Abstract: A compact high voltage power supply includes a high voltage transformer 4 with individual concentric secondaries S1, S2, . . . , connected to form a ladder network with two series-connected assemblies of diode rectifiers R and R' respectively located on corresponding sides of the transformer winding. Next-adjacent secondaries S1, S2, . . . , are wound from the same side of the winding space but in an opposite winding sense, and each secondary comprises an odd plurality of layers. This provides a high voltage transformer arrangement without cross-connection of the diodes in which the peak and alternating voltages across the interwinding insulation is optimally reduced and the smoothing effect of stray capacitances is enhanced.

Abstract: A device comprising an electron tube having two electrodes between which a potential difference generated by a high voltage generator exits. A protection circuit is connected between these electrodes to protect the device against excess voltages. The protection circuit consists of a series network of a capacitor having a capacitance which is substantially higher than the parasitic capacitance beween the electrodes and a number of diodes whose forward direction extends from the electrode of highest potential to the electrode of lowest potential.