Term of the Moment
digital subject
Definition: adapter
A device that allows one system to interface to another. There are myriad adapters in the tech world. As each new standard is created, adapters are manufactured to accommodate existing products. An adapter may be a simple circuit that converts one set of signals to another.
USB-C to Everything
After USB Type C became the standard, countless adapters were made to convert earlier USB types to USB-C. In addition, USB-C can be adapted to non-USB interfaces, such as the 3.5mm headphone jack and Ethernet. See USB-C to 3.5mm adapter and USB-C to Ethernet.
Plug-in Adapters
Flash Memory Adapters
Adapters Are Essential
Adapters Galore
USB-C to Everything
After USB Type C became the standard, countless adapters were made to convert earlier USB types to USB-C. In addition, USB-C can be adapted to non-USB interfaces, such as the 3.5mm headphone jack and Ethernet. See USB-C to 3.5mm adapter and USB-C to Ethernet.
Although various adapters were commonly plugged into early computers, users rarely insert anything into their PCs today. The one exception is gamers, who always plug in a high-powered graphics adapter (see GPU). See host adapter.
After the SD card debuted for cameras, mini and micro versions were introduced for cellphones. The smaller cards can be inserted into SD card adapters and accessed by readers with full-size slots. See SD card.
New interfaces are constantly appearing, and adapters connect the old with the new.
One side of an adapter aisle in the Micro Center store in Eastern Pennsylvania. Adapters are here to stay!