Abstract: In the case of circuit arrangements for operating discharge lamps (Lp1, Lp2) which include a charge pump for reducing line current harmonics, an energy imbalance occurs when the lamps are started. In order for this not to lead to components being destroyed, but for sufficient ignition voltage nevertheless to be generated at the lamps (Lp1, Lp2), a threshold switch (MOV, TH) monitors the frequency of an inverter included in the circuit arrangement.

Abstract: A high-voltage transformer for lighting a plurality of discharge lamps has a primary coil for inputting an AC voltage and a secondary coil for outputting a predetermined AC voltage higher than the AC voltage inputted. The primary coil has a starter primary winding for initially lighting the discharge lamps, and a normal lighting primary winding for normally lighting the discharge lamps.

Abstract: The essence of the invention: a control device of gas-discharge light source having a resonance circuit with connection of a choking coil and capacitor made branched, a starting switch, an ignition pulse generator, power-supply mains, a control-and-command circuit with a microprocessor control unit having a line-operated telemetric receiver and transmitter interacting with a unit of timing and detector of frequency-modulated signals, elements of load state control, elements of current and voltage monitoring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supply circuit for a load, and in particular to an electronic ballast for a lamp having such a supply circuit. In order to drive a switching transistor T1 of the supply circuit, a forcing circuit ZS is used which is supplied by the supply circuit. At the start of operation, an oscillation of an oscillator circuit OS, which can preferably serve as an amplifier for the forcing circuit ZS in the continuous operating mode, is used for driving.

Abstract: A light source of the invention includes: a cylinder having disposed therein a phosphor material that emits light by ultraviolet rays which are radiated due to discharge; a pair of internal electrodes disposed inside the cylinder; a pair of external electrodes a and b disposed outside the cylinder; and a lamp controller that switches between an external electrode lighting mode resulting from the application of a voltage to the pair of external electrodes and an internal electrode lighting mode resulting from the application of a voltage to the pair of internal electrodes, wherein the lamp controller controls, in the external electrode lighting mode, an electric potential VIN with respect to the pair of internal electrodes and an electric potential VH of the electrode of the higher electric potential of the pair of external electrodes to a condition where VIN>VH or VIN?VH.

Abstract: The described DC to AC inverter efficiently controls the amount of electrical power used to drive a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL). The inverter uses a full bridge that is controlled to deliver energy to the CCFL using pulse width modulation (PWM). Additionally, during striking of the CCFL, a wider initial energy pulse is used. During normal operation, a lower energy pulse is used.

Abstract: A lighting system that includes a lamp and a control circuit configured to apply signals to the lamp in pulsed mode operation. The lamp may employ ferroelectric ceramic cathodes to enhance life of the lamp when used with the pulsed mode drive circuitry. The drive circuitry applies signals within a desired frequency range to lower input power while providing enhance output within a desired wavelength band, such as 365 nm to make use of an afterglow regime from an emissive medium within the lamp.

Abstract: A light management system for controlling a load circuit is disclosed. The system preferably comprises a switch unit with a momentary switch for manually controlling the load circuit, a night light to provide low-level or reduced room lighting from the switch unit and a motion sensor for sensing motion from the switch unit. The motion sensor is configured to automatically control the load circuit and/or the night light based on detected motion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the load circuit operates a room lighting system, the light unit comprises light emitting diodes to provide the low-level light. The switch unit is preferably programmable to customized modes of operation to suit a wide range of applications. In yet further embodiments of the invention, the system comprises a light sensor for controlling the load circuit or the night light in response to a level of detected room lighting.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp driver circuit has regulator (SR); primary circuit of transformer (TF); electronic switches (TR2A and TR2B) and current sensing device (Rsense) connected successively in series across power supply (PSF). Controller (CTRL) is connected to create a feed back loop. The secondary circuit of transformer (TF) is coupled to fluorescent lamps (U10 and U11) via ballast capacitors (C1 and C2). Diode (D1) creates unidirectional current flow, so current sensing device (Rsense) indicates only energy input to lamps (U10 and U11). Capacitors (C1 and C2) are placed physically very close to their respective lamps, enabling good matching of currents through lamps (U10 and U11). Pulse width modulator (PM) with predetermined input is connected to regulator (SR) and, via delay circuit (TD) to controller (CTRL), thus permitting a larger dimming ratio, and further control of input power.

