A Systematic Review of Power Converter Topologies and Excitation Techniques for DBD Actuators in Ionic Wind Generation

Plasma actuators based on dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and electrohydrodynamic injection (EHD) propulsion are key technologies for active flow control and mobility of solid-state devices without moving parts. However, the reliance on bulky laboratory sources and the high nonlinear capacitance of plasma impose serious challenges in efficiency, volume, and thermal dissipation. This article presents a systematic review of the literature under the PRISMA methodology on power circuits and power converters developed between 2020 and 2026 for ionic wind generation and flow control. The results allowed us to classify the converters into six main families: AC inverters with step-up transformer and burst modulation, 180° phase-out sources, voltage circuits with SiC-MOSFET and DC polarization, nanosecond pulse generators (Marx and IES), ZVS sources with integrated AC/DC outputs, and transformerless converters. The impact of silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors operating at high frequencies, voltage reduction through peristaltic acceleration achieving ionic wind speeds up to 4.5 m/s, miniaturization validated in 246 autonomous flight tests (UAVs), and closed-loop digital control to stabilize power against thermal drift are highlighted. Finally, technological gaps are discussed.