A high-voltage generator is a device or system that converts low-voltage, low-power electrical energy into high-voltage, high-power electrical energy. Its core function is to generate stable or pulsed high-voltage outputs far higher than the input voltage.
Working principle
The working principle of a high-voltage generator mainly relies on physical principles such as electromagnetic induction and capacitor voltage multiplication. The mainstream technical paths can be divided into various types, and each type of technology principle and applicable scenarios have their own characteristics:
Power frequency high-voltage generator: It achieves voltage boosting by relying on traditional iron-core transformers, featuring a simple structure and reliable operation. However, the equipment size and weight are relatively large, and the energy conversion efficiency is relatively low. It is suitable for fixed-type application scenarios where there are no special requirements for the equipment size.
High-frequency switching high-voltage generator: Also known as DC high-voltage generator or high-voltage DC generator, it is the core mainstream technology of modern high-voltage generators. Its working process is as follows: first, it converts AC power into DC power through rectification, then through a high-frequency inverter circuit equipped with IGBT, MOSFET, etc., it converts the DC into a high-frequency AC square wave ranging from a few kHz to several tens of kHz. After being boosted by a high-frequency transformer, it is finally processed through rectification and filtering to obtain high-voltage DC output. This type of equipment has significant advantages such as small size, light weight, high efficiency, high control accuracy, and easily adjustable output voltage.
Multiplying rectifying high-voltage generator: It utilizes a network structure composed of diodes and capacitors to achieve stepwise voltage multiplication through multiple charging and discharging cycles, and can obtain extremely high DC voltages of several million volts, suitable for applications such as electrostatic dust removal and particle accelerators that have extremely high voltage requirements.
Resonant high-voltage generator: It operates based on the LC resonant principle, achieving a high voltage gain in the resonant state, with excellent energy conversion efficiency, and is suitable for application scenarios where output waveform and output quality have special requirements. Main technical parameters
The core technical parameters of the high-voltage generator cover multiple aspects such as output, accuracy, and control. The requirements for parameter indicators vary significantly depending on different application scenarios. The key parameters are as follows:
Output voltage: ranging from several thousand volts (kV) to several hundred kilovolts (kV), and some special equipment can reach megavolt (MV) level.
Output power: ranging from several watts (W) to several tens of kilowatts (kW).
Output type: including direct current high voltage (stable output of direct current voltage), alternating current high voltage (high voltage with specific frequency), and pulse high voltage (high voltage pulse generated instantaneously with narrow pulse width and high peak value) three types.
Stability and ripple: these are the core indicators for measuring the accuracy and purity of the output voltage, and are crucial for the operation of precision detection and experimental instruments.
Control method: mainly includes manual knob adjustment, digital key operation, and remote communication control methods such as RS232/485 and Ethernet.
Main application fields
The high-voltage generator is a core basic component in the high-tech field and industrial production. Its application scenarios cover multiple industries and fields, and the specific uses and equipment performance requirements vary in different fields:
Medical imaging field: applied in X-ray machines, linear accelerators, etc., requiring the equipment to have high stability, fast response capability, be able to achieve precise kV/mA control, and be equipped with a complete safety interlock mechanism.
Industrial inspection field: used in X-ray non-destructive testing, security inspection machines, container inspection, etc., requiring the equipment to have high power output capability, be able to work continuously for a long time, and have strong environmental adaptability.
Scientific experiment field: suitable for particle accelerators, electron microscopes, mass spectrometers, plasma research, etc., requiring the equipment to be able to output extremely high voltage and have high precision control capability, and be able to provide special waveforms such as pulse and direct current.
Industrial processing field: applied in electrostatic dust removal, electrostatic spraying, ozone generation, material modification, etc., requiring the equipment to have high voltage output capability and be able to adapt to large current or specific current working modes.
Power industry: used for cable testing, insulation testing, high-voltage experiments, etc., the equipment must meet portability or high-power output requirements, and all indicators must comply with industry safety standards.
Domestic appliance field: suitable for air purifiers, sterilizers, copiers, laser printers, etc., requiring the equipment to be designed for small size, with low cost, safe and reliable operation characteristics.
Safety precautions
The operation and use of the high-voltage generator involve high-voltage electricity, which poses a high safety risk. To ensure the performance of the equipment and the safety of the measured object, the following precautions must be strictly followed:
Strictly follow safety principles: High-voltage electricity has extremely high danger. The equipment must be operated by professionals, and safety procedures must be strictly followed during the operation, with grounding, insulation, and protection measures in place.
Use a gradual voltage increase method: After the equipment is powered on, the output voltage should be slowly increased from zero to avoid sudden application of high voltage to the equipment body and the measured object, causing shock damage.
Properly perform discharge operation: After the equipment is turned off, the output end may still have residual high voltage charges. A dedicated discharge rod must be used for sufficient discharge to confirm no residual high voltage before contacting the output end and related components.
Meet environmental usage requirements: Keep the operating environment of the equipment clean and dry. Do not use the equipment in damp, dusty, flammable, or explosive environments.
Perform regular maintenance and calibration: Regularly check the connection lines and insulation components of the equipment, calibrate the equipment according to specifications, and ensure that the equipment’s operation performance and output accuracy meet the usage requirements. Miniaturization and high power density: With the development of semiconductor technology and high-frequency topological techniques, devices will achieve smaller volume designs while enhancing power density, balancing portability and output capacity.
High level of intelligence: The devices will integrate digital control, automatic fault diagnosis, and remote monitoring via the Internet of Things, achieving intelligent and automated operation and maintenance.
Higher precision and stability: Continuously optimize the voltage control and waveform output capabilities of the devices to meet the high precision and high stability requirements of precision detection instruments and high-end scientific experiments.
Modularization and customization: To address the differentiated needs of different industries and application scenarios, provide modular product designs and customized solutions to enhance the adaptability of the devices.
Post time: Jan-29-2026