Method and voltage multiplier for converting an input voltage, and disconnector

A voltage multiplier, the voltage multiplier comprising:

• a plurality of voltage stages each having a series circuit connected to a reference potential, the series circuit including a rectifier diode, a charging capacitor, and a first semiconductor switch that is switchable by a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control at least one voltage stage that provides an individual voltage;
• said control unit including a capacitor preceding said plurality voltage stages on an input side, said capacitor of said control unit, in a charged state, causing said first semiconductor switches of said plurality voltage stages to close;
• each voltage stage having a second semiconductor switch connected to and switchable by said control unit, said second semiconductor switch being connected in parallel with said rectifier diode and said charging capacitor;
• and
• said rectifier diodes of adjacent voltage stages being connected in series;
• and
• wherein said control unit is configured to:
• first close said first semiconductor switches and open said second semiconductor switches, to thereby charge said charging capacitors of said plurality voltage stages by way of the input voltage;
• and
• next, open said first semiconductor switches and close said second semiconductor switches, to sum individual voltages generated in said charging capacitors over said series-connected rectifier diodes and to produce the output voltage.