A regional converter safely steps down or steps up AC line voltage, typically converting 220V European mains to 110V North American mains or vice versa. Basic magnetic converters only change the voltage amplitude, while advanced solid-state versions also alter the frequency from 50 hertz to 60 hertz. They are essential for running imported test gear or consumer electronics without blowing internal fuses.
Plug the Japanese oscilloscope into the regional converter so you don't fry the primary winding.
Also heard as
- step-down transformer
- travel converter
Related terms
Power brick
An external power supply enclosed in a rectangular block that sits outside the main device.
PSU
A power supply unit converts utility AC power into the regulated DC voltages required by a system.
SMPS
A switched-mode power supply uses high-frequency switching to efficiently convert electrical power.