Abstract: An efficient power conversion circuit for driving a fluorescent lamp uses a pre-regulator to generate a regulated voltage with a relatively high level of ripple voltage. The regulated voltage can be varied to provide dimming of the fluorescent lamp. The regulated voltage is provided to a direct drive inverter. The direct drive inverter uses driving signals of fixed pulse widths to generate an output voltage to drive the fluorescent lamp. The output voltage has relatively long on-time durations so that the difference between the peak lamp current and the average lamp current is reduced, thus reducing a lamp current crest factor for improved lamp lighting efficiency.

Abstract: A ballast (20, 20?) includes a rectifier circuit (100), a boost converter (200, 200?), an inverter (300), an output circuit (400), and an inverter startup circuit (600). Inverter startup circuit (600) is coupled between boost converter (200) and inverter (300). During operation, inverter startup circuit (600) provides a delay period between startup of boost converter (200) and startup of inverter (300) so that startup of inverter (300) is delayed until at least such time as the DC rail voltage provided by boost converter (200) approaches its steady-state operating level. This ensures that the ballast (20,20?) provides an output voltage that is sufficiently high to ignite a lamp (40) in a preferred manner, with little or no glow current and a fast strike time.

Abstract: A safety interlock apparatus for an electrical device includes a DC power supply, a ballast power supply including a ballast control circuit that controls a ballast power circuit, and a lamp. A relatively low voltage electrical connection is present between the DC power supply and the ballast control circuit. A relatively high voltage electrical connection is present between the lamp and the ballast power circuit. A safety interlock switch is positioned on the relatively low voltage electrical connection, the switch having a closed state wherein the relatively low voltage is supplied to the ballast control circuit and an open disconnected state wherein the relatively low voltage electrical connection is disconnected. A panel is fixable to the electrical device frame, and is selectively movable to expose the lamp for removal.

Abstract: A rare gas discharge lamp lighting apparatus has a power supply, a transformer, a switching element which is in series connected to the power supply and a primary side of the transformer, a rare gas discharge lamp connected on a secondary side of the transformer, and an input terminal for inputting a lamp lighting signal, a controlling circuit for outputting a controlling signal to the switching circuit by calculating at least one of output voltage, output current and output power, and an operating voltage input terminal to which voltage is impressed to initiate an operation of the controlling circuit based on the lamp lighting signal, wherein a delay element is provided between the input terminal and the operating voltage input terminal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ballast circuit powered by a system power source. The ballast, in operative connection with the system power source, is an inverting type of ballast designed to generate an asymmetric alternating lamp input current on a lamp input line. Further, a gas discharge lamp is in operative connection to the lamp input line configured to receive the asymmetric alternating current. The inverting circuit of the ballast is configured with complementary switches configured to have unequal on times, thereby producing an asymmetric lamp input current. A DC blocking capacitor is provided to block any DC current from the lamp input line. The asymmetric alternating lamp input current eliminates visual striations otherwise occurring in the lamp.

Abstract: A system of variable color landscape lights illuminated by multiple light emitting diode chips provides the user a controllable spectral output. In its various configurations, the electronic control system allows a selection of various spectral light radiation. The color output of the light emitting diode chips is electronically controlled and can be changed by means of a push button switch, radio frequency control, infrared control, signals impressed on line voltages, and other control system means.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electronic device, or dimmer, for regulating the power supply applied to a load (4), the device comprising an insulated gate bipolar transistor or IGBT (1), the IGBT (1) having a first operating mode in which it is off and does not allow any current to pass, a second operating mode in which it is on and the current passing therein is substantially limited by characteristics of an external circuit connected to it, and a third linear region operating mode, in which the current passing therein is limited by a value proportional to the gate voltage, the IGBT (1) being connected to a rectifier bridge (2), apt to be connected to a load (4) and to a mains (5) connected in series to each other, the device further comprising a processing and controlling unit, the device being characterised in that said processing and controlling unit includes digital processing means (6, 7) and in that the device comprises ramp generating means (17, 18) driven by said processing and controlling unit, apt to g

