Lamp driver concepts for dielectric barrier discharge lamps and evaluation of a 110 W ballast

With temperature-independent light output and long usable lifetimes, Hg-free dielectric barrier discharge lamps (DBDLs) exhibit distinct advantages. Their electrical parameters - driving voltages up to some kV, predominant capacitive impedance and a power factor in the range of 0.3 differ considerably from those of well-known fluorescent lamps. Electronic ballasts for DBDLs have to cope with these properties while on the other hand a compromise between system performance and costs must be found. This paper gives an overview on existing concepts with their specific advantages and drawbacks. Furthermore, 110 W electronic ballast for the OSRAM PLANON Lamp is evaluated.