[Novalug] [OT] Not so silly question

[Nino Pereira]

I'm almost certain that a typical a USB device doesn't
have a transformer that is directly connected to the
USB port. The reason is simple: the USB port
gives a constant voltage and current, DC, and that doesn't do anything
in a transformer (except heat it).

In principle you could have a small DC to DC converter.
One type makes an oscillating current, feeds this into
a transformer, and then rectifies it again. High voltage
DC to DC converters may simply increase the voltage with
some diodes in series. But, none of this works with DC.

HTH,

Nino

Rich Goodwin wrote:
> <sheepish grin>  If a device charges via USB, would any USB charger
> suffice???  There's alot of devices out there that use USB as the
> charger.  Since each has some transformer, I'd presume (I hate the other
> version - assume) they would stay within standard USB charging specs.
> 
> Can anyone clarify??  I'm ready to buy a Palm TX (my Zaurus is appearing
> to show signs of aging - it lost data when changing batteries) and it
> uses USB for charging... since I have an iPod Nano, Motorla RAZR, .....
> can I use the existing charger(s)???</sheepish grin>  
> 
> Rich
> 
> 
> 
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