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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all those who provided me
with the support to complete this project.
First and foremost, I am grateful to Almighty God for giving me the strength,
knowledge, ability, and opportunity to undertake this project and to
persevere and complete it successfully. Without His blessings, this
achievement would not have been possible.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our esteemed Principal, Mr.
Joseph C Michael, for his continuous encouragement and support. His
leadership and guidance have been instrumental in providing a conducive
environment for learning and growth.
I am immensely grateful to my Physics teacher, Mrs. Anila. P. Thomas, for
her invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and insightful advice
throughout the project. Her expertise and enthusiasm have been a
constant source of inspiration.
I owe a special debt of gratitude to my parents, whose love and support
have been my greatest strength. Their sacrifices and encouragement have
been vital in helping me achieve my academic goals.
Finally, I would like to thank my friends for their constant support,
encouragement, and lively discussions that have enriched my learning
experience. Their camaraderie and cooperation have been greatly
appreciated. This project would not have been possible without the support
and encouragement of these individuals. Thank you for your invaluable
contributions
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
[Link]. CONTENTS PAGE NO:
1 AIM 5
2 INTRODUCTION 6
3 WORKING 7-8
PRINCIPLE
4 APPARATUS 9
5 PROCEDURE 10
6 CONSTRUCTION 11
7 WORKING 12-14
8 RESULT 15
9 APPLICATIONS 16
10 PRECAUTIONS 17
11 BIBLIOGRAPHY 18
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AIM
❖ To understand the concept of
electromagnetic induction and resonance.
❖ To construct a working Tesla Coil using
basic components.
❖ To demonstrate the generation of high-
voltage, low-current electricity.
❖ To explore the principle of wireless
power transmission.
❖ To study the practical applications and
safety aspects of Tesla Coils.
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INTRODUCTION
Figure 1: Tesla Coil
The Tesla coil is one of the most fascinating inventions in
the field of electrical engineering. Developed by Nikola
Tesla in the late 19th century, it is a high-voltage, high-
frequency transformer that produces spectacular
electrical discharges. The Tesla coil was originally
created to explore wireless transmission of electricity, a
concept far ahead of its time. Today, it serves as a
popular educational tool and is often used in science
demonstrations to show the power and beauty of
electricity. This project aims to explore the working
principle, design, applications, and significance of the
Tesla coil in modern science and technology.
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WORKING PRINCIPLE
A transistor-based Tesla coil works on the same basic
ideas as the traditional Tesla coil — electromagnetic
induction, resonance, and high-frequency AC — but
replaces the spark gap with transistors for more efficient
and controllable switching.
1. Electromagnetic Induction
Like all Tesla coils, SSTCs rely on Faraday’s Law: a
changing magnetic field in the primary coil induces
voltage in the secondary coil. The transistor switches
current on and off rapidly, generating this changing
magnetic field.
2. High-Frequency Switching (Using Transistors)
Instead of a spark gap, SSTCs use high-speed switching
transistors (MOSFETs or IGBTs) to pulse current through
the primary coil at high frequency (often tens or hundreds
of kHz).
This switching mimics the same effect as a spark gap
but allows for:
● Precise control
● Silent operation
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● Better efficiency
3. Resonance
The primary and secondary circuits are tuned to the same
resonant frequency, just like in traditional coils. This
means the energy transfer between them is maximized,
allowing voltage in the secondary coil to build up to very
high levels.
4. Feedback or Oscillator Control
Some SSTCs use an oscillator (like a 555 timer), while
others use feedback from the secondary coil to drive the
transistor switching at exactly the right [Link]
ensures the system stays in resonance, even as
conditions change.
5. High Voltage Generation
As the secondary coil receives energy at its resonant
frequency, the voltage across it builds up gradually until it
reaches very high values — enough to ionize the air and
produce sparks or corona discharge from the top terminal
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APPARATUS
1. Power Supply (Battery — e.g., 9V, or small adapter)
2. Transistor (like a 2N2222, 2N3055, or IRF540N MOSFET)
3. Resistors (for controlling current to the transistor)
4. Primary Coil (thick copper wire, about 5–10 turns)
5. Secondary Coil (thin magnet wire, many turns — around
800–1000 turns)
6. Top Load (small metal sphere or aluminum ball)
7. Base (wooden, plastic, or acrylic sheet to fix the parts)
8. Heat Sink (optional — for cooling the transistor if needed)
9. Diode (optional — to protect the transistor)
[Link] (for turning the circuit ON and OFF)
[Link] Connecting Wires
[Link] Pipe or Bottle (to wind secondary coil)
[Link] Clip / Connector
[Link] Kit (soldering iron and wire)
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PROCEDURE
Step 1: Build the Primary Circuit
Connect the power supply to a capacitor and place a spark gap between
[Link] the other ends of the capacitor to the primary coil (thick
copper wire wound in a spiral).
Step 2: Wind the Secondary Coil
Take a long, thin copper wire and wind it tightly and evenly around a PVC
pipe or similar [Link] the wire at both ends with insulation.
Step 3: Position the Coils
Place the secondary coil vertically in the center of the primary [Link]
sure the two coils do not touch each other but are close enough for
magnetic interaction.
