With the mass proliferation of mobile
devices and various computer and homeentertainment
peripherals, most of us
suffer from a bad case of wall warts.
Doug Palmer, a principal development engineer at the San
Diego division of the California Institute for Telecommunications
and Information Technology (Calit2), uses the phrase
“wall warts” to describe the plethora of external power supplies
that vie for position in his and our wall sockets and power
strips (Fig. 1). Depending on the number of these supplies in
play, one’s affliction can range from mild to severe.
A POWER ADAPTER FOR ALL REASONS
Palmer’s Universal Power Adapter, dubbed the uPower or
UPA, would be compatible with and perform as a single power
source for a wide variety of devices, providing only the exact
voltage each requires. Currently in the first stages of designing
a prototype, he is shooting for a smart replacement for transformers
and adapters that will supply both power and communications
to consumer electronics (Fig. 2).
In theory, components interfacing with the UPA employ
low-data-rate communications to inform the adapter what
voltage levels they require. Upon receiving requests, the adapter
supplies the precise voltage each component needs, resulting in
more efficient use of power.
Another unique feature of the adapter is its smart design.
Hooked into the power line, it will be able to compensate during
power outages to perform non-peak charging functions
as well as transfer power between connected devices based on
necessity. For example, should the user have a fully charged
media player and a depleted cell phone online, the UPA can use
the media player to charge the phone.
ON THE GREEN SIDE
Like all power products, one important goal is efficiency. As
per Palmer, the UPA makes powering electronic devices more
efficient since it provides only the voltages needed—no more,
no less. This translates into more green in the wallets of consumers
after paying their electric bills.
Notably, the adapter will be able to accept a solar-power
input. Theoretically, users may be able to get their rechargeable
products off the power grid entirely by using inexpensive solar
panels to deliver power to the UPA, creating a sort of nano grid.
Again, this means more energy-cost savings.
Going a step further, Sukumar Srinivas, manager of Calit2-
UCSD’s India Initiative, believes the adapter is a viable means
for providing lighting in countries that don’t have any real power
grid. “The way to think about it is, what are the essentials?” he
asks. “Rather than solve the whole problem, our solution is practical
and small. Right now, lighting is potentially the biggest application
for the adapter when paired with a low-cost solar panel.”
THE FUTURE
Palmer believes there’s no limit to the types of devices his UPA
may support, including hybrid vehicles. He even foresees it
replacing wall outlets completely. In terms of securing funds for a
prototype, he’s been in touch with Ford and Qualcomm to discuss
the integration of uPower technology into their future products.
“
We need to bring the people together, and through that
synergy will come the funding and resources. It’s the generation
that hasn’t been born yet who will go nuts for this,” Palmer
says. Hopefully, today’s wall-wart sufferers won’t have to wait
that long. For additional information, contact Palmer at
dapalmer@ucsd.edu.