A voltage multiplier uses a specific arrangement of capacitors and diodes to step up an input AC voltage to a higher DC output voltage. The circuit works by charging the capacitors in parallel during one half-cycle of the AC input and discharging them in series during the next. This approach provides a high-voltage bias without requiring a heavy, expensive step-up transformer.
We need a voltage multiplier to generate the 500 volts required for the photomultiplier tube from our low-voltage supply.
Related terms
Capacitor
A passive two-terminal component that stores electrical energy in an electric field.
Diode
A two-terminal semiconductor component that restricts electrical current to flow in only one direction.
Rectify
To convert alternating current into direct current using components that only allow one-way electron flow.
Tripler
A circuit that outputs a frequency or voltage exactly three times that of its input.