Too many chargers for all your USB devices? Cambrionix can help.
Posted on: 06/01/2012 04:23 AM

Cambrionix is well known in the USB charger market. If your using a multiport USB charging station, chances are Cambrionix technology will be inside. So, this Cambridge based company had a problem: With so many gadgets now on the market that use USB charging, (iPad's, Tablet's, iPod's and MP3 players, iPhone's and smartphones, handheld game consoles, e-readers and 3D glasses) charging all these devices is becoming a bit of a problem. Here is a picture of the prototype of the new unit:



Most people know the problems of trying to find multiple unused electric sockets, enough space, the mess of cables, and of course, making sure you match the right chargers with the right gadgets. Desks and kitchen worktops across the globe are covered in gadgets on charge, ready for their next use. But the problem that most people are unaware of, and the main reasons you need so many different chargers, is the issue of current and voltage.

So lets get a little technical. Many people know it is important to match voltage of a power supply or charger to the product. If the product says 5V DC, it is important that 5V DC is used to charge the product. If too many too many volts are applied (e.g 12V), then logically and practically you will certainly destroy the so-loved electronics product! If too few volts are applied, the product won’t work. Pretty simple, right?

The bigger problem is current; an often a misunderstood concept. Current is supplied by a power supply or charger. A product like an iPhone/iPad consumes current. Your iPhone will try and take as much current as it needs. So, for example, if your iPhone requires 2.1Amps then the power supply should be able to supply 2.1Amps or more. If the power supply can supply more than 2.1Amps this doesn’t matter as the product will only take the 2.1Amps it needs (aww, what a well mannered iPhone). Providing less current, though, will prevent charging and eventually have a negative impact on the lifetime of the battery. This can be a very expensive mistake to make! So, to keep everything working at it's optimum level, it is vital to match voltage between the charger and device.

Enter the Cambrionix U8S change and sync component. Whatever device is connected, the internal database (user upgradeable via the Cambrionix firmware updater application) will ensure the correct charging profile of voltage and current is used, maintaining battery performance and extending battery life. The "future proof" design ensures that even if you upgrade or buy additional devices in the future, the U8S will always be able to charge them.

From the creator: "The Cambrionix U8S also gives you total control of individual ports via the host computer and a terminal application or programming script if required, without the need for additional hardware. Port monitoring via a terminal application allows a real time view of all of the port states including the charging profile used, the current being consumed by each device, security status and unauthorized removal plus many other parameters. This total control over individual port function makes the U8S perfect for use in schools, library’s, charging kiosks, hotels, restaurants, conference center’s, and airline lounges. Anywhere you can think of where your customer service can be enhanced by offering universal charging facilities."

Pricing and availability is currently unknown. Sorry!

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