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How to Make Voltage Multipliers

One of the advantages of alternating current, or AC, is the ease in multiplying its voltage. A simple two-diode circuit doubles the peak voltage of an AC wave, transforming it into useful direct current, or DC. As the AC waveform rises to its positive maximum peak, one diode charges a capacitor. As the wave falls from zero to its negative maximum, a second diode charges another capacitor in series with the first. The voltage across both capacitors becomes double that of the AC waveform peak. Similar diode and capacitor circuits extend the concept, multiplying voltage by three, four or more times.

Things You'll Need

2 1N4001 diodes
Solderless breadboard
4 8-inch pieces of 22-gauge wire
2 0.1-microfarad capacitors
Labeling tape and pen

Instructions

- 1
  Insert the leads of one 1N4001 diode into the solderless breadboard so each lead goes into a separate column on the board. As columns on the board are internally connected, do not put the leads of any one device in the same column.
- 2
  Insert the cathode lead of the second 1N4001 diode so it connects to the same column as the anode lead of the first diode. Set the end of one 8-inch wire into the same column. Place the second diode's anode lead into an available column.
- 3
  Set one of the leads of a 0.1-microfarad capacitor so it connects to the first diode's cathode lead. Insert its other lead into an unused column on the board. Set one lead of the second capacitor so it shares this column. Connect its other lead to the anode lead of the second diode.
- 4
  Insert the end of a second 8-inch wire to it shares the column where the two capacitors connect together. Twist this wire together at the middle with the first wire. Write "Input" on a tape label and wrap it around these two wires.
- 5
  Set the end of a third wire into the board so it connects to the first capacitor and the cathode of the first diode. Insert a fourth wire into the board so it connects to the second capacitor and the anode of the second diode. Twist these two wires together. Write "Output" on a label and wrap it around these two wires. This completes the voltage multiplier. If you apply an AC voltage to the wires labeled "Input," the circuit will produce a doubled DC voltage at the wires labeled "Output."

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