Testing of insulating materials at high frequencies and high voltage based on the tesla transformer principle

Insulation materials used in high-voltage switched-mode power supplies are exposed to high-frequent high voltages. Ageing tests performed with high DC voltages or low-frequency high voltages might not reveal the true ageing effects which take place during rated operation at high frequency. Studies on different voltage source principles have been carried out. Finally the tesla transformer principle turned out to be superior for the purpose of testing the ageing performance of insulating materials under high voltages at high frequency. For this reason a voltage source based on the tesla transformer principle was developed to enable relevant testing. Ageing experiments on plastic foil samples performed up to now have confirmed the suitability of the chosen principle and the reliability of the applied voltage source. Options are available to increase the test voltage level and to modify the test voltage frequency.