HV Field Supply · ZTM-PSU-HV

About this module

The ZTM-PSU-HV turns a 24–48 V system supply into up to 6 kV DC at very low current. The output is set digitally over its ZapLink TWI (I2C) port. It also runs from 12 V, with the top end limited to about 4 kV.

Inside, a TI LM5164 buck converter produces a programmable drive voltage for an isolated XP Power E60 high-voltage module, whose output follows its input. An AD5282 digital potentiometer sits in the buck converter's feedback loop, so writing a code sets the drive, and the drive sets the kilovolts.

The potentiometer setting can be read back over I2C. For supervision the board brings three signals out to its ZapLink port: an Enable input that switches the supply on and off, a Power Good output from the drive regulator, and an analogue sense of the HV module's drive voltage (VSENSE). Your controller can use them to confirm the supply is in regulation and to keep the drive within the E60's 15 V input rating.

In Cirrus 1 it powers the clearing-field "sweeper", which pulls stray ions out of the chamber so fresh particle tracks show up clearly. It's a broom for ions.

Safety

This board produces lethal voltages. Work with the supply disabled and discharged, keep the output connections insulated, and never touch the output or anything connected to it while it is enabled.

Used in these projects

• Cirrus 1 cloud chamber. Powers the clearing field across the ITO glass electrode.
• SonoLuma1 sonoluminescence (in development). Planned for electric-field experiments through external electrodes.

Coming next

PSU_HV2 is in design: a flyback and 12-stage Cockcroft–Walton version that drops the E60 module. Future models will carry a suffix on the ZTM-PSU-HV SKU.

KEY FEATURES

• Up to 6 kV DC, very low current
• Digitally set output, 256-position setpoint over I2C
• Setpoint readback
• Enable, Power Good and drive-voltage sense on the ZapLink port
• 24–48 V supply (12 V with a ~4 kV ceiling)