A display inverter is a small circuit board in a laptop that passes a current of power from the body of the machine to the attached liquid crystal display (LCD). It works by transforming a direct electrical current from the motherboard into an alternating current. The alternating current then turns on what is known as a “backlight,” a complex series of signals that cause images generated from the hard drive to appear on the screen. This instrument is also often known as a backlight inverter or LCD inverter, among other names. It’s extremely important to the proper functioning of the laptop, but it’s usually one of the first things to fail on an aging machine. Repairs are sometimes possible, but not always, and in any case tend to require a bit of experience.
A display inverter creates the image that is displayed on a laptop screen.
Main purpose
The main function of the inverter is to power the LCD screen of the laptop. To some extent, this means that it is responsible for channeling power from the mainframe to the screen so that the screen lights up and projects accurate images. Stand-alone “desktop” computers often have screens that are completely separate from their hard drives, and inverters in these setups don’t work the same way. Some translation is still required, but it is usually done via an external cable connected to a graphics card. In a laptop, everything is integrated, which means that these connections must be made internally. The screen inverter performs this function.
Laptop repairs are sometimes possible, but not always, and in any case they usually require a bit of experience.
How does it work
Inverter boards have become smaller and better quality as laptop technology has improved, and as a result, their performance has improved and they are more reliable. On most laptops, this device looks like a thin strip with various switches and cables, and it’s usually located just below the LCD, right on the hinge where the top folds over the keyboard; people can access it by removing the plastic frame around the screen. It is normally connected at one end to the internal video line and at the other end to the backlight. In addition to powering the screen, the inverter also creates a better screen resolution and can give users more control over display options. Its main task is to encode and interpret electrical currents.
common problems
Even if the device performs a seemingly simple task, when it fails, the results are often impractical. Connection or wiring difficulties may mean that the screen will appear to be backlit, but the light will be very dim and images may be very difficult to see. This can make the computer difficult and frustrating to use, even if the memory and hard drive are working fine. The LCD screen may also display very dim images or the laptop may appear to be turning on but the screen remains dark.
Faulty circuits or faulty drive coils are two of the most common causes of inverter problems. In such cases, it can sometimes be difficult to determine whether the backlight has just burned out or the inverter is faulty. The symptoms of each are very similar and both can show a dim or dimly lit screen with some or no image, but inverter problems are often more difficult to correct. The backlight is often more like a light bulb that can simply be replaced; The inverter is a more complex piece of hardware that often needs more extensive repairs and rework.
repair tips
The easiest thing people can do when they suspect the screen is inverted wrong is to take their machine to a repair shop, but this can be expensive. In most cases, simple adjustments and reconnections can be done at home, as long as people have some knowledge of computer engineering.
There are several websites that detail the step-by-step process for accessing the board, examining the damage, and replacing it if necessary. Depending on the magnitude of the problem, simply buying a new inverter is often easier than trying to fix old problems. Many computer retailers carry this part, and in most places it is not very expensive. However, it is often recommended that users check the warranty information on the computer before doing any repairs or replacements; If the laptop still has a valid warranty, the manufacturer will usually handle the repair at no cost.