Step 4: Attach the Top Load
Fix the toroid or metal sphere on top of the secondary [Link] will store
and discharge the built-up voltage.
Step 5: Complete the Connections
Ground one end of the secondary [Link] the other end (connected to
the top load) free to emit sparks.
Step 6: Power It Up
Turn on the power supply. The capacitor charges, the spark gap fires, and
energy is sent to the primary [Link] resonance, this energy
transfers to the secondary coil, rapidly increasing voltage until sparks are
seen at the top load.
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CONSTRUCTION
A simple Tesla Coil consists of the following main parts:
1. Power Supply
A high-voltage power source is used to start the process (e.g., a
transformer from a neon sign or a simple step-up coil). It supplies
alternating current (AC) to the circuit.
2. Primary Coil
Made of thick copper wire or tubing. Wound into a few wide turns
(usually 5–10 turns). Connected to a capacitor and a spark gap.
3. Transistor
A transistor is a small electronic device that works like a switch
or amplifier for electrical signals. It is one of the most important
building blocks in all modern electronics.
4. Secondary Coil
A tall, tightly wound coil of thin copper wire (hundreds or
thousands of turns).Placed near the primary coil but not touching
it.
5. Toroid (Top Load)
A donut-shaped metal piece at the top of the secondary coil. It
Helps build up and release high-voltage discharges (arcs).
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WORKING
Figure 2: Self-made Tesla Coil
Unlike traditional Tesla coils that use spark gaps, transistor-
based Tesla coils use modern electronic components (like
MOSFETs or IGBTs) for switching. This makes them safer,
quieter, and more efficient.
1. Power Supply
The coil is powered by a DC power supply or rectified AC (e.g.,
from mains power). This provides the base voltage needed for
the circuit to operate.
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2. Oscillator Circuit
An oscillator circuit (e.g., a 555 timer or feedback-based
circuit) creates a high-frequency AC signal. This frequency is
close to the resonant frequency of the secondary coil.
3. Transistor Switching
The transistor (MOSFET or IGBT) acts like a very fast switch.
It turns on and off at high speed, allowing pulses of current to
flow through the primary coil. This creates a rapidly changing
magnetic field.
● The transistor is controlled by the oscillator.
● It ensures the current flows at just the right frequency to
match the secondary coil's resonance.
4. Electromagnetic Induction and Resonance
The rapidly switching current in the primary coil induces a
voltage in the secondary coil, just like in a normal transformer.
● Because the primary and secondary are tuned to
resonate at the same frequency, energy builds up
efficiently in the secondary coil.
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● The result is a very high voltage in the secondary coil.
5. High-Voltage Output
The top of the secondary coil (often with a toroid or sphere)
accumulates charge until it can no longer be held — at which
point it discharges into the air, producing sparks or arcs.
Key Components Involved
Component Function
Transistor (MOSFET/IGBT) High-speed electronic switch
Oscillator circuit Generates high-frequency
pulses
Primary Coil Produces magnetic field
Secondary Coil Builds up high voltage via
resonance
Top Load (Toroid) Stores charge, forms
sparks/arcs
Advantages of Using Transistors:
❖ No loud spark gap noises
❖ Safer to operate
❖ Easier to control and tune
❖ Can be run at lower power levels
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RESULT
➢ These discharges demonstrated the phenomena of
electromagnetic induction, resonance, and
wireless energy transfer.
➢ The coil was able to light small fluorescent or neon
bulbs without direct contact, showing the concept of
wireless transmission of energy.
This device not only represents a milestone in electrical
engineering history but also laid the foundation for
modern technologies like radio communication and
wireless power transfer. Observing the bright electric
arcs and wireless lighting of bulbs highlighted the
powerful and visually striking capabilities of Tesla’s
invention.
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APPLICATIONS
✓ Used for science exhibitions and educational
demonstrations to show wireless energy transfer.
✓ Creates special effects in movies, stage shows, and theme
parks (lightning effects).
✓ Basis for wireless power transmission technologies like
wireless chargers.
✓ Used in radio transmitters and early communication
systems.
✓ Applied in induction heating for industrial purposes.
✓ Used in medical devices like electrotherapy machines.
✓ Helps in studying high-voltage behavior and resonance in
physics experiments.
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PRECAUTIONS
❖ Always handle with care, as Tesla Coils generate
high voltage.
❖ Never touch the coil or sparks while the power is ON.
❖ Make sure all connections are tight and insulated
properly.
❖ Keep metallic objects and electronic devices away
from the coil while operating.
❖ Perform the experiment in a well-ventilated area and
preferably in a dark room for better visibility of
sparks.
❖ Use low power supply for DIY models to ensure
safety.
❖ Always have an adult or teacher supervision during
operation.
❖ Switch off the coil immediately if any part overheats
or smells burnt.
❖ Ground the secondary coil properly to avoid electric
shocks.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
● NCERT Physics Textbook – Class 12 (for
concepts of Electromagnetic Induction and
Alternating Current)
● [Link]
● “Tesla Coils for the Experimenter” by H.C.
Male
● Various educational websites like:
(1)[Link]
(2) [Link]
(3) [Link]
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