Cockcroft-Walton voltage multipliers.
Here are some applications of the Cockroft-Walton voltage doubler circuit for generating high voltages from a low voltage AC source. The circuit is
quite practical for generating thousands of volts (or more) or just a few volts at high current. Since the circuit is AC-coupled it may be connected to
a power supply's secondary transformer winding to generate an additional or opposite polarity voltage.
10V
IN
OUT
9V
Capacitors are in series so larger values are needed
but a lower breakdown voltage rating is allowed. This
connection is recommended when generating high
voltages at low currents.
8V
7V
IN
OUT
6V
5V
Capacitors share a common connection but must have a higher voltage rating.
This connection is recommended when generating lower voltages at higher
currents.
4V
TTL Squarewave Input
(HCMOS)
-4 VDC OUT
3V
2V
1V
-9 Volt Output
TTL Input
AC Input
Typical photomultiplier chain. The capacitors may decrease
in value at the higher voltages since they do not carry the
current for the lower dynodes.