Can I Charge Capacitors Without a Step-Up Transformer?

[alpine2beach]

I know that in order to charge a capacitor, you must have a power source voltage greater than or equal to the desired voltage in the capacitor. Knowing this, is there any way to achieve a higher voltage DC(from a lower voltage DC) without using a step-up transformer?

 

[triden]

You might want to take a look at voltage doubler circuits. These are used in PC power supplies to convert 110 VAC to the 220 VAC that the supplies run on.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_multiplier

 

[Studiot]

Look up charge pumps.

 

[alpine2beach]

You might want to take a look at voltage doubler circuits. These are used in PC power supplies to convert 110 VAC to the 220 VAC that the supplies run on.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_multiplier

I need to use batteries, so AC is out of the question.

 

[alpine2beach]

Look up charge pumps.

Thanks. That's pretty much what I need. Now all I have to do is figure out wiki... So basically a charge pump is a device that charges capacitors in parallel and discharges in a series?

 

[fleem]

Thanks. That's pretty much what I need. Now all I have to do is figure out wiki... So basically a charge pump is a device that charges capacitors in parallel and discharges in a series?

Right.