Tesla Coil
High-voltage resonant transformer circuit generating lightning-like electrical discharges through electromagnetic coupling.
Skills
PCB Design, High Voltage Electronics, Electronics Prototyping, 3D Printing, Electromagnetic Theory, Circuit Design, Resonant Systems
This Tesla Coil project emerged as a natural extension of my previous Tokamak plasma device work, as I realized the high-frequency current generation circuits I had already developed could be adapted to create a Tesla coil with minimal modifications.
Building on this foundation, I designed a custom PCB specifically calibrated for the frequency requirements of a Tesla coil. The implementation featured several key components: - A hand-wound secondary coil using very thin gauge wire meticulously wrapped in a tower configuration - An aluminum foil toroid at the top to serve as the discharge terminal - Custom 3D printed structural components to house and stabilize the entire assembly
The system successfully generated electrical discharges resembling miniature lightning bolts extending approximately 2 centimeters from the terminal. While functional and visually striking, the discharge length fell short of my target goal of 5-10 centimeters, suggesting opportunities for future refinement in the circuit design and power delivery.
Despite not achieving the maximum discharge length I had hoped for, the project served as an excellent practical application of electromagnetic principles and high-voltage electronics. The ability to repurpose components and knowledge from the Tokamak project also demonstrated the interconnected nature of engineering disciplines and the value of building upon previous work.
Tesla coil complete assembly
Tesla coil internal components
Tesla coil electrical discharge demonstration
Close-up of Tesla coil in operation