MagSafe

MagSafe is the name of the power connector for current notebook of the brand Apple. He was introduced on 10 January 2006 together with the MacBook Pro at Macworld Expo and has since been installed in the models of MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. The primary objective of this quick release connector is to avoid fall accidents in connection with the tripping over the power supply cable.

Design and function

The holding of the connector in the associated jack by means of magnetism occurs. Of the metal body of the power supply connector is not plugged in, and then held by frictional force, as in conventional connectors, but in a small recess at the laptop is inserted and held by a permanent magnet in position. Result, the current-supplying, cable side spring-loaded gold contacts are brought into contact and pressed. With a powerful train on the cable in any direction, the compound dissolves, thus eliminating the risk of accidents with most major damage sequence in which the computer is torn from the tight plugged cables from the table.

This design also prevents the power jack breaks out inside on the circuit board of the computer and causes a loose connection. This can happen at conventional connectors when the power plug is bent outward and is especially likely if the power plug is not deducted before packing a laptop in a bag. However, like not suffering the plug connection in the operation of the notebook on a soft surface on which to sink the unit, the plug alike.

The rectangular connector is symmetrical, so it can be loaded in both directions. On the lateral surfaces of the plug LED are attached, which indicates the status of charging: orange means charging, green fully charged.

Due to the exposed contacts of the connector system is suitable only for small voltages.

Patent and consanguinity

Apple has a patent on this magnetic plug connection. A similar construction was previously at various kitchen appliances use. In August 2011 it was announced that Apple has applied for a patent for a MagSafe connector for the iPad. Whether and when this is built into the tablet, is unclear.

Power Supply

The power adapter to the MagSafe connector has the secondary side, the permanently connected MagSafe cable, primary side, a removable and country specific power cord. Included with the MagSafe power adapter are located in Germany, a small Euro plug and a long connecting cable with safety plug. It is available in different electrical power levels, depending on the notebook model, has been sold by Apple.

Pin assignment

The compound has five pins, which are arranged linearly symmetrical to the center. The central pin (3) serves to control the LED on the connector. On the inner pins (2 ) and ( 4) is the positive pole of about 14 V to 19 V, depending on model. Very outside each of the ground terminal (1) and (5). The outer metal rim serves the magnetic connection and in addition the electrical shielding.

Via the connector, a serial data line is switched to turn on the power supply voltage and exchange data. The chip is therefore located in the Magsafe connector itself

Weaknesses

2007 Apple had to recall the power adapter, as it came to cable breaks again and again. Some of the cables and the cable insulation were so thin that the plug began to stew at the breaks. Apple has subsequently increased the insulation. The computer magazine c't referred to the problems as " break points " and on the Internet, there are numerous instructions on how to repair the unit by means of a soldering iron out of warranty itself. However, the problems do not affect the connect system itself, but to thin cables feeding.