On Wed, Feb 2, 2011 at 8:33 AM, Paul Haggard wrote: > I'm researching a project right now that requires a step-up converter for > DC > ~3v to DC 1kV and the load consumes about 1mW. I'm a mechanical engineer > with limited knowledge about EE and microcontrollers, but I've never deal= t > with a step up converter before. I know that this converter is (somehow) > possible to build because my research shows that this has been done, but = I > do not know if a flyback transformer or switching transistor would be abl= e > to accomplish this without significant power loss. The intended power > source is a pair of AA alkaline batteries. I have never dealt with such > high voltage potentials before and I'm wary to being any testing before I > come up with a strict safety guidelines and a sure way to keep the curren= t > in the nanoamp range. If anyone can suggest potential resources for > obtaining any relevant information, I'd be glad to do more reading; I > simply > don't know where to start yet. Thanks! -Paul > > 1. Hi! I don't know much a bout anything at all, but you can do this by converting the 3V DC into 3V AC and then using a transformer ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformer) of some sort to get the 1000V tha= t you need. 2. I know if you go to walmart and ask nicely, they may let you have their disposable cameras. With those, you can then harvest their flash capacitors and associated circuitry which charges the capacitor to pretty high voltage= s (I don't remember exactly high, but should be in the 100s of volts I think)= .. 3. This is purely a guess, and someone more knowledgeable may be able to expand on this, but you could try building a capacitor charge pump. You can use DC-DC step up converters from Linear Technology (free samples) to get voltages first to around 20-25 volts or so, then use some "medium" voltage capacitors in series to get the 1000V. --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .