Series-resonant inverter in DCM mode for the supply of a DBD excimer UV lamp

This paper presents the study of a series-resonant inverter for the supply of a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) excimer lamp. Causal analysis, based on the fundamental properties of the load, is used to justify the choice of this topology. In order to correctly control the lamp power, the operating mode selected for this converter combines discontinuous current-mode and soft-commutation (ZCS), obtaining as well low electromagnetic emissions, and reducing switching losses. The model of the lamp is briefly presented and it allows a simple state plane analysis to calculate all the electric variables involved in the converter and consequently to select the components of the supply. The mathematical relationships obtained from this process are validated with simulations and experimental results. Performances for lamp operation and UV emission control are presented.