Abstract: The configurations of an electronic ballast are provided in the present invention. The proposed electronic ballast includes a filter circuit having a first and a second output terminals, a rectifier circuit having a first input terminal, a second input terminal coupled to the second output terminal of the filter circuit, and a first output terminal, and a continuous-conduction-mode charge pump PFC circuit including a first inductor having a first terminal coupled to the first input terminal and a second terminal coupled to the first output terminal of the filter circuit, a second inductor having a first terminal and a first capacitor having a first terminal coupled to the first terminal of the first inductor and a second terminal coupled to the first terminal of the second inductor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for driving and to an associated command and control device for discharge lamps (2), for example high pressure sodium lamps (2), supplied by an alternating current electrical supply network. Both the method and the device provide the use of an electronic microprocessor (7) receiving on the input side data relating to the current drawn by the lamp (7) and connected on the output side to a power switch (6) for high frequency switching of the alternating current supply to the lamp.

Abstract: A driving circuit of a light emitting diode (LED) including an AC power, a rectifier, a power converter, a waveform sampler, and a control circuit is provided. The AC power provides an AC signal. The rectifier is coupled to the AC power and outputs a driving signal. The power converter is coupled to the rectifier. The power converter includes an LED and outputs a first signal positive correlated with a current passing through the LED. The waveform sampler is coupled between the AC power and the rectifier, and outputs a second signal directly proportional to the AC signal. The control circuit is coupled between the waveform sampler and the power converter, and outputs a control signal to the power converter according to a comparison result between the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: A fixed phase power controller that converts a line voltage to an RMS load voltage includes an analog control block with a capacitor that receives an input that is independent of a change in magnitude of the line voltage and that charges and discharges to provide a trigger signal at a first frequency, a reset circuit that periodically resets an initial condition of the analog control block, a synchronization connection that provides a sync signal that synchronizes the trigger signal with a waveform of the line voltage, and a control circuit that clips a load voltage based on the synchronized trigger signal to define the RMS load voltage. The controller finds application in a lamp where it reduces the line voltage to an RMS load voltage suitable for a light emitting element.

Abstract: An improved fluorescent light ballast circuit extends the on/off life of a florescent lamp within a lighting circuit having a pair of series connected fluorescent lamps. The ballast circuit includes a DC pulse generation circuit, filtering and voltage regulation circuitry, a step-up voltage transformer, and a current altering circuit which alters the current within selected filaments within the lamps. The current altering circuit includes a diode and a coil winding which connect across a filament within one of the fluorescent lamps. The net effect of the current altering circuit is to increase the voltage supplied across the lamp connected to the current altering circuit so that the voltage levels across both lamps are balanced.

Abstract: The apparatus and method disclosed herein relates to a precision capillary discharge switch to deliver a predetermined power across a gap at the ends of electrodes enclosed in a containment envelop with a fluid media therein. A method of calibration is used to assign specific operating and arc triggering voltages based on a given gap dimension, ionization properties of the fluid or gas media and pressure within the containment envelope. The ends of the electrodes at the calibrated gap include tip geometry designed to reliably transfer power across the gap when the desired operating voltage range is reached.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a high intensity discharge light to an electrical outlet has a plurality of end plates adapted to be electrically connected to an electrical outlet and to provide an electrical connection to the light. A heat sink means, and a cover means together with the end plates provide a protective enclosure for a circuit board having a ballast circuit thereon. The ballast circuit maintains a constant current flow through the light as the light becomes operational and comprises a plurality of transistor means biased both simultaneously and alternatively into conduction as the light becomes operational.

Abstract: In a driving circuit which is used together with a flash lamp supplied with an exciting voltage and which comprises a transformer responsive to a trigger pulse for developing a pulse voltage and an exciting member around the lamp for causing a discharge to occur in the lamp in response to the pulse voltage to energize a laser device placed adjacent the lamp, a control member disposed between the transformer and the exciting member allows the pulse voltage to be applied across the lamp and suppresses a parasitic voltage which is otherwise developed across the transformer as a result of the discharge. The control member may comprise an air gap that is preferably from one to several millimeters long.

Abstract: A jacketed high pressure metal vapor discharge lamp comprising an arc tube having main electrodes at opposite ends and a starter electrode, has a resistor and a diode in series bridged across the main electrodes which are connected across a peaked lead ballast in operation. A second resistor connects the starting electrode to the remote main electrode. The circuit lowers the minimum open circuit voltage required from the ballast for reliable starting.

Abstract: A discharge lamp for connection to an associated alternating current power supply. The lamp is provided with two main electrodes and a starting electrode. Two diodes are connected in series, in cathode to anode relationship, between one associated AC power conductor and the starting electrode. In parallel with the diodes is a first capacitor. Connected to the junction between the diodes is a second capacitor which is connected on the other side thereof to a conductor from the other AC power conductor to the main lamp electrode remote from the starting electrode. In operation the second capacitor substantially changes its capacitance responsive to the temperature present with the lamp to effectively make the voltage doubler inoperative.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixed-light lamp. According to the invention the lamp is connected to a cascade circuit of two capacitors and two diodes. The increase in voltage obtained with that cascade circuit is fed to an auxiliary electrode of the discharge tube of the mixed light lamp.All electric circuit element of the device are located within the lamp. The lamp described is particularly suitable to be operated by an AC mains circuit of a relatively low voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition circuit for a sunlamp, the lamp including a gas or vapor discharge tube which emits ultraviolet radiation and two infrared radiators.The ignition or auxiliary circuit uses a diode which supplies a succession of current pulses which flows through a heating resistor in the discharge tube for the purpose of ignition. Relatively high voltages between the electrodes of an electric discharge tube, for example, this discharge tube can be realized.

Abstract: A jacketed high intensity discharge lamp utilizes a starter electrode voltage doubling circuit comprising a diode and a mica-dielectric capacitor which is electrically interposed between an inlead into the jacket and the frame side rod and forms an integral structural part of the frame which supports the arc tube. The starter electrode is resistively connected to the side rod to facilitate starting and the arrangement maintains a positive D.C. bias on the frame which reduces electrolysis of sodium through the arc tube walls.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for starting a linear metal halide arc discharge lamp while in a transistor switching bridge inverter circuit. A pulse generator is electrically connected to a trigger electrode which is mounted in close proximity to the lamp for supplying pulsed high voltage. The trigger electrode is capacitively coupled to the lamp for supplying pulsed high voltage for starting the lamp. A first logic gate is connected in circuit between a pulse width modulator and a phase splitter driver and is responsive to lamp current to lock the driver in a constant mode until the lamp starts. A second logic gate is connected to the pulse generator and is responsive to lamp current to inhibit the generator when the lamp is on. The pulse width modulator produces, when enabled, a variable pulse train having a fast rise and fall time. This variable pulse train is delivered to the phase splitter driver within which is developed the signal for driving the inverter.