This model from Hong Kong-based Everfast features seven different adapters. Made of plastic, the product is priced at $1.70.

Under efforts to meet the requirements of advanced mobile communication and computing equipment, suppliers of cigarette lighter adapters in the Greater China region are boosting product durability and functionality.

The main thrust in prolonging service life is the incorporation of safety features in designs.

Made to handle multiple devices simultaneously, new models have a built-in fuse that protects against short circuit and overload. Components for reverse polarity resistance are also installed.

Some units are even equipped with a self-recovery mechanism, which allows them to shut down when an electrical malfunction occurs and restart automatically after the problem is resolved.

Nudging safety up a notch, most companies are also fitting cigarette lighter adapters with a negative delta V detection system to enable smart charging.

The component determines the point at which the voltage in the plug-in unit’s battery drops, subsequent to reaching the full-load state, and switches the mode from rapid to trickle charging thereafter.

Without such an intervention, the excess electrical energy is converted to heat and causes a sharp temperature upsurge in the battery. This can lead to permanent damage of the connected device.

The microprocessor-controlled system was originally a standard in Taiwan-made designs but is now being offered as an optional function. This comes as makers in the island strive to increase price competitiveness. The feature pushes per-unit quotes up by $1.

In Hong Kong, Vanson Electronics Ltd. is among suppliers that offer cigarette lighter adapters with this detection technology.

Placing a premium on safety, some companies are also incorporating timers and temperature monitors in models to prevent overheating during charging.

Manufacturers in Greater China consider durability a priority in material selection.

Suppliers based in mainland China are adopting brass and stainless steel for the anode and cathode, components through which the current flows. Employed for upscale models, these are chosen for their high conductivity and rust resistance.

ABS, PC, nylon, fiberglass and Bakelite are used for the housings because of their tensile strength and ability to withstand temperatures as high as 250 C. These types of plastic also provide electrical insulation.

The majority of mainland companies procure materials domestically because the quality is on a par with imported versions.

Resource abundance is another advantage. More than 300 material suppliers are located in Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces, which are also the major manufacturing hubs for the line.

ABS is likewise the predominant housing material for Taiwan- and Hong Kong-made cigarette lighter adapters.

In Hong Kong, RPS Industries Co. Ltd utilizes the upgraded version, PCABS, to yield energy-efficient models with less vulnerability to interference.

Everfast Rechargeables Ltd, on the other hand, is using recyclable, impact-resistant PET for the casings. Designs made of this environment-friendly material are 50 percent more expensive than ABS models. As such, only a few suppliers currently offer such products.
Functional upgrades

	Hangzhou Dipa of mainland China offers the DPV-138 model equipped with three 12 or 24V sockets and a 1.2m cable. Price is $1.98.

Suppliers are boosting the user convenience and capability of their cigarette lighter adapters.

Among mainland companies interviewed for this report, Hangzhou Dipa Products Ltd has introduced the DPV-180 model equipped with an LED lamp for illumination.

The unit has two 12 or 24V sockets and two USB ports for data transmission.

The design also incorporates a 90-degree swivel arm that locks in place to position the plug-in devices more securely, especially when the vehicle is in motion. The price is $2.80.

Hangzhou Dongsong Power Device Co. Ltd offers the AA-102 model featuring a 6ft extension cord. The 12VDC design is fitted with an LED display and a 10A fuse for overload protection.

The CA 40 model from Shenzhen Sunkin Technology Co. Ltd is a miniature cigarette lighter adapter with a self-recovery function. This space-saving version meets CE, E-Mark and RoHS standards.

Yuyao Jiajia Electrical Appliance Co. Ltd has released the BJJ3-2A1 model that has an on/off safety switch and three 12 or 24V sockets.

Taiwan makers are developing high-power designs to support a wider range of mobile electronic equipment.

Atech Technology Co. Ltd is concentrating on models that can provide up to 24V output. Suitable for laptops, the product is slated for release in June 2008 at Computex Taipei.

High-power adapters from Fan-Jet Enterprise Co. Ltd can be used for PDAs, personal navigation devices, and portable media players and PlayStation consoles.

At Yeu Tsang Co. Ltd, 24V/10A adapters are usually manufactured on an OEM basis.

The company is working on designs for motorcycles with a 500cc engine displacement.

The trend for models with greater connectivity is also seen in Hong Kong.

New designs from RPS can accommodate GPS units. Some feature up to four USB ports.

Everfast has introduced versions with both 12 and 24V sockets, which permits them to be used in cars and boats.

Cigarette lighter adapters from Hong Kong target the midrange market. The US, Europe, Australia and South Africa are the export destinations.

Basic-function units are priced at $1, while high-power models go for more than $20. Quotes of some designs rose 30 percent in past months due to the material and labor costs upsurge. Further increases are expected in coming months.