommended to check the warranty information before making any replacements.
A screen inverter is a small circuit board in a laptop computer that passes a power current from the body of the machine to the connected liquid crystal display (LCD). It works by transforming a direct electric current from the motherboard into an alternating current. The alternating current then triggers what is known as a “backlight,” a complex series of signals that cause images generated by the hard drive to appear on the screen. This tool is also often known as a backlight inverter or LCD inverter, among other names. It’s critically important for your laptop to function properly, but it’s often one of the first things to fail in an outdated machine. Repairs are sometimes possible but not always, and in any case tend to require some expertise.
Main purpose
The main function of the inverter is to power the LCD display of the laptop. To some extent, this means that it is responsible for channeling energy from the mainframe to the screen so that the screen lights up and projects accurate images. Standalone “desktop” computers typically have monitors completely separate from their hard drives, and the inverters in these settings don’t work the same way. A translation is still required, but is usually done via an external cable connected to a video card. In a laptop, everything is built together, which means these connections have to happen internally. The screen inverter performs this role.
How does it work?
Inverter boards have gotten smaller and better quality as laptop technology has improved, and as a result their performance has gotten better and more reliable. On most laptops this device looks like a thin strip with multiple switches and wires, and is usually found just below the LCD, right at the hinge where the top folds over the keyboard; people can access it by removing the plastic frame around the screen. It is typically connected on one end to the internal video line and on the other to the backlight. In addition to powering the screen, the inverter also creates better screen resolution and can give users more control over display options. Its main job is to mix and interpret electric currents.
Common problems
Even if the device performs a seemingly simple task, when it fails the results are usually impractical. Difficult connections or wiring problems can mean that the screen will appear to be lit, but the light will be very dim and the images may be very hard to see. This can make your computer difficult and frustrating to use, even if your memory and hard drive are in good working order. The LCD may also show only very faded images, or the laptop may appear to be starting up, but the screen remains dark.
Faulty circuitry or faulty conductor coils are two of the most common causes of inverter problems. Sometimes it can be difficult in such cases to determine if the backlight has just burned out or if the inverter has failed. The symptoms of each are very similar and both may display a dim or briefly lit screen with some or no images, but inverter problems are generally more difficult to fix. Backlighting is often more like a light bulb that can simply be replaced; the inverter is a more complex piece of hardware that usually needs more extensive repairs and rework.
Repair Tips
The simplest thing people can do when they suspect a faulty screen inverter is to take their machine to a repair shop, but this can get expensive. Simple tweaks and rewiring can be done at home in most cases, provided people have some knowledge of computer engineering.
There are multiple websites that detail the step-by-step process of accessing the card, examining the damage, and replacing it if necessary. Depending on the extent of the problem, simply buying a new inverter is often easier than trying to fix old problems. Many computer dealers sell this part and in most cases it is not very expensive. However, it is often recommended that users check the warranty information on the computer before making repairs or replacements; if the laptop still has a valid warranty, the manufacturer will usually take care of the repair at no cost.
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