Dell OEM AC Adapters vs Universal AC Adapters: How/Why they work or, Not...

My question is a simple one. And, the answer may be just as simple when explained. However, I have yet to even see the question asked.

First, I understand that Dell incorporates the use a Dallas chipset (DS2501,  UniqueWareTM Add Only Memory) into their AC adapters and, laptops. And, that these chips communicate utilizing the "1-wire" center pin on the connector/cable between them. I understand this to be the mechanism that the laptop uses to determine if the adapter is what it believes it should be (PSID- PowerSourceID...?). It has also been cited that, due to the "1-wire" acting as an antenna , these chips are highly susceptible and, prone to damage from ESD . The chips being the greater concern in the chain.

I also understand that if any of the components (chips, cable or, connector) in that chain should fail, then the adapter ceases to charge the battery and, yet, will still allow the use of the computer while plugged into an AC outlet.

And now, finally, my actual question:

How/why does a 'universal' charger work in place of the OEM? The cable/adapter tips only have two (2) points of connection. They obviously do not utilize the "1-wire" center lead at all. And, yet...the laptop will see it for what it is, use it to power the system AND, charge the battery.

I've not experimented with this but, I believe because a 2-lead connection is all that is being made when using a universal adapter that, possibly the only reason for receiving error messages is BECAUSE there is still some connection being made between these possibly bad chips? And, if removed,could possibly "fix" this problem?

On a side-note: Maybe someone can help me to understand the following:  Recently, while diagnosing this very problem on a Dell belonging to a friend of mine, I had the occasion to use MY PA-10 AC adapter on HIS machine. IT DID NOT WORK. The same messages were received. And, I know for FACT, that charger was working less than 30 minutes prior. It was then that I began to worry. Not for his LAPTOP but, for MY ADAPTER. I immediately plugged it back into my machine and lo and behold...NOTHING.

It killed my adapter? Anything IS possible, I guess. HOWEVER, days after returning the laptop with no other suggestion other than to purchase another adapter, I find out he had plugged in HIS adapter and, is now charging said laptop with the suspect adapter.

I, on the other hand, have never been able to make MY adapter work again on MY laptop. And, knowing what I know about this whole AC adapter Scam (for lack of a better term), I opted to purchase a third-party universal adapter. Which, I am happy to say, is working well so far.

Anyone with relevant technical knowledge specific to this question...?

Thank you in advance,
Ken S. - Komputerwerks