Glossary
Here you will find the most important terms from high-voltage electronics explained in an understandable way – from power supplies and signal amplification to industrial standards and areas of application.
Cross-product technologies
High-voltage power supply
Electronic assemblies that provide and distribute electrical energy in the high-voltage range – often in the range of several kilovolts.
High-voltage power supply unit
A power supply that generates stable high voltage from an AC or DC source. Important for precise power supply in industry, research and medical technology.
High-voltage modules
Compact, isolated units for generating, regulating or amplifying high voltages. They are usually encapsulated and designed for safe use.
High-voltage technology
Electronic components, systems and safety concepts that are designed for the generation, measurement and control of high voltage.
DC/DC converter
Converts a DC voltage into another. In the high-voltage range, low input voltages are precisely transformed into high output voltages.
AC/DC converter
Power supplies that convert alternating voltage (AC) into direct voltage (DC). Often the starting point for high-voltage electronics.
HV operational amplifier
Special amplifiers that deliver high voltages and currents. Perfect for precise control tasks in industry and experimental laboratories.
Isolation Amplifier
Amplifiers with galvanic isolation between input and output. They transmit measurement signals safely without exposing the system to the high-voltage potential.
EMI/RFI filter
Filters that reduce electromagnetic or high-frequency interference – essential for stable signals and compliance with safety standards.
Linear vs. switching power modules
Voltage Regulator
Electronic circuits that maintain a constant output voltage despite fluctuations in input voltage or load. Essential for stable power supply.
Power Supply Module
Integrated unit for converting and regulating electrical energy. Often combines several functions such as filtering, regulation and protection.
Galvanic Isolation
Electrical separation between two circuit parts without direct current flow. Protects against voltage differences and grounding errors.
Switching Regulator
Power electronics component that achieves high efficiency through rapid switching on and off. Typically operated with frequencies in the kHz to MHz range.
Linear Regulator
Voltage regulator that works by continuously adjusting a series resistor. Offers low noise, but is less efficient than switching regulators.
Ripple and Noise
Efficiency
Ratio between output power and input power of a power supply. Higher efficiency means less heat loss and better resource utilization.
Power Density
Ratio of the power provided to the volume or weight of the module. Higher density enables more compact designs.
Thermal Management
Measures for controlling and dissipating heat losses in electronic components – using heat sinks, fans or special materials.
Application areas & industries
High-voltage power supply
Electronic assemblies that provide and distribute electrical energy in the high-voltage range – often in the range of several kilovolts.
High-voltage power supply unit
A power supply that generates stable high voltage from an AC or DC source. Important for precise power supply in industry, research and medical technology.
High-voltage modules
Compact, isolated units for generating, regulating or amplifying high voltages. They are usually encapsulated and designed for safe use.
High-voltage technology
Electronic components, systems and safety concepts that are designed for the generation, measurement and control of high voltage.
DC/DC converter
Converts a DC voltage into another. In the high-voltage range, low input voltages are precisely transformed into high output voltages.
AC/DC converter
Power supplies that convert alternating voltage (AC) into direct voltage (DC). Often the starting point for high-voltage electronics.
HV operational amplifier
Special amplifiers that deliver high voltages and currents. Perfect for precise control tasks in industry and experimental laboratories.
Isolation Amplifier
Amplifiers with galvanic isolation between input and output. They transmit measurement signals safely without exposing the system to the high-voltage potential.
EMI/RFI filter
Filters that reduce electromagnetic or high-frequency interference – essential for stable signals and compliance with safety standards.
Linear vs. switching power modules
Voltage Regulator
Electronic circuits that maintain a constant output voltage despite fluctuations in input voltage or load. Essential for stable power supply.
Power Supply Module
Integrated unit for converting and regulating electrical energy. Often combines several functions such as filtering, regulation and protection.
Galvanic Isolation
Electrical separation between two circuit parts without direct current flow. Protects against voltage differences and grounding errors.
