Uploaded April 2022 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
These large high voltage x-ray transformers not only generate very high voltages but also have high current capacity. The ratings for peak power can be in the order of x10 kW. This one, I think is, around 35kW with a potential of 150kV. Many smaller x-ray machines have the transformer and tube built into the head assembly. In this larger type, the head and PSU are housed in separate units. This video looks at the transformer and rectifying circuit. The transformer is designed to operate from an 8kHz AC supply normally driven with a half bridge inverter. For testing here, a H-bridge driver is being supplied with up to 30V 30A DC. As these transformers are designed to operate under oil and have a centre tap arrangement it can be difficult to modify them due to the likely hood of breakdown to chassis/ground.
The design has similarities to the construction of some later TV flyback HV transformers with HV stages. However, as well as being many time larger, this transformer is full-wave and the core is not gapped as in flyback construction.
CONTENT:
00:00 - Intro
00:58 - Testing
02:45 - Construction
10:20 - Modification
11:50 - Circuit diagram
12:49 - spark test
These large high voltage x-ray transformers not only generate very high voltages but also have high current capacity. The ratings for peak power can be in the order of x10 kW. This one, I think is, around 35kW with a potential of 150kV. Many smaller x-ray machines have the transformer and tube built into the head assembly. In this larger type, the head and PSU are housed in separate units. This video looks at the transformer and rectifying circuit. The transformer is designed to operate from an 8kHz AC supply normally driven with a half bridge inverter. For testing here, a H-bridge driver is being supplied with up to 30V 30A DC. As these transformers are designed to operate under oil and have a centre tap arrangement it can be difficult to modify them due to the likely hood of breakdown to chassis/ground.
The design has similarities to the construction of some later TV flyback HV transformers with HV stages. However, as well as being many time larger, this transformer is full-wave and the core is not gapped as in flyback construction.
CONTENT:
00:00 - Intro
00:58 - Testing
02:45 - Construction
10:20 - Modification
11:50 - Circuit diagram
12:49 - spark test
