Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) systems require high-frequency, high-voltage (HF–HV) excitation to sustain stable plasma generation, typically necessitating step-up transformers capable of delivering several kV. Planar transformers (PT), in particular, offer advantages such as compact form factor and designs with controlled parasitics; however, their application in HV environments remains underexplored. This work presents the design and implementation of a HF-HV PT specifically designed for DBD power supplies. The transformer operates in the few-hundred-kHz range, supports 1.6 kW of power transfer, delivers a bipolar 2-kV output, and is insulated to withstand up to 5 kV of stress. Key design considerations including core material selection, HV winding layout, insulation coordination, and mitigation of parasitic capacitances and leakage inductance are systematically addressed. Both simulation and experimental results validate the proposed HF–HV planar transformer design and demonstrate its suitability for driving DBD loads.
