Minus 35kV Space-Borne Instrument Power Supply

A -35kV power supply has been developed for a plasma experiment on the out-of-ecliptic mission. In addition, an isolation transformer has been developed to provide low voltage power at the -35kV potential. The design features incorporated to produce a spaceflight power supply housed within a 4 × 4 × 2.5 in package are discussed. The supply is powered from an unregulated spacecraft bus and provides a regulated output of -35kV ± 5 percent with less than 0.5 percent ripple over a temperature range -20°C + 60°C. The unit serves as a bias supply with an output current less than 0.5 , μA. With the supply essentially operating unloaded, 5 percent regulation is achieved by sensing and regulating the first stage of a 12-stage Cockcroft/Walton multiplier. Control of the ac voltage input to the multiplier stack provides the regulation. The isolation transformer utilizes a ferrite u-core with the primary and secondary windings placed on opposite legs for separation. The transformer is encapsulated with the power supply.