Abstract: There is disclosed a portable hand held fluorescent task lamp comprising an elongated plastic housing having a clear lens on one end of the housing and a hand grip portion formed into the second end of the housing; a line cord; at least two compact fluorescent lamp (“CFL”) bulbs removably disposed behind and visible through the clear lens, of any wattage from approximately four to thirty watts and of either a non-starting type or a self-starting type; an electronic ballast circuit; and an SPST function switch disposed in series with each CFL bulb, wherein the CFL bulbs may be ignited and sustained in illumination in parallel, simultaneously or individually, as determined by the respective SPST switches.

Abstract: An external electrode fluorescent lamp includes an upper panel of lamp which is serpentine shaped, a lower panel which is planar shaped and to be combined with the upper panel to make channels between the upper panel and the lower panel; and external electrodes which are located at the two extreme sides of the surface of the upper panel.

Abstract: A strobe light responds to both an input voltage range of about 8-40 volts and a selectable candela output. A programmed processor stores a plurality of electrical parameters which correspond to respective selectable candela. For repetitive fixed periods, the light is repetitively driven by a variable duty cycle signal that takes into account both applied voltage and selected candela output.

Abstract: A hybrid electronic ballast circuit includes a ballast control, half-bridge driver, and a power switch half-bridge in a single package. The ballast circuit includes a number of fault protections and safety features and is self-oscillating to drive a resonant circuit including a fluorescent lamp. Internal feedback and control signals are provided for a number of modes of operation, including startup, preheat, normal run mode and fault protection response mode. A voltage controlled oscillator adjusts the switching frequency of the switching half-bridge to maintain zero volt switching and minimum current switching. The entire ballast control may have only three external connections, and may be implemented in a TO220 package.

Abstract: A discharge-lamp lighting circuit designed to decrease the size of a driving circuit for driving switching elements constituting a DC-AC converter circuit 4 therein and to reduce the manufacturing cost likewise. With a bridge type circuit arrangement having a plurality of switching elements SW1 to SW4 in the DC-AC converter circuit 4, a plurality of bipolar transistors are used to form a driving circuit for controlling the on-off conditions of the elements SW1 and SW3 positioned on the high voltage side out of the switching elements. At this time, a plurality of transistors (22 and 23) are connected in series and the on-off conditions of the switching element SW1 are controlled by the transistor 23 on the low voltage side. Moreover, there is provided a resistance element 26 so as to limit current flowing from the node &agr; between the switching elements forming the arms of the bridge to the transistor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dynamically adjusting a switch frequency of a burst mode for a liquid crystal display. The method of the invention comprises the steps of: (a) receiving a scan frequency value from a signal source; (b) deriving a switch frequency value of the burst mode according to the scan frequency value; and (c) transmitting the switch frequency value to a lamp controller. According to the method of the invention, the switch frequency value can be obtained through calculation or by a look-up table. The stitch frequency value preferably equals a scan frequency value multiplied by a multiple (N+0.5), wherein N is a positive number. A tolerable range of the switch frequency value of the burst mode is ±20 Hz. The method of the invention utilizes various scan frequency values to adjust the switch frequency value.

Abstract: A method of preventing acoustic arc resonance (AAR) in a high frequency electronic ballast for a High-Intensity-Discharge (HID) lamp, includes the step of providing a phase modulated signal to the HID lamp, the phase modulated signal being provided by a pulse source working at a Pulse-Phase-Modulation (PPM) mode with a fixed frequency.

