adattatore

Adattatore (Italian for "adapter") is a device that enables interoperability between incompatible interfaces, connectors, voltages, or protocols by providing a bridging function. It may be passive, altering physical connections or pinouts, or active, containing electronics to translate signals or negotiate communications between systems.

Common categories include electrical adapters (plug adapters and voltage converters), travel adapters, data adapters (USB-to-Ethernet, USB-C to HDMI), video adapters (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA), audio adapters (3.5 mm, optical), and network adapters (Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth).

Design and use: adapters must respect electrical ratings, connector geometries, and, when applicable, data and signal standards. Passive adapters simply remap pins or formats, while active adapters perform protocol translation, voltage level shifting, or protocol negotiation. Some adapters are directional, intended to work only in one direction, while others are bidirectional or universal.

Safety and regulation: many adapters are subject to safety standards and certifications (for example CE or UL in various regions). Using an adapter outside its rated specifications can damage equipment or create hazards such as electrical shock or fire risk. Proper use also helps preserve signal integrity and device warranty.

In practice, adapters are widely used to enable compatibility across evolving standards in consumer electronics, computing, and industrial equipment, from travel plug adapters to complex multiport video and data converters. See also: connector, interface, converter.