Abstract: A boost power converter for powering a load with an AC source is disclosed. The boost power converter comprises an AC to DC conversion circuit, a resonator, and a boost circuit. The resonator includes an energy storage device and a resonant circuit, and alternately applies energy from the energy storage device to the resonant circuit for powering the load. The AC to DC conversion circuit generates a DC signal in response to the AC source. The boost circuit includes a choke for receiving the DC signal, a rectifier for electrically coupling the choke to the energy storage device, and a switching device for selectively coupling the choke to the resonant circuit for charging and discharging the choke. The resonator operates in full resonant mode with zero voltage switching. The boost power converter is well-suited for ballast applications that drive a fluorescent lamp.