Designing a Tunable High Voltage Oscillator for Pulsing 5 Electromagnets 1-20Hz

The discussion centers on designing a tunable high voltage oscillator circuit to pulse five electromagnets in series at frequencies between 1-20 Hz. The original poster has limited electronics experience and seeks guidance on circuit design, power requirements, and component selection. Key advice includes determining the electromagnets' voltage and current ratings to match the power source, as mismatched voltage or current can damage coils. Using multiple 9V batteries in series to achieve high voltage is generally insufficient for high current demands. Safety warnings emphasize the dangers of voltages above 24V, with lethal risks above 80V. For switching, MOSFETs are recommended due to their ability to handle higher voltages and currents, with logic-level MOSFETs requiring 5V gate drive and others needing 10-12V. For voltages above 300V, IGBTs are suggested. The importance of selecting a MOSFET with a drain-source voltage rating at least 1.5 to 2 times the maximum applied voltage is stressed. A protection diode (flyback diode) across the electromagnets is advised to suppress voltage spikes caused by inductive load switching. The discussion also touches on the role of resistors to limit current, though often zero ohms (a wire) is used. The original poster is encouraged to build foundational electronics knowledge before attempting complex high voltage designs. Example circuit diagrams involving a 555 timer controlling a MOSFET switch with an LED indicator and protective diode were shared. The focus is on current control rather than voltage, as electromagnet performance depends primarily on current. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for careful component selection, safety precautions, and incremental learning in high voltage pulsed electromagnet applications.
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