Summary of NCH6300HV HIGH VOLTAGE DC-DC POWER BOOSTER FOR NIXIE DISPLAYS
This article explains how switching inductors boost voltage via flyback action and mentions flyback converters for Nixie drivers. It introduces the NCH6300HV high-voltage DC-DC booster: a compact, efficient step-up converter accepting 3.7–15V input and producing an adjustable 100–230V output (100 mA max at 170V), with SHDN pin shutdown, low heat, and suitability for Nixie, VFD, and magic-eye displays.
Parts used in the NCH6300HV HV Power Booster:
- NCH6300HV high voltage DC-DC power booster module <li onboard precise potentiometer (for output voltage adjustment)
- SHDN pin (shutdown control pin)
- input power source (3.7V–15V DC) such as Lithium battery or USB port
- inductor/transformer inside module (for flyback switching topology)
- switching transistor/MOSFET inside module
- rectifier and output filtering components inside module (diode, capacitors)
When the switch is open initially, there is not much resistance, so high current flows through the inductor. The energy in the inductor is due to the magnetic fields. When the switch is closed, the impedance in the circuit increases and the current will be reduced. The magnetic field previously created will be reduced in energy to maintain the current towards the load. The polarity of the inductor will therefore be reversed and will create another voltage source in series with the input voltage supply. If the rate of switching is fast enough, the voltage will be higher than the input voltage, and this boosted voltage can be controlled by controlling the duty cycle of the switch.
Nixie display drivers also sometimes use flyback converter topology. It provides galvanic isolation between the input and the output with the help of a transformer.
About NCH6300HV HV Power Booster
NCH6300HV high voltage DC-DC power booster is a compact step-up DC-DC converter. It is the updated version of the popular NCH6100HV by Omnixie. As it is a switching converter, its efficiency is high, and heat generation is low. This converter supports input voltage from 3.7V-15V DC and converts it into an output voltage of 100V-230V DC (100mA max @170V). The output voltage is adjustable by a precise potentiometer onboard. The board can be powered by a Lithium battery or by connecting to a USB port as it supports an input voltage of as low as 3.7V. The module can be completely turned off by controlling the SHDN pin for better safety and maximum energy conservation. The board’s output voltage and safety features are perfect for driving the retro nixie displays, as well as other displays like VFD tubes, Magic eye, etc.
Read more: NCH6300HV HIGH VOLTAGE DC-DC POWER BOOSTER FOR NIXIE DISPLAYS
- What input voltage range does the NCH6300HV support?
The module supports an input voltage from 3.7V to 15V DC. - What output voltage range does the NCH6300HV provide?
The output voltage is adjustable between 100V and 230V DC. - What is the maximum output current of the NCH6300HV?
The module can provide up to 100 mA at 170V. - Can the NCH6300HV be powered from a USB port?
Yes, it can be powered from a USB port since it accepts inputs as low as 3.7V. - How is the output voltage adjusted?
The output voltage is adjusted using the onboard precise potentiometer. - Does the module have a way to completely turn it off?
Yes, the module can be completely turned off by controlling the SHDN pin. - Is the NCH6300HV suitable for driving Nixie displays?
Yes, the board’s output voltage and safety features are suitable for driving retro Nixie displays. - Does the converter generate a lot of heat?
No, as a switching converter its efficiency is high and heat generation is low. - What topology is mentioned for Nixie display drivers?
Nixie display drivers sometimes use a flyback converter topology providing galvanic isolation with a transformer.