Switching Regulator
Power electronics component that achieves high efficiency through rapid switching on and off. Typically operated with frequencies in the kHz to MHz range.
Linear Regulator
Voltage regulator that works by continuously adjusting a series resistor. Offers low noise, but is less efficient than switching regulators.
Ripple and Noise
Efficiency
Ratio between output power and input power of a power supply. Higher efficiency means less heat loss and better resource utilization.
Power Density
Ratio of the power provided to the volume or weight of the module. Higher density enables more compact designs.
Thermal Management
Measures for controlling and dissipating heat losses in electronic components – using heat sinks, fans or special materials.
Standards, Norms & Safety
EN60601 (Medical Safety)
International safety standard for medical electrical equipment. Defines requirements for isolation, grounding and protective measures.
EN50155 (Railway Technology)
European standard for electronic equipment in rail vehicles. Requires robustness against vibration, temperature and humidity.
EMC Directive (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
Ensures that devices do not cause electromagnetic interference and are resistant to external interference.
CE marking
European conformity marking that indicates that a product meets EU directives – including safety and EMC.
RoHS Directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
Limits the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
FCC certification (USA)
Certification by the Federal Communications Commission for electromagnetic compatibility in the USA.
Protection Class
Classification of safety against electric shock:
Degree of protection (IP code)
Classification of protection against foreign bodies and moisture (e.g. IP65 = dust-tight and protected against water jets).
Insulation Resistance
Electrical resistance between two isolated circuit parts. Higher values mean better isolation and safety.
Dielectric Strength
Maximum voltage that an insulation material can withstand without breakdown. Critical for high-voltage applications.
Technical Parameters & Specifications
Input Voltage
The operating voltage that is supplied to the module (e.g. 24 VDC, 230 VAC).
Output Voltage
The voltage generated by the module (e.g. 5 kV, 10 kV).
Output Current
The maximum amount of current that the module can deliver (e.g. 100 mA, 1 A).
Rated Power
The maximum power that the module can continuously deliver (e.g. 50 W, 500 W).
Voltage Accuracy
The deviation of the actual output voltage from the setpoint, typically in percent or millivolts.
Load Regulation
The ability of a module to keep the output voltage constant despite changes in load.
Line Regulation
The ability of a module to keep the output voltage constant despite fluctuations in the input voltage.
Rise Time
The time it takes for the output voltage to rise from 10% to 90% of the setpoint.
Settling Time
The time it takes for the output voltage to stabilize again after a disturbance.
Operating Temperature Range
The temperature range in which the module functions according to specifications (e.g. -40 °C to +85 °C).
Storage Temperature Range
The temperature range in which the module can be stored without operation.
Humidity Range
The permissible humidity range for operation and storage (e.g. 10% to 90% relative humidity).
MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures)
Average time between failures – a measure of the reliability of a module.
Dimensions & Weight
Physical size and weight of the module – important for integration and placement.
Interfaces
Connection types of the module (e.g. high-voltage connections, control inputs, communication ports such as RS-232, CAN, Ethernet).
Special High-Voltage Concepts
High Voltage Source
A device that generates and provides high voltage – can be programmable or fixed.
High Voltage Measurement
Specialized measurement technology for the safe acquisition of high voltages, often with high-voltage dividers or isolated measurement amplifiers.
High Voltage Testing
Test procedures to check the insulation and dielectric strength of components and systems.
High Voltage Damping
Reduction of voltage peaks and overshoots by damping elements such as RC elements or snubber circuits.
High Voltage Protection
Safety measures against overvoltage, overcurrent and short circuit – through fuses, limiters or monitoring circuits.
High Voltage Decoupling
Use of capacitors and filters to suppress high-frequency interference on high-voltage lines.
High-voltage cables and connectors
Specialized connecting elements that are designed for high voltages and ensure safe contacts.
High Voltage Test Equipment
Measurement technology for characterizing and diagnosing high-voltage components and systems.
