Can a Single Chip Handle High Voltage DC Bias for Experimental Use?

[Jdo300]

Hello All,

I'm now looking for yet another component for my experiments. I was doing some research into DC boost converters to figure out how to build my own (they seem pretty simple to make). I want to make one that can be programmed from a microcontroller to put out variable voltages from roughly 0 to 1000VDC. The good news is it doesn't have to have any real power output since I am simply charging plates up for some experiments.

I am trying to see if I can find some kind of chip that already fits the bill so that I won't have to build one out of discrete components . And I want it to be as small as possible so I can squish it onto a PCB along with the other circuitry that I have.

So far, the best thing I have come across is this nice programmable power supply chip made from UltraVolt: http://www.ultravolt.com/AASeriesDS.PDF

It is small just like I want but I'm worried that it might cost a bundle. I've e-mailed the company to get a quote for one of these but I have a feeling that I'll be looking elsewhere once they respond .

Have any of you ever come across anything like this? It seems too simple not to be prepackaged in some kind of way. I'm wondering if there are any HV inverter chips for LCD monitors that may work. I've come across a few setups but they all require external components. If anyone knows of a one-chip solution that may fit the bill, that would be great.

Thanks,
Jason O

P.S. The programmable input does not need to be digital, I can also use a D/A converter to throttle the output voltage.

 

[Jdo300]

~sigh~ Yep... I was right... They want $224 a piece for those things! Back to the drawing board... Does anyone out there know of any simple ways to make a variable HV power supply? I'm thinking something like a very small pulse transformer pulsed with a FET at some variable frequency. What do you all think? Or is there a better solution somewhere out there?

Thanks,
Jason O

 

[chroot]

There is no way to make an integrated circuit that can handle 1 kV. Such voltages will break down nearly anything.

- Warren

 

[Jdo300]

Hmmm... that stinks... Well, would anyone happen to know what kind of transformers they use for those small PCB LCD inverters? I know those output high voltage in a small package.

 

[Jdo300]

Hey Guys! I think I found EXACTLY what I need here:

http://www.emcohighvoltage.com/CASeries.pdf

Now I'm just trying to find out how much one costs...

- Jason O