Abstract: A method of initiating lighting of a discharge lamp is provided including applying to the discharge lamp to be lighted an initiating voltage resulting from superimposition of a step-up pulse voltage of 1,000 to 3,000 V onto a voltage of 500 to 1,500 V which is continuously applied to the discharge lamp. Also provided is a circuit for lighting a discharge lamp, including a ballast for lighting the discharge lamp, and a low-voltage igniter connected to the ballast for initiating lighting of the lamp, the low-voltage igniter comprising: a lighting diode having an input side connected to an output side of the ballast and an output side connected to the discharge lamp; and a step-up device for superimposing step-up pulses onto the output of the lighting diode via a step-up pulse supply branch line connected to the output side of the lighting diode in initiating lighting of the discharge lamp.

Abstract: A light emitting element driving circuit for supplying driving current I2 to a light emitting element 10 connected to one line 2 of a current mirror circuit 12 is equipped with a pulse generating circuit 20 connected to the other line 1 so that pulse current flows therethrough, and superposing means 30 for superposing a first auxiliary pulse current on the pulse current in synchronization with the rise-up time of the pulse current. The rise-up time is shortened by the superposition. In the driving circuit, a source follower circuit is connected to the current mirror circuit, and current flowing through the source follower circuit is set to be substantially proportional to current flowing through the other line of the current mirror circuit.

Abstract: A circuit efficiently drives light emitting diodes (LEDs). The circuit uses a switching regulator device instead of a standard resistor to limit current to the LEDs. The switching regulator device is in a closed loop with a current sensing device near the LED lamps. Feedback from this current sensing device switches the control method according to the current load regulating the voltage applied to the LEDs. An inductive storage device in the circuit allows the LEDs to be driven with minimal voltage input. Methods for intensifying and focusing the light produced by the LEDs driven by the circuit are also described.

Abstract: A hand-held fluorescent lamp assembly powered by typical line supply of 120 VAC, 60 Hz via an attached power cord and employing multiple commonly available fluorescent lamps. The assembly includes switches to independently control the multiple fluorescent lamps. The assembly includes lightweight solid state power regulation components. The power regulation circuit employs a self-oscillating circuit that is approximately matched in frequency of oscillation to the natural frequency of the fluorescent lamp load to automatically ignite the fluorescent lamps. The power regulation circuit includes circuit elements to automatically protect the ballast circuit and lamps from overdrawing in the run state and from abnormal load conditions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a high-pressure metal-vapor discharge lamp lighting apparatus comprising control circuit constituted to supply a lamp power larger than a rated lamp power from lighting circuit and light a high-pressure metal-vapor discharge lamp and to subsequently control the lighting circuit in such a manner that the lamp power is successively reduced in accordance with predetermined reduction ratio characteristics to settle at the rated lamp power and to be capable of varying the reduction ratio characteristics in accordance with fluctuations of rising characteristics of a quantity of light in the high-pressure metal-vapor discharge lamp.

Abstract: A control device for signal lamps of a vehicle, having a signalling circuit for generating an intermittent signal current as load current for the signal lamps, and a signal switch for activating the signalling circuit. The control device, which can be implemented easily, generates a running light function for signal lamps of a vehicle. A clock circuit is provided which drives the load current of at least two signal lamps individually in each case with the aid of a prescribed clock sequence, in which case, acting as operating voltage source for this clock circuit, the signalling circuit feeds the latter the intermittent signal current. The control device can be used both in the context of a turn flasher and hazard warning function and for signalling the state of central locking or antitheft warning systems, and merely for controlling electroluminescence luminous strips with the aim of enhancing the overall visual impression of a vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing emission of incoherent radiation and uses therefor are disclosed. A system for providing emission of high peak power (in watts) incoherent radiation, comprises an electrically impeded discharge lamp linked to an electrical energy supply.

Abstract: An elongated electrode of a dielectric barrier discharge lamp is divided into two component electrodes (A, A′) by a gap (L). The two component electrodes (A, A′) are driven in an ignition phase in such a way that an auxiliary discharge that facilitates the ignition of the main discharge (E) in the region of the electrode gap (L), in particular when the lamp is in the dark. In normal operation, the component electrodes (A, A′) are driven in such a way that they contribute to the generation of the main discharge (E).

