Adapteri

Adapteri is a device that enables two components with incompatible interfaces, formats, or standards to connect and communicate. It may alter the physical connector, the electrical signal, or the data protocol. Adapters are used across consumer electronics, computing, and telecommunications to extend compatibility without replacing equipment.

Adapters fall into several broad categories. Passive adapters change only the physical connector, while active adapters perform signal or voltage conversion to bridge different standards. Hybrid models combine both functions. Common domains include electrical power adapters, data adapters, video and display adapters, audio adapters, and network adapters. Travel plug adapters are a familiar consumer subclass that allows devices to be plugged into outlets with different plug shapes.

Typical examples illustrate their use. A USB-C to USB-A adapter lets a modern laptop connect to legacy USB devices. An HDMI to VGA adapter enables output from newer graphics cards to older displays. A USB-to-Ethernet adapter can provide network access where a built‑in port is absent. Some adapters require drivers and act as interfaces between different data protocols, while others are purely mechanical or passive connectors.

Considerations when selecting an adapter include compatibility with standards (for example USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, or Ethernet), supported bandwidth, voltage and current requirements for power adapters, and potential need for drivers. Safety and regulatory compliance marks may apply, particularly for power adapters. In everyday language, adapters are often called dongles, and they differ from converters, which change the signal type rather than merely the interface.