Any Electrical Engineers Out There?

[JPilot]

So, I've been lurking on this forum for many years and have even posted a few questions myself. Anyway, I've been impressed by the vast amount of knowledge here, so I have a question that is pretty off topic. If there are any electrical engineers or electronics geeks on here, this question is for you.

I need to design a high voltage function generator for a series of science experiments.

The goal is to output a clean positive ramp sawtooth waveform with amplitudes from 30kVpp to 70kVpp at frequencies between 1kHz and 5kHz. The output current will be less than 5mA. The input is a DC source (LiPo Battery). The design needs to be as lightweight as possible (under 0.5 kg, if possible), which is why an off the shelf unit is out of the question.

If anyone can shed some light on where to start, some links to online resources or any tips on how to best go about this, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

[line6man]

For what purpose will it be used?

The biggest challenge is going to be finding suitable components for a DIY project involving high voltages. Most commercially available function generators are based on IC chips.

 

[JPilot]

I'm doing some experiments with plasma actuators.

 

[Dan025]

guessing by your screen name this will eventually be a modification to an airplane? trying to save fuel? or just fly slower?

 

[swarfrat]

I'd look into a flyback converters. Thats generally the best way to get crazy high voltages.

 

[JPilot]

Dan0, you were correct about the aircraft modifications. I'm going to start small and cheap (UAV) and work my up from there.

Flyback converters are definitely something I'm going to look into. Problem is, I need to send a positive ramp voltage waveform to the plasma actuator, and I'm not sure how to do it with that setup. Any suggestions?

Thanks!