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

8V

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.

7V

IN
6V

OUT

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)

3V

-4 VDC OUT

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.