How to modify a 12V AC DC charger to change its output voltage?

Hey there! I'm a supplier of 12V AC DC chargers, and I often get asked about how to modify these chargers to change their output voltage. It's a pretty common need, especially when you've got different devices that require different power levels. So, in this blog post, I'm gonna walk you through the process, step by step.

Understanding the Basics

First things first, you gotta understand what an AC DC charger does. Simply put, it takes in alternating current (AC) from your wall outlet and converts it into direct current (DC), which most electronic devices use. Our 12V chargers are designed to output a steady 12 volts of DC power, but sometimes you might need more or less than that.

Before you start modifying anything, you need to know that there are different types of 12V AC DC chargers. There are linear chargers and switching chargers. Linear chargers are simpler and use a transformer to step down the voltage, but they're less efficient. Switching chargers, on the other hand, are more complex but much more efficient. They use a switching regulator to control the output voltage.

Safety First

Modifying a charger can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. You're dealing with electricity, after all. So, before you even think about opening up your charger, make sure you unplug it from the wall. Also, wear insulated gloves and use insulated tools to avoid getting shocked. If you're not comfortable working with electronics, it's best to leave it to a professional.

Tools You'll Need

To modify your 12V charger, you'll need a few tools. Here's a list of what you'll need:

• A soldering iron and solder
• A multimeter to measure voltage
• A small screwdriver set to open the charger case
• Resistors or potentiometers (more on these later)

Modifying a Linear Charger

If you've got a linear charger, modifying it to change the output voltage is a bit easier. Here's how you can do it:

1. Open the Charger Case: Use your screwdriver to carefully open the charger case. Be gentle so you don't damage any of the components inside.
2. Locate the Voltage Regulation Circuit: In a linear charger, the voltage regulation circuit usually consists of a voltage regulator IC and some resistors. The voltage regulator IC is a small chip with three pins.
3. Change the Resistors: The output voltage of a linear charger is determined by the values of the resistors in the voltage regulation circuit. To increase the output voltage, you need to increase the value of the resistor connected to the adjust pin of the voltage regulator IC. To decrease the output voltage, you need to decrease the value of this resistor. You can use a potentiometer instead of a fixed resistor if you want to be able to adjust the voltage easily.
4. Solder the New Resistor: Once you've selected the right resistor or potentiometer, solder it into place. Make sure the connections are good and there are no loose wires.
5. Test the Output Voltage: After you've soldered the new resistor, close the charger case and plug it in. Use your multimeter to measure the output voltage. If it's not the voltage you want, you may need to adjust the resistor value again.

Modifying a Switching Charger

Modifying a switching charger is a bit more complicated because these chargers use a more complex voltage regulation circuit. Here's how you can do it:

1. Open the Charger Case: Just like with the linear charger, use your screwdriver to open the charger case.
2. Locate the Feedback Circuit: In a switching charger, the feedback circuit is responsible for controlling the output voltage. It usually consists of a voltage divider network and a feedback resistor.
3. Change the Feedback Resistor: The output voltage of a switching charger is determined by the value of the feedback resistor. To increase the output voltage, you need to increase the value of the feedback resistor. To decrease the output voltage, you need to decrease the value of this resistor.
4. Solder the New Resistor: Solder the new feedback resistor into place. Make sure the connections are good and there are no loose wires.
5. Test the Output Voltage: After you've soldered the new resistor, close the charger case and plug it in. Use your multimeter to measure the output voltage. If it's not the voltage you want, you may need to adjust the resistor value again.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Power Rating: When you change the output voltage of a charger, you also need to consider the power rating. The power rating of a charger is the maximum amount of power it can output. If you increase the output voltage, you may need to decrease the current to keep the power rating the same.
• Heat Dissipation: Changing the output voltage can also affect the heat dissipation of the charger. If you increase the output voltage, the charger may generate more heat. Make sure the charger has proper ventilation to prevent overheating.
• Compatibility: Not all devices are compatible with different output voltages. Before you modify your charger, make sure the device you're going to use it with can handle the new voltage.

Our Products

If you're not comfortable modifying your own charger, or if you need a charger with a specific output voltage, we've got you covered. We offer a wide range of AC DC chargers, including LED Driver, 12V2A Traffic Light Power Supply, and 12/24v LED Power Supply. Our chargers are high-quality and reliable, and we can customize them to meet your specific needs.

Contact Us for Procurement

If you're interested in purchasing our 12V AC DC chargers or have any questions about modifying chargers, feel free to reach out to us. We're always happy to help and discuss your requirements. Whether you need a small quantity for personal use or a large order for your business, we can work with you to find the best solution.

References

• Electronics textbooks on power supplies and voltage regulation
• Online forums and communities for electronics enthusiasts