Simple Tesla Coil with 2N2222

In this electronics project, we will make a simple Tesla coil circuit with a 2n2222 NPN transistor. The coolest thing about this project is its simplicity. This is one of the simplest and easiest circuit design, with just a few simple parts, you'll be creating your own mini tesla coil. It can transfer wireless electrical power to the CFL in no time. Let's make it!

Components List

The following components are needed for this project.

1. 2n2222 NPN Transistor (1 pcs).
2. 22KΩ 1W Resistor (1 pcs).
3. 0.02-0.25mm Insulated Copper Wire (as per required).
4. Wire (as per required).
5. PVC Pipe (1 pcs).
6. PCB (1 pcs).
7. 3.7-9V Battery (1 pcs).

Tools needed:

• Soldering Kits.
• Scissors/Knife.

Tesla coil Circuit diagram

Schematic of the Tesla coil circuit shown below. You can follow the same.

Figure 1: Simple tesla coil circuit diagram.

Figure 2: Mini tesla coil circuit Diagram [Modified].

Circuit working explanation

As you can see [Figure 1], when the circuit is turning ON, 22KΩ resistor drives the base of the 2n2222 transistor (you can use 2N5550 or similar regular NPN with >50V V_CE and >60 h_FE).

This circuit can be powered by 3.7V to 9V D.C. supply (here I used 3.7V lithium cell).

See also: Safe Simple Lithium Cell Charger.

After the transistor turns ON and drives current into the primary coil (3 turns) of the transformer, the current is limited by the limited available base current.

The created magnetic field drives the secondary coil (275 turns) of the transformer and generates a voltage.

This voltage wants to grow large, but the small amount of stray capacitance rises on the output end and, so the voltage return on the other end of the transformer goes down through the air, which pulls the base of the transistor low.

This phenomenon causes the transistor turns OFF, and so the magnetic field starts to reduce.

The base voltage rises again, and the transistor turns on, and this process goes on and on very fast.

Demo & Testing - Simple Tesla coil with 2N2222

Below, you can see the simple tesla coil in action.

As you can see, the Tesla coil transfers wireless electrical power to the CFL.

See also: Wireless Power Transmission Circuit using Any NPN Transistor.

Do you know how does a CFL bulb near Tesla coil glow? - The secondary coil in the Tesla coil radiates electromagnetic waves in the surroundings, at high voltages. When a CFL or neon lamp comes near it, the radiation makes the electrons in the internal materials (gases) of the lamp, which oscillate, and they emit photons.

See also: CFL Bulb Circuit Working Explanation.