Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a load control circuit for non-linear or negative-resistance loads, such as gaseous-discharge lamps, having improved cost-effective control and control. In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a controlled start feature is provided which is relatively cost-effective to implement and manufacture. Further, by reducing the complexity and costs associated with such functionality, additional functionality can be provided without substantially increasing the cost of the control circuit.

Abstract: An improved power factor DC power supply in accordance with the present invention (100 or 200) employs a power factor correcting network (120), a full-wave rectifier means (122), a pair of filter capacitors (124 and 126), and three current steering diodes (128, 130 and 132). The power factor correcting network (120) includes both an inductor means (136 and 240) and a capacitor (138), the combination configured to improve the power factor DC power supply (100 or 200) presents to the AC power-line (102) by reducing the level of harmonic currents the DC power supply generates on the AC power-line. The filter capacitors (124 and 126) are configured with the current steering diodes (128, 130 and 132) such that the filter capacitors are charged in series and discharged in parallel.

Abstract: Briefly, to reduce switching stresses, employed is a high-frequency AC power source (110) and a current-limiting (ballasting) network (116). The network ( 116 ) includes a high-frequency trap ( 120 ) and an impedance transforming network (122), which is coupled to the AC power source (110) by the trap (120) and which is for connection to a load that includes at least one gaseous discharge (fluorescent) lamp or other non-linear or negative-resistance load (102). The trap, which has the parallel resonant combination of an inductor ( 130 ) and a capacitor ( 132 ), is resonant at a frequency chosen such that the switching-circuit transistor(s) (210, or 230 and 232, or 250 and 252, or 270 and 272, or 708) of the AC power source (110) switch at times when the level of the current (charge flowing) therein and/or the voltage developed there across is zero, preferably, at a frequency slightly higher than a harmonic frequency of the high-frequency AC power source ( 110 ).