The goal of this diploma thesis was to develop a small, battery-operated unit, which can produce a high variable voltage. Project partner was the Swiss Federal Material Testing and Research Institute (EMPA), which wants to control active, deformable material systems with it. These so-called piezo-actuators were specified in a first step, to be able to determine the characteristics of the developing equipment.

In the concept phase were evaluated different given rudiments like a Villard-cascade circuit or a boost-converter. Additionally had to be looked for further realization possibilities, in which finally become accepted a combination of a single-ended push-pull converter and a cascade circuit. The converter is characterised above all by the fact that it produces an alternating voltage at the exit, which is needed for a cascade connection. This possesses the large advantage to all other concepts, the relatively simple implementing in relation with high voltages.

At the choice of the construction units was paid attention to use no exotics. With exception of the transformer, which was purchased by Conrad, all other components could be ordered by Farnell or Distrelec. To get to know the selected transformation concept and to collect improvement suggestions for the final structure, first a test print were developed. It achieved a maximum voltage of 3.4kV. Except to some little things and the relatively high part of alternating voltage of approximately 3.5%, this ran perfectly. Based on the perceptions of the first structure was an as small as possible prototype created. Beside the energy dissipation also the AC contingent could be reduced to approximately 0.25%. Although the device runs error free, it is still susceptible on disturbances. This could because of temporal reasons unfortunately no more been repaired.