How does my laptop know that I have a different brand power supply plugged in.

[thatsmessedup]

I have lots of high quality power supplies but my laptop refuses to charge on any except the one it came with. How can it even know?

 

[lehtv]

Because different bricks have different specs.

 

[Harvey]

Power bricks have different voltage and current rating, and they differ as to whether the sleve or inner contact is positive. Also, the outer diameter of the connector from various power supplies can vary.

Start by knowing the voltage and amperage requirements for your machine. The info should be on your original power brick, or you can check the manual or the manufacturer's site.

Any supply that provides the required voltage and AT LEAST the required current should work. A supply that provides more than the minimum required current is fine.

And be sure you know which terminal is supposed to be positive and which is ground.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Dell power bricks have a third "center pin", that is a data connector, that allows the laptop and the power brick to communicate, and the laptop verifies that you are using an official Dell power brick.

 

[C1]

http://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/16047/3-contact-laptop-power-supply

 

[pitz]

Dell power bricks have a third "center pin", that is a data connector, that allows the laptop and the power brick to communicate, and the laptop verifies that you are using an official Dell power brick.

I'm pretty sure anyone can just call up Analog Devices (or similar) and order the chips. There's nothing magical or proprietary about it. Only thing is, it has to be a proper/compatible chip on the other end, and sometimes the less-than-scrupulous "Asian" manufacturers try to cheap out on even that.

 

[MongGrel]

I've owned two prebuilt computer i my life I think the first was a Packard Bell 386 P40 I think I upgraded to a P60 in 1990.

The second was a Dell about 3 years later, the RAM was Propietary and I haf to pay twice as much at the time to upgrade it, so I've been building my own ever since.

 

[thatsmessedup]

Dell power bricks have a third "center pin", that is a data connector, that allows the laptop and the power brick to communicate, and the laptop verifies that you are using an official Dell power brick.

Interesting. I think this was the tidbit of information I was looking for. I never noticed a third pin in any of my power supplies so it must be somewhat hidden.

 

[thatsmessedup]

http://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/16047/3-contact-laptop-power-supply

Thanks, This was also very helpful as my computer will also not charge and goes into power save mode if I use a non oem charger no matter how powerful it may be.

 

[lazybedone]

Thank you so much! Its really helpful. My laptop had a problem 2 days ago with my power supply. Been very thankful to see this post!