The operation principle of a burner-type diesel particulate filter was presented. Taking the subordinate oxidation reaction model into consideration, and taking the honeycomb wall-flow ceramic monolith filter as a research object, the simplified regeneration model in the single inlet channel of the filter was built at the steady state of the diesel engine. Based on the non-dimensionalization and the exhaust back-pressure model of DPF, the required temperature condition of the inlet exhaust for the burner-type DPF was obtained. The tests showed that the DPF regeneration could be smoothly completed by the burner power adjustment according to the oil spray rate correspond to the theoretical inlet exhaust temperature. It provided a definite theory basis to the design of the burner-type DPF.