Abstract: A lighting circuit for an HID lamp causing no erroneous operation of a lighting circuit even when counter-electromotive force is generated due to the inductance in the wirings when the lighting circuit and the HID lamp are located at a long distance and not causing flicker even when the inter-electrode resistance of the HID lamp differs depending on the direction of the application voltage, comprising a control section (C) adapted, upon application of an AC rectangular wave voltage to an HID lamp (1) by a full-bridge type inverter (9), for detecting a resistance value in a positive direction and a resistance value in a negative direction of the HID lamp (1) corresponding to the direction of the polarity of the AC rectangular wave voltage, setting the duty ratio between the positive direction and the negative direction of the AC rectangular waveform voltage so as to be in an inverse proportion with the magnitude for each of the resistance values, and switching each of the switching elements (12A-12D) of the in

Abstract: A ballast includes a rectangular wave generating circuit that generates a rectangular wave signal; a driving signal generating circuit supplied with the rectangular wave signal and a dimmer signal of a PWM waveform of a frequency lower than that of the rectangular wave signal and outputting a driving signal of an output obtained by extracting the rectangular wave signal for a period corresponding to “on” period of the dimmer signal; a pulse transformer which is supplied with a rectangular wave voltage based on the driving signal, step up the rectangular wave voltage and applying it to a discharge lamp. A rectangular wave reset circuit is provided so as to reset the generation of the rectangular wave signal at a rising of the dimmer signal. The driving signal generating circuit extracts the rectangular wave signal for a period starting from when the dimmer signal is turned on, until a time at which the dimmer signal and the rectangular wave signal are both off.

Abstract: An inverter for igniting a discharge lamp comprises a transformer, a first switch transistor, a second switch transistor, a first snubber capacitor, a second snubber capacitor, a reset capacitor, and a control circuit. One of the source/drain of the first switch transistor is electrically coupled to the primary side of the transformer. One of the source/drain of the second switch transistor is electrically coupled to the primary side of the transformer. The first snubber capacitor is electrically coupled between the source and the drain of the first switch transistor. The second snubber capacitor is electrically coupled between the source and the drain of the second switch transistor. The reset capacitor is electrically coupled between the other of the source/drain of the first switch transistor and the other of the source/drain of the second switch transistor.

Abstract: A device for operating a dielectric barrier discharge lamp in which not only the efficiency is maintained, but in which a reduction of the irradiance over the course of use is advantageously prevented. The device includes a dielectric barrier discharge lamp and a feed device for applying a high voltage to this dielectric barrier discharge lamp, wherein the feed device via a set-up transformer applies a high voltage with an essentially periodic waveform to the barrier discharge lamp. Moreover, the applied high voltage first produces a steep rising waveform and then ringing, wherein the ratio of the difference between a second extreme value point and a third extreme value point to the difference between a first extreme value point and the second extreme value point of the ringing is less than or equal to 30%. It is a further object of an embodiment of the present invention to reduce or eliminate the ringing.

Abstract: An electronic ballast for driving at least one gas discharge lamp from a source of AC power which has a substantially sinusoidal line voltage at a given line frequency includes a rectifying circuit; a valley fill circuit; and an inverter circuit connectable to the at least one gas discharge lamp; The inverter circuit has a single controllably conductive device and an inductor; the inductor connectable to the at least one gas discharge lamp; the inverter circuit being adapted to draw current from the source of AC power whereby the total current drawn from the source of AC power has a total harmonic distortion below about 33.3%; and whereby the lamp current crest factor below about 2.1.

Abstract: A lighting control signal generating circuit 10 controls the output pulse of a drive signal circuit 11 by the output signal. The output pulses of the drive signal circuit 11 include a first and a second pulse drive signal 11a, 11b, each of which has a phase inverted to each other. These first and second pulse drive signals 11a, 11b are controlled the repetition frequency by the output signal of said light control signal generating circuit 10. Further, the drive signal circuit 11 generates a third pulse drive signal 11c which is so controlled as to be turned ON and OFF in accordance with the output signal of the light control signal generating circuit 10. The first and second pulse drive signal 11a, 11b supplied by the drive signal circuit 11 control the first and the second switching device S1, S2 by turning them ON and OFF alternately. A pulse transformer 12 is provided with a primary coil L1 and a secondary coil L2.

