
This project demonstrates a simple yet effective voltage booster circuit capable of lighting a neon bulb using just a 1.5V pencil battery. The circuit consists of a 2N3904 NPN transistor, a salvaged transformer, and a 1100Ω resistor, forming a compact step-up converter. When powered, the circuit oscillates, inducing a high voltage in the tertiary coil of the transformer, which is sufficient to ionize and illuminate the neon bulb. This project showcases the efficiency of inductive energy transfer and serves as a practical application of low-voltage high-frequency switching circuits.
Mobile chargers (adapters) typically use high-frequency ferrite core transformers in their switching power supply (SMPS) circuits. The 6-pin transformer you are referring to is likely a flyback transformer or a pulse transformer designed for efficient power conversion.