Method and apparatus for generating a high voltage

A method for generating a high voltage by converting input power at a low voltage to output power at a high voltage, comprising:

• supplying input power to a low voltage unit to produce a periodic signal having a frequency;
• supplying the periodic signal to a rectifier voltage multiplier to cause the rectifier voltage multiplier to produce the output power at a high voltage, wherein the ratio of output power to input power is a function of the frequency of the periodic signal;
• and continually adjusting the frequency of the periodic signal toward a value which maximizes the ratio of output power to input power.

An apparatus for generating a high voltage by converting input power at a low voltage to output power at a high voltage, comprising:

• a low voltage unit connected to receive the input power to produce a periodic signal having a frequency;
• a rectifier voltage multiplier connected to receive the periodic signal to cause the rectifier voltage multiplier to produce the output power at a high voltage, wherein the ratio of output power to input power is a function of the frequency of the periodic signal;
• and means connected for continually adjusting the frequency of the periodic signal toward a value which maximizes the ratio of the output power and the input power.

A method for generating a high voltage, comprising:

• producing a periodic signal in a low voltage unit;
• supplying the periodic signal to a rectifier voltage multiplier of a selected type to cause the rectifier voltage multiplier to produce the high voltage;
• and identifying the type of the rectifier voltage multiplier.

Apparatus for generating a high voltage, comprising:

• a low voltage unit for producing a periodic signal;
• a rectifier voltage multiplier of a selected type connected to receive the low voltage signal to cause the rectifier voltage multiplier to produce the high voltage;
• and means for identifying the type of the rectifier voltage multiplier.