Abstract: In order to achieving wide dimming range for compact and tubular fluorescent lamps, two novel control approaches are proposed. (i) Novel techniques for suppressing oscillatory effects in the Triac circuit so as to maintain stable Triac operation over a wide firing angle range and (ii) a hybrid dimming control technique in the ballast inverter circuit for achieving wide dimming range from 100% to about 3%. Concerning point (i) both dissipative and non-dissipative energy absorption schemes (EAS) are proposed to suppress the transient effects in the Triac circuit when the Triac is turned on. The essence of the EAS is to ensure that the Triac circuit can be operated in a stable manner without oscillations or inadvertent turn-off. With respect to pint (ii) a hybrid dimming method is proposed in which unlike traditional control methods that use inverter frequency control only for dimming purposes, both dc link voltage and inverter frequency are varied.

Abstract: In order to achieving wide dimming range for compact and tubular fluorescent lamps, two novel control approaches are proposed. (i) Novel techniques for suppressing oscillatory effects in the Triac circuit so as to maintain stable Triac operation over a wide firing angle range and (ii) a hybrid dimming control technique in the ballast inverter circuit for achieving wide dimming range from 100% to about 3%. Concerning point (i) both dissipative and non-dissipative energy absorption schemes (EAS) are proposed to suppress the transient effects in the Triac circuit when the Triac is turned on. The essence of the EAS is to ensure that the Triac circuit can be operated in a stable manner without oscillations or inadvertent turn-off. With respect to pint (ii) a hybrid dimming method is proposed in which unlike traditional control methods that use inverter frequency control only for dimming purposes, both dc link voltage and inverter frequency are varied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-cost and simple system for the remote control of dimmable electronic ballasts. The system includes a transmitter module for transmitting dimming data to a ballast, and a receiver module for receiving the dimming data and outputting a dimming signal in response thereto. Optionally the transmitter module may also control ON/OFF operation and will also include address data identifying the ballast to be controlled.

Abstract: Novel structures for electronically-controlled integral compact fluorescent lamps are described in which the space defined by a folded discharge tube is used to locate a housing for at least a part of the electronic-control circuitry. The housing is provided with ventilation means to allow the escape of heated air from the interior of the housing. This reduces the size of the lamp, and allows temperature sensitive components to be located in a relatively cool region. The housing can be provided with a reflective coating to improve the illumination uniformity, and if made of metal can act as a heat sink.