Sunday, February 9, 2025

Designing Tesla Coil and Wireless Power Bulb

EFY Tested

The Tesla coil is a high-frequency resonant transformer circuit capable of generating high-voltage, low-current electricity. This fascinating invention, attributed to Nikola Tesla, is often used for wireless power transfer demonstrations and lighting fluorescent bulbs without physical connections.

In this article, we will explore the design process of a mini Tesla coil, covering its components, circuit details, PCB design, and the testing procedure.

The Tesla coil works on the principle of electromagnetic induction and resonance. By creating a resonant LC (inductor-capacitor) circuit, it steps up the voltage to extremely high levels, producing a high-frequency alternating current.

Also Check: LC Resonant Frequency Calculator [Free]

This high-frequency AC generates an oscillating electromagnetic field, enabling wireless power transfer to nearby objects like fluorescent bulbs.

- Advertisement -
Mini Tesla Coil made at home
Fig 1. Mini Tesla Coil and Wireless Power Bulb 

Bill of Materials (BOM)

The following components are required to design a Tesla coil:

Required Components to make a Tesla Coil
Fig 2. Tesla Coil componnets
  1. Primary Coil and Secondary Coil:
    • The primary coil consists of a few turns (3–5) of thicker copper wire. This coil generates the magnetic field.
    • To achieve high voltage, the secondary coil is wound with finely enamelled copper wire (~1000 turns).
  2. Capacitor:
    • A 0.01 µF capacitor forms an LC circuit with the primary coil, enabling resonance.
  3. Transistor:
    • The transistor acts as a switch, driving the primary coil with pulsed DC.
  4. Resistor:
    • The resistor limits the base current of the transistor to prevent damage.
  5. Power Supply:
    • A 9–12V DC power source supplies energy to the circuit

Tesla Coil Circuit Diagram

Tesla Coil Circuit
Fig 3. Tesla Coil Circuit

PCB Design of Tesla Coil and Wireless Power Bulb

To create a reliable Tesla coil, the following PCB design considerations are crucial:

Tesla Coil PCB
Fig 4. Tesla coil PCB
  1. Component Placement:
    • Place the capacitor and resistor close to the transistor to minimize stray inductance.
    • Keep the primary coil connection short to reduce losses.
  2. Copper Traces:
    • Use thicker traces for high-current paths, especially for the primary coil circuit.
  3. Insulation:
    • Ensure proper insulation and spacing around the secondary coil to handle high voltages.

Soldering Tesla Coil and Wireless Power Bulb 

Soldering Tesla Coil and Wireless Power Bulb 
Fig 5. Soldering
  1. Solder Passive Components:
    • Begin by soldering the resistor (22 kΩ) and the capacitor (0.01 µF).
    • Ensure the polarity of the capacitor is correct if it’s polarized.
  2. Solder the Transistor:
    • Place the transistor on the PCB, ensuring the correct orientation of the base, collector, and emitter pins.
  3. Solder the Primary Coil:
    • Connect the thicker copper wire (3–5 turns) to the designated PCB pads.
  4. Solder the Secondary Coil:
    • Attach the secondary coil’s base wire to the PCB pad and leave the other end free for wireless power transfer.
  5. Solder the Power Connections:
    • Connect the power supply terminals and the switch.

Testing Tesla Coil and Wireless Power Bulb

Now power the device with a 12V 1-2A DC adapter and then turn on the switch and there you go, Bring the fluorescent bulb or AC bulb near the coil and it will glow up wirelessly as soon as it comes near.

Ashwini Sinha
Ashwini Sinha
A tech journalist at EFY, with hands-on expertise in electronics DIY. He has an extraordinary passion for AI, IoT, and electronics. Holder of two design records and two times winner of US-China Makers Award.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

Most Popular DIY Projects

EFY Prime

Unique DIY Projects

Electronics News

Truly Innovative Electronics

Latest DIY Videos

Electronics Components

Electronics Jobs

Calculators For Electronics