Abstract: A circuit arrangement for driving an inductive load (M) having a first (1) and a second sub-winding (2), which sub-windings can be connected to an energy source (5) via switch devices (9, 10) periodically driven by a controller (16). The source produces a DC voltage (U5) to supply energy to the load (M). Alternatively, the sub-windings are coupled electrically (3) and magnetically (6) like an autotransformer, while voltages (for example U8) for feeding the controller (16) can be tapped from the transformer end terminals (7,8) which are formed by non-interconnected terminals of the sub-windings (1,2). In this circuit arrangement start and operation is ensured with the least possible additional circuitry even if the DC voltage taken from the energy source is less than the supply voltage necessary for the controller.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement, which includes a switched-mode power supply energized by a source and which is controlled by a control circuit. The switched-mode power supply supplies the control circuit with energy during operation. The circuit also comprising a starter circuit for applying a supply current to the control circuit when the arrangement is put into operation. A particularly simple and inexpensive construction is obtained in that the starter circuit comprises a capacitive voltage divider which is fed directly by the source and is provided with a tapping wherefrom the supply current is derived via a rectifier element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric arrangement for operating a an electric discharge lamp (13) which is connected in series with a coil (14) and a switch (15) to a pulsatory direct voltage source. The combination of the lamp and the coil is shunted by a rectifier. The lamp is shunted by a capacitor (18) and the switch is periodically rendered conductive at an instant when the instantaneous voltage of the pulsatory direct voltage source is between 0.5 and 0.8 times the then required re-ignition voltage of the lamp. The voltage build up across the capacitor (18) after the switch has become conducting causes the lamp to reignite. The luminous efficacy of the lamp is comparatively high.