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Registered Member #1165
Joined: Sun Dec 09 2007, 04:41AM
Location: GA, USA
Posts: 35
Mod edit: Does the number 400 mean anything to you? It should. It's the maximum allowed width of an image in pixels.
Its based on the design found here,
I made some changes to the first design to add the safety diodes from the second, but still only use 2 MOSFETs. I also replaced the bunch of transistors with driver ICs, and used the IC's inverting functions instead of a transistor to invert the wave.
Does the design look like it would work if built? I don't want to have to order more parts and pay double shipping if something has to be changed...
Registered Member #1025
Joined: Sun Sept 23 2007, 07:53PM
Location: Czech Rep.
Posts: 566
I'm using the same driving circuit, but I use UCC37322(1) each connected to one of the OUT ports of TL494. Neither of the OUT is connected to the ground (it is not necessary and it destroys the shape of the signal litle bit). I'm also without UF4001, but that's why I could not buy them. It works very good for me...
However, my power part is different. I add the TVS, I'm using IGBT and no series diodes and more other changes...
Registered Member #1165
Joined: Sun Dec 09 2007, 04:41AM
Location: GA, USA
Posts: 35
I made a PCB for the circuit.. I'm going to enclose it in the case of a dead power inverter, the MOSFETS are positioned in the same place the inverter's were, so I should be able to use the case as a heatsink, and it has a fan built in. Can someone please cheak over it and tell me if it would blow up as soon as I power it? This is my first solid state tesla..
The holes labeled L(1) and L(2) are where the connections to the primary go. I haven't gotten a transformer yet, so I don't know the pin spacing to put it on there..
Banned on 3/17/2009. Registered Member #487
Joined: Sun Jul 09 2006, 01:22AM
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Posts: 617
Maybe just make the collector and drain traces floods instead, or make them a tad thicker. They look okay for an SSTC but It wouldn't hurt to make them fatter.
Registered Member #1165
Joined: Sun Dec 09 2007, 04:41AM
Location: GA, USA
Posts: 35
Heres what I hope is the final version of the PCB. I made the traces around the FETs thicker, and added in the transformer and rectifiers. This is viewed from the component side, through the PCB. IC2 is surface mounted on the other side, which is why its backwards.
The main issue I'm going to have with this is how to drill the small holes... I do not own a drill press and have a very unsteady hand. I'm trying to build this on a very small budget for a science project.
Also, how stable does the power supply have to be? Would hooking the case fan in before the voltage regulator have a negative effect on the circuit?
Registered Member #1165
Joined: Sun Dec 09 2007, 04:41AM
Location: GA, USA
Posts: 35
I already purchased the zener diodes, so I might as well use them, then I can swap different mosfets in if them burn out, I found some IRF640s on the dead power inverter I'm using parts from..
Edit:
How much current does the 12v transformer have to supply? and is a 16mm OD, 9.6mm ID, 6.35mm thick toroid good for a gate drive transformer?
Registered Member #1165
Joined: Sun Dec 09 2007, 04:41AM
Location: GA, USA
Posts: 35
I hope this isn't breaking the double posting rule, since I have new info and more questions...
My parts finally got here, so I want to make sure of a few things before I etch the circuit board..
How much current does the driver circuit need? I have a 500ma transformer, but my LEDs and fan draw around 200, so its really a 300ma supply.
Is the voltage regulator necessary? The 7812 datasheet says the input voltage should be above 14.5V, my transformer only supplies 12.6V; so isn't the regulator just a voltage drop? Wouldn't some additional capacitors remove any voltage spikes?
Is the toroid in my last post good for a gate drive transformer? (16mm OD, 9.6mm ID, 6.35mm H)
Would it be ok to have a switch to switch in/out a DC smoothing capacitor on the HV side? I want to be able to switch from pulsed to smooth DC to adjust the properties of the spark (pulsed for normal operation, smooth for audio)
Registered Member #146
Joined: Sun Feb 12 2006, 04:21AM
Location: Austin Tx
Posts: 1055
I have a 500ma transformer, but my LEDs and fan draw around 200, so its really a 300ma supply.
That should be just enough, actually. Though, it strongly depends on the frequency and the gate charge of the MOSFETs.
Is the voltage regulator necessary? The 7812 datasheet says the input voltage should be above 14.5V, my transformer only supplies 12.6V; so isn't the regulator just a voltage drop? Wouldn't some additional capacitors remove any voltage spikes?
Yes, its a "variably precise" voltage drop, though. With 12.6VAC you will likely end up with about ~17.8VDC after rectification and filtering, you will certainly want the 12V regulator on the ICs.
Is the toroid in my last post good for a gate drive transformer? (16mm OD, 9.6mm ID, 6.35mm H)
Dimensions sound pretty small. Its a matter of fitting enough wire on there, usually. I normally go with something in the 25-30mm OD range.
Would it be ok to have a switch to switch in/out a DC smoothing capacitor on the HV side? I want to be able to switch from pulsed to smooth DC to adjust the properties of the spark (pulsed for normal operation, smooth for audio)
Yes, but i wouldnt do a "live" switch while in operation!
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Does this look like it would work? (My first SSTC)