Abstract: In a discharge lamp lighting circuit, a DC—DC converting circuit has a switching element to be connected to a transformer and a primary winding thereof, and control is carried out in such a manner that the transformer stores energy while the switching element is set in an ON state in response to a signal sent from a control circuit, the energy is output from a secondary winding of the transformer while the switching element is set in an OFF state, and the switching element is turned ON when the energy is completely output from the secondary winding in a stable lighting state of a discharge lamp. A fluctuation is applied to the control of an output current or power related to the discharge lamp which is carried out for the ON period of the switching element, thereby changing a switching frequency.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement in connection with a control gear arranged to control two parallel-connected fluorescent tubes, and a control gear, whereby the parallel-connected fluorescent tubes are fed using a single control gear in common, which comprises control arrangement arranged to provide output current for the control gear in response to a current reference.

Abstract: A lighting system that includes a lamp and a control circuit configured to apply signals to the lamp in pulsed mode operation. The lamp may employ ferroelectric ceramic cathodes to enhance life of the lamp when used with the pulsed mode drive circuitry. The drive circuitry applies signals within a desired frequency range to lower input power while providing enhance output within a desired wavelength band, such as 365 nm to make use of an afterglow regime from an emissive medium within the lamp.

Abstract: An input voltage detecting circuit for detecting an input voltage is provided inside a PFM control charge pump circuit, and potential differences between potentials appearing at gate terminals and potentials appearing at source terminals are reduced by gate voltage controlling circuits for in response to a signal from the input voltage detecting circuit, suppressing gate voltages of switch transistors of a charge pump to suppress a rush current value to thereby reduce a current to prevent generation of a noise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel operating device for lamps, in particular low-pressure gas discharge lamps, in which a SEPIC converter is used for charging a storage transistor from an AC voltage supply. In this case, the SEPIC converter is regulated to an output quantity as regulated variable, its operating frequency being altered. Preferably, only the switch-on time and not the switch-off time of the switching transistor of the SEPIC converter is altered in this case.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to LED systems capable of generating light, such as for illumination or display purposes. The light-emitting LEDs may be controlled by a processor to alter the brightness and/or color of the generated light, e.g., by using pulse-width modulated signals. Thus, the resulting illumination may be controlled by a computer program to provide complex, predesigned patterns of light in virtually any environment.

Abstract: A cold cathode gas discharge lamp unit and control circuit for controlling the light emission of the cold cathode gas discharge lamp. A lamp unit includes a dc power source and a control circuit for converting into a high frequency drive signal across the lamp wherein each cycle of the drive signal includes an ignition period with a signal level sufficient to initiate gas conduction, a sustaining period with a signal level sufficient to sustain gas conduction, and an off period with a signal level below the sustaining level.

Abstract: A ballast (100) includes an inverter (140,144,146) and a protection circuit that prevents excessive lamp-to-earth-ground fault current. The protection circuit includes a transformer (202,204,206,208,210) and an inverter disable circuit (300). The transformer measures a first current going out of one set of ballast output terminals (106,108) and a second current going into another set of ballast output terminals (206,208). In response to a substantial imbalance between the first current and the second current, inverter disable circuit (300) terminates inverter switching. Preferably, protection circuit further includes a restart timer circuit (400) that, following termination of inverter switching in response to a fault condition, prevents the inverter from restarting for a predetermined delay period.

Abstract: An efficient power conversion circuit for driving a fluorescent lamp uses a pre-regulator to generate a regulated voltage with a relatively high level of ripple voltage. The regulated voltage can be varied to provide dimming of the fluorescent lamp. The regulated voltage is provided to a direct drive inverter. The direct drive inverter uses driving signals of fixed pulse widths to generate an output voltage to drive the fluorescent lamp. The output voltage has relatively long on-time durations so that the difference between the peak lamp current and the average lamp current is reduced, thus reducing a lamp current crest factor for improved lamp lighting efficiency.

Abstract: The switching power unit is a switching power unit of PWM system in which, in response to a secondary-side output voltage detected by an output voltage detecting circuit, