Transformer-less current controlled driver for a dielectric barrier discharge lamp using HV silicon carbide (SiC) switching devices

A transformer-less current controlled driver for pulsed operation of a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) lamp is proposed in this paper as opposed to most of the published drivers which are voltage controlled and contain high step-up transformers. The design of this driver is intended to enhance the electrical to optical efficiency of the lamp and therefore enhancing the overall efficiency of the system. Simulation results of the proposed driver coupled to a physics based XeCl DBD lamp model are presented to prove the concept of such a current controlled driver. The newly developed HV Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFET is used in the proposed driver. The use of single SiC MOSFETs with a 10 kV reverse blocking voltage will lead to an improved lamp and driver efficiency as compared to the use of a number of series Si switches.