high voltage low current supply circuit diagram

A high voltage power supply is a valuable source that can be effectively used in various applications, such as biasing gas-discharge tubes and radiation detectors. This type of power supply can also serve as a protective measure, such as electrically charging fences. The current requirement is typically in the range of a few microamps. In this application, high voltage exists between a live wire and ground. When the live wire is touched, the discharge occurs through body resistance, delivering a non-lethal but deterrent shock to an intruder. The circuit is designed around a single transistorized blocking oscillator, with the transformer being a crucial component. This transformer can be constructed using readily available ferrite cores. Two E sections of the core are joined face-to-face after the enameled copper wire is wound on a former and placed inside. The transformer winding details are provided in a table. In this configuration, the primary winding and feedback winding are arranged to ensure sustaining oscillation once the supply is activated. The waveform's duty cycle is asymmetrical, which is not critical for this application. It is important to note that if oscillations do not occur at the time of switching on, the terminals of either the feedback or primary winding (but not both) should be reversed. The primary oscillation amplitude is approximately 24V (peak-to-peak), which is amplified by the transformer’s large step-up ratio, resulting in about 800V (peak-to-peak) across the secondary. A simple series voltage multiplier, known as the Cockcroft-Walton circuit, is utilized to incrementally boost this voltage, yielding a final DC output of approximately 2 kV. However, the output voltage is not well regulated. With a constant load, the final voltage can be adjusted by varying the supply voltage. The current configuration produces 2 kV from an input DC voltage of 15 V. Although higher voltages can be achieved by increasing the input supply, caution is advised, as component ratings must be respected. Exceeding these ratings can lead to electrical discharges and breakdowns, potentially damaging the device.

The high voltage power supply circuit is composed of several key components that work in conjunction to produce the desired output. The blocking oscillator utilizes a transistor, which serves as the primary switching element. The feedback mechanism is critical for maintaining oscillation, allowing the circuit to continuously generate high voltage until the supply is turned off.

The transformer plays a pivotal role in stepping up the voltage. It consists of a primary winding, a feedback winding, and a secondary winding. The primary winding receives the input voltage and, through electromagnetic induction, generates a high voltage in the secondary winding. The design of the transformer, including the number of turns in each winding, is crucial for achieving the required voltage step-up ratio.

The Cockcroft-Walton circuit, employed as a voltage multiplier, consists of a series of capacitors and diodes arranged in a specific configuration to convert the AC voltage from the transformer into a higher DC voltage. Each stage of the multiplier increases the voltage in a stepwise manner, resulting in the final output of approximately 2 kV.

Safety considerations are paramount when working with high voltage circuits. Proper insulation, component ratings, and circuit protection measures must be implemented to prevent electrical shock and equipment damage. Regular testing and maintenance are recommended to ensure the reliability and safety of the power supply. Overall, this high voltage power supply circuit is a versatile solution for applications requiring high voltage with relatively low current.Ahigh voltage power supply is a very useful source which can be effectively used in many applications like biasing of gas-discharge tubes and radiation detectors etc. Such a power supply could also be used for protection of property by electric charging of fences. Here the current requirement is of the order of a few microamps. In such an applicat ion, high voltage would essentially exist between a live wire and ground. When this live wire is touched, the discharge occurs via body resistance and it gives a non-lethal but deterrent shock to an intruder. The circuit is built around a single transistorised blocking oscillator. An important element in this circuit is the transformer. It can be fabricated on easily available ferrite cores. Two E sections of the core are joined face-to-face after the enamelled copper wire wound on former is placed in it.

The details of the transformer windings are given in the Table. In this configuration, the primary winding and the feedback winding are arranged such that a sustaining oscillation is ensured once the supply is switched on. The waveform s duty cycle is asymmetrical, but it is not very important in this application. Please note that if the oscillations do not occur at the switch-on time, the transformer winding terminals of the feedback or the primary winding (but not both) should be reversed.

The primary oscillation amplitude is about 24V(p-p). This gets amplified with the large step-up ratio of the transformer and we get about 800V(p-p) across the secondary. A simple series voltage multiplier (known as Cockroft-Walton circuit) is used to boost up this voltage in steps to give a final DC of about 2 kV.

The output voltage, however, is not very well regulated. But if there is a constant load, the final voltage can be adjusted by varying the supply voltage. The present configuration gives 2 kV for an input DC voltage of 15 V. Though higher voltages could be achieved by increasing input supply, one word of caution is necessary: that the component ratings have to be kept in mind. If the ratings are exceeded then there will be electrical discharges and breakdowns, which will damage the device Disclaimer: All the information present on this site are for personal use only.

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