Definition
A rectifier circuit that produces a direct-current output voltage approximately four times the peak value of the alternating-current input voltage. It uses a network of diodes and capacitors arranged so that successive half-cycles of the AC input charge the capacitors in series, with their voltages adding to produce the multiplied DC output.
Plain English
An electronic circuit that takes an AC voltage and turns it into a DC voltage about four times bigger.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical and avionics maintenance discussions, especially when studying power supplies that need high voltage from a lower-voltage AC source.
Derivation
From 'quadruple,' meaning 'four times,' from the Latin 'quadruplus' (four-fold). The name simply states what the circuit does: it multiplies the input voltage by four.
Why Pilots Care
A pilot normally does not operate a voltage quadrupler directly, but understanding the term helps when reading maintenance descriptions or troubleshooting notes for aircraft electrical equipment.
Intuition Check
A voltage quadrupler does not create extra electrical power for free. It raises voltage, but the usable current is limited, and the output can drop when the circuit is heavily loaded.
Example Sentence 1
The avionics power supply uses a voltage quadrupler to generate the high DC voltage needed to drive the display tube.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight checks the avionics technician verified that the voltage quadrupler was supplying correct output.