Abstract: A power supply connector including a spring loaded member that enhances a connector's ability to engage various power receptacles. This enhanced engagement of the connector and the power receptacle may reduce a contact resistance between the two components and heat dissipation associated therewith. Thus, the power supply connector reduces the risk of damage to the power supply due to heat dissipation in the power receptacle, power supply connector, or other portion of the power supply.

Abstract: A temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, senses the temperature inside a power source connector, or other portion, of a power supply. This sensed temperature may then be used to determine if the output power should be reduced or switched off in order to avoid overheating of the connector, or other portion of the power supply. Overheating of the power supply may occur, for example, if contact between the connector and a cigarette lighter power receptacle is incomplete. A microcontroller may be used to monitor the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor and reduce or disable the power supply if the temperature is above a threshold temperate. Accordingly, heat damage to the plastic components of the power supply, the cigarette lighter receptacle, may be reduced.

Abstract: A power supply is provided with a microcontroller configured to adjust an output signal from the power supply. A connector that is electronically coupled to the microcontroller includes programming elements, such as resistors or a memory device, that are indicative of a desired output power level. The microcontroller senses one or more characteristics of the programming elements and adjusts the level of power output from the power supply accordingly. The microcontroller may also be configured to monitor connections to the power supply to determine if there are any faults, such as short circuits or bad connections that may damage the power supply or the electronic device powered by the power supply.

Abstract: Described herein is a power supply that is able to detect that the power supply is coupled to an in-seat power source of an aircraft, for example, and limit the available output power, thereby reducing the possibility of the in-seat power supply turning off. Thus, those electronic devices that include power management systems can adjust to the reduced available power by turning off unused devices or processes, such as battery charging, or reducing a processor power.