High Voltage Switch
Electronic or mechanical switches that can switch high-voltage circuits – often with arc extinguishing.
High Voltage Relay
Electromechanical relays that are designed for switching high-voltage circuits.
High Voltage Capacitor
Capacitors with high dielectric strength, used for energy storage and filtering in high-voltage applications.
High Voltage Resistor
Resistors with high voltage resistance, often with special materials and geometries for high-voltage applications.
Services & Engineering Support
Custom modules according to specification
HVPS Condatas supports projects with customized assemblies – in terms of voltage, power, design or interface.
Certification Support
Support during integration into systems that have to meet standards, e.g. EMC, railway or medical standards.
Technical Consulting & Application Support
Support in selecting and dimensioning suitable components and their integration into applications.
Evaluation & Development Support
Development time can be reduced and errors can be identified early with samples, evaluation kits and test boards.
Integration into existing systems
Includes electrical wiring, insulation, cooling, protective measures and safety concepts.
Fast delivery availability
Many modules are available at short notice, ideal for prototyping, pilot series and express projects.
Documentation & Specification Creation
Provision of data sheets, application notes and design recommendations for safe implementation.
Prototyping & Design Review
Support in early development phases – before series production or certification takes place.
Field service and technical support
On-site support for installation, commissioning and troubleshooting of high-voltage systems.
Calibration and Maintenance
Regular inspection and adjustment of high-voltage modules to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Repair and Overhaul
Professional repair and reconditioning of defective or worn high-voltage modules.
Product Categories & Components
Passive Components
Electronic components without active amplification, such as resistors, capacitors and inductors – essential for filtering and stabilization.
Active Components
Semiconductor components such as transistors, diodes and integrated circuits that can amplify or switch signals.
High Voltage Semiconductors
Special semiconductor components such as MOSFETs, IGBTs and diodes that are designed for high-voltage applications.
Transformers
Passive components for converting voltages and currents as well as for galvanic isolation – critical in high-voltage applications.
Inductors & Chokes
Components for storing magnetic energy and for filtering high-frequency interference.
High Voltage Capacitors
Specialized capacitors with high voltage resistance for energy storage and filtering.
High Voltage Diodes
Semiconductor components with high reverse voltage, used in rectifiers and protection circuits.
High-voltage MOSFETs and IGBTs
Power semiconductors for switching high voltages and currents – central to modern power supplies.
Optocouplers
Components for galvanic isolation of control signals using light signals.
Ferrite cores and magnetic materials
Materials for improving inductance and filtering in high-frequency applications.
Quality Assurance & Reliability
Quality Control
Systematic checking of components and modules for compliance with specifications and standards.
Burn-in Test
Load test over a longer period of time to detect early failures and ensure reliability.
Environmental Testing
Tests under extreme conditions (temperature, humidity, vibration, shock) to validate robustness.
Reliability Analysis
Statistical analysis of failure rates and service life to predict system reliability.
Failure Analysis
Investigation of failures to identify the causes and improve future designs.
Traceability
Documentation of the origin and processing of components for quality assurance and compliance.
Additional Concepts
Prototyping
Development and testing of functional samples before series production – with samples and test boards.
Evaluation Kit
Preconfigured test set with all the necessary components for quickly evaluating a solution.
Datasheet
Technical documentation with specifications, circuit diagrams and application notes for a product.
Application Note
Detailed instructions for the correct use and integration of a product in specific applications.
Design Recommendation
Professional advice on optimal circuit design and component selection for a project.
Schematic
Graphical representation of an electronic circuit with all components and their connections.
PCB-Layout (Printed Circuit Board Layout)
Arrangement of components and conductor tracks on a printed circuit board – critical for high-voltage applications.
Mass Production
Series production of products in large quantities with standardized processes.
Pilot Series
Small production series to validate design and manufacturing processes before full mass production.
Express Project
Accelerated project with shortened development and delivery times.