Voltage Multipliers

Voltage multipliers are alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converters that produce high-potential DC voltage from a lower voltage, AC source. They are used with constant, high-impedance loads and in applications where input voltage stability is not critical. Voltage multipliers can receive an input voltage directly from a power source, but often use a transformer to minimize potential hazards. The ratio of the output voltage to the input voltage determines whether a voltage multiplier is categorized as a voltage doubler, a voltage tripler, a voltage quadrupler, or a voltage pentupler. For example, voltage doublers are voltage multipliers whose output is twice the peak input voltage. Half-wave voltage doublers usually contain two half-wave voltage rectifiers. In full-wave voltage doublers, the capacitors are connected in parallel with the output load. Voltage triplers contain additional series-aiding devices and can provide either positive alternation or negative alteration. Voltage quadruplers and voltage pentuplers are also available.

Specifications for voltage multipliers include number of stages, AC input voltage, AC input frequency, DC output voltage, DC output power, temperature range, and integrated circuit (IC) package type. Products are designated as half-wave or full-wave and series or parallel. Multi-stage voltage multipliers can have 4, 6, 8 or 10 stages. Half wave voltage multipliers exert uniform stress on components such as diodes and capacitors. Full wave voltage multipliers also exert uniform stress on components, but are suitable for higher voltages. Parallel multipliers require a higher voltage rating on each successive stage, but require less capacitance per stage. The capacitors’ voltage capability determines the maximum output voltage. With half wave parallel multipliers, the voltage stress on the capacitors increases with each successive stage. IC package types for voltage multipliers include dual in-line package (DIP) and ceramic dual in-line package (CDIP).

Voltage multipliers carry specifications for applications and approvals. Products with high-voltage outputs are often used as the anode of cathode ray tubes (CRT) in radar scopes, oscilloscopes and televisions. Voltage multipliers can also be used as the primary power supply in equipment where the VAC input is rectified to pulsating DC. In terms of approvals, voltage multipliers that are designed for sale in Europe should meet the requirements of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directives from the European Union (EU).

• Design Guideline: AAT3190 Positive/Negative Charge Pump
  This Application Note presents the design guideline and load line characteristics for the AAT3190 positive/negative charge pump with voltage multiplier stage. With a few external passive components,...
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• UltraVolt HVPS Output-Current Monitor
  UltraVolt's high-voltage power supplies (HVPSs) have an output-current monitor (Iout Monitor), which allows the total output current of the HV multiplier to be monitored. Note, since the sense circuit...
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• UltraVolt HVPS Output-Current Monitor
  UltraVolt's high-voltage power supplies (HVPSs) have an output-current monitor (Iout Monitor), which allows the total output current of the HV multiplier to be monitored. Note, since the sense circuit...
  (read more)

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Part Numbers for Voltage Multipliers