Definition
A high-voltage transformer arrangement in which two or more transformers are connected in series, with the secondary winding of each stage feeding the primary of the next stage, so that voltage is built up in successive steps rather than in a single transformer.
Plain English
A set of transformers stacked together so that each one boosts the voltage a bit higher than the one before it, ending in a much higher voltage than a single transformer could safely produce.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical, ignition, and high-voltage power supply discussions, especially where a system must create a strong spark or a high test voltage.
Derivation
From the word 'cascade,' originally meaning a series of small waterfalls where water falls from one level to the next. The image fits: voltage is stepped up from one transformer to the next, the way water tumbles from one pool to the next.
Why Pilots Care
A pilot usually does not operate a cascade transformer directly, but the term matters when reading about systems that create high voltage. It is a reminder that some aircraft components can produce dangerous voltage even when the airplane’s normal electrical system uses much lower voltage.
Analogy
Think of climbing a staircase instead of making one big jump. Each step raises you a little more, and the full staircase gets you much higher.
Intuition Check
Do not picture “cascade” as water inside the unit. Here it means electrical stages connected one after another to build up voltage.
Example Sentence 1
The high-voltage test set used a cascade transformer to produce the voltage needed to check the magneto's insulation.
Example Sentence 2
In the test bench setup the cascade transformer allowed the technician to apply high voltage without overloading any single component.