What does the inverter do on a laptop?

[tboo]

Just like the title says: What does an inverter do on a laptop?

 

[Tailback]

An inverter converts DC voltage to AC voltage while a transformer converts AC to DC. (I think, I was usually pretty hungover in Air Force Power Production School.)

 

[Tailback]

Whoops, a transformer changes the voltage, and a rectifier changes from AC to DC. Ahhh to he11 with it, I don't remember, I'm getting old!

 

[kayatai]

I always heard the term inverter used when describing problems with the backlight on the LCD, ie you may have a bad inverter if the backlight doesn't come on.

 

[thraxes]

An inverter makes a low voltage DC source a high voltage AC source.

It's mainly used for powering Cold Cathode Lights as used in casemods and LCD panels.