Impact of the transformer in the current mode supply of dielectric barrier discharge excimer lamps

This paper presents an analysis of the consequences of using a step-up transformer in the supply of a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) excimer lamp. A simplified transformer model is used to analyze the effects of the different parasitic elements in the operation of a current mode power supply. Mathematical expressions are found for each element and experimental validation is performed. The design of the transformer is developed on the basis of the lamp specifications and two transformer configurations are tested experimentally, analyzing the effect of the parasitic elements and evidencing the influence of grounding a lamp terminal.