Tolerance information on Power Adapters going +/- 1 volt with same/different amperage

Status
Not open for further replies.

c627627

Newbie level 5
Joined
May 18, 2011
Messages
8
Helped
0
Reputation
0
Reaction score
0
Trophy points
1,281
Visit site
Activity points
1,349
I need a post or link to a primer on tolerance information of going +/- 1 volt or more with same/different amperage and how dangerous that deviation is to 6V, 9V and 12V devices.

So I'd like to know the affects of using a power adapter that has
• Higher vs. lower voltage than the device asks for, +/- 1 volt vs. +/- 2 volts
• Higher vs. lower amperage specs than the device asks for

Background: An old Sega Genesis console says it needs a DC 9V 1.2A adaptor.
I had a bunch of 9V adaptors but they were 9V 200mA to 500mA range.
I also had a 10V 1.2A adaptor.

I resolved my original issue of SEGA Genesis console emitting a loud buzz, something it is apparently known to do, by trying several adaptors I had.
So once again the console says it needs a 9V 1.2A adaptor.

Buzzing went away with a 9V 500mA adaptor.
It was still there with a 10V 1.2A adaptor.
It was still there with a 9V 300mA adaptor.

What are the tolerances in general on this topic?
 

A cheap adapter has poor voltage regulation. I have one that is rated at 9V/200mA and it is correct. But at no current or a low current its voltage is higher than 18V. It is very hot at 200mA.
I have a locally made adapter that is 9V/500mA and it is correct. At no load or a low current its voltage is 12V. Its voltage regulation is not bad for having no regulation circuit.

I have a few adapters that say regulated 5V/2A and it is correct. From 0A to 2A the output is 5V.

The tolerance of the voltage regulation of an adapter depends on its price.
 

Status
Not open for further replies.
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…