Berkeley CSUA MOTD:Entry 36926
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2026/05/17 [General] UID:1000 Activity:popular
5/17    

2005/3/28-30 [Science/Electric] UID:36926 Activity:low
3/28    So I'm really confused about the DC to DC, car-to-laptop power adapter.
        How come most of them are "inverter" types, where you convert from
        DC to AC, and then AC to DC? Isn't that inefficient?
        \_ Using a resistor or transistor to do DC->DC also gives power loss.
           -not an EE.
        \_ It's easier to step up/down the voltage if the current is in the
           form of AC.
           \_ Really?  Is it "easier" than pulsed DC?
              \_ If nothing else, the parts are probably cheaper. -gm
        \_ How sure are you that's the case?
2026/05/17 [General] UID:1000 Activity:popular
5/17    

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