Observations:

Theoretically,the voltage becomes twice the input value. The output of a few input voltages have been
recorded, which are as follows:

Sr. Input Voltage(V) Output Output Error(%)

No Voltage(Theory) Voltage(Practical)
. (V) (V)
1. 4 8 7.23
2. 5 10 9.46
3. 6 12 11.34
4. 7 14 13.26
5. 8 16 15.56
6. 9 18 17.38
7. 10 20 19.48

As we can see from the observations, the desired voltage can be obtained with considerably minimal
error.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Advantages:

1. The circuit enables us to get a constant DC voltage anywhere with very simple components.
2. This is extremely useful in cases where we need a certain value of voltage for running the
hardware model and there is no way to get an increased power supply.
3. It is a low cost solution for an otherwise costly affair. Instead of buying a battery, one can easily
obtain the required voltage using these components.
4. Generally transformers are there to step-up or step-down the voltage, but sometimes
transformers are not feasible because of their size and cost.

Disadvantages:

1. This voltage doubler circuit can deliver only up to 50mA output current and above that current
limit the output voltage will be dramatically reduced. The actual output voltage will be around
19V for a 12V DC input and also the output voltage will be a bit unstable. Anyway, for low
current applications this circuit is well enough.
2. The capacitor C4 gets charged and has no way to discharge. A switch has to be fitted in order to
reset the capacitor.
3. Also the output voltage may be unstable, so a voltage regulator (IC78XX) of proper rating can be
used regulation and smooth output. But voltage regulator IC itself consume some current, and
reduce the deliverable current (must not exceed 70mA).
4. Voltage wont double instantaneously but it will increase slowly and after some time, it will set to
the twice of input voltage.
Conclusion:

We have obtained the required output for the voltage doubler circuit. The logic of the circuit was
understood and the astable operation of the 555 timer was explained. The advantages and
disadvantages of the circuit was discussed and the error percentage was calculated for the same.