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HV Circuit

Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 7:35 am
by HW94
Can somebody explain how the 555 timer operates in this circuit. I've tried to simulate the circuit using multisim but keep getting 100 V as my output voltage.

Re: HV Circuit

Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 9:45 am
by mightyohm
There's a description of the circuit in Tom Napier's article in Nuts and Volts.
NV_Napier_Biassing GM Tubes.pdf
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Re: HV Circuit

Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 10:21 am
by HW94
I read over the article but it doesn't go over the mathematical derivations for how the selection of resistor and capacitor values affect the on/off time of the 555 timer or how he selected the values of the inductor/capacitor of the flyback converter.

Re: HV Circuit

Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 10:55 am
by mightyohm
I'm not aware of an article that covers the math. I think it would be challenging to write a formula for the output voltage, but the frequency of oscillation or duty cycle might be more approachable. Still not trivial, but would be interesting to try.

I've had some success simulating the circuit in LTspice. You need a good model for the 555. It needs to be a CMOS 555. The TTL versions will affect performance or may not work at all. And some 555 models are junk and will never work. My advice would be to walk through the circuit node by node and try to use the node voltages and currents to debug what is not working. If you just look at the output voltage, it will be hard since that isn't telling you much about what's wrong.

It would also be helpful if you have the real circuit built up on the bench so that you can look at the node waveforms with a scope and compare them to the simulation. Beware of the scope probes loading the circuit, particularly the high voltage output. You may need to use a very high impedance probe (or build one) to accurately measure the output voltage.

I'm not sure if you have a kit, but if not I'd recommend purchasing one so that you have a known good set of parts on hand.
http://mightyohm.com/blog/products/geiger-counter/

Re: HV Circuit

Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 11:05 am
by HW94
How did you know to adjust the values of the resistors and capacitors, in order to use a 3 V supply instead of the 9 V supply he used? Trial and error, or did you work through equations to find the values?

Re: HV Circuit

Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 11:08 am
by mightyohm
I built and tested the circuit and modified it as needed. I used simulations as well but it was mainly cut and try on the bench.