Abstract: An energy efficient illumination device is provided in which energy consumption is reduced by using a pulse generating circuit which provides power to LEDs in short pulses, and in which the circuit has a lifespan which is comparable to that of an LED. The illumination device includes a pulse generator circuit employing only passive circuit components and which is used to generate a desired pulsed and positively DC biased output waveform. The pulse generator circuit receives alternating current power as an input, alters the power waveform, and supplies the power to LEDs for a very short time (0.2-15 ms) during each cycle of a 50-60 Hz input signal. This paradigm of pulsed light emission provides ambient lighting that is perceived by humans to be steady and continuous, and which also provides substantial energy savings since power is used in only a fraction of the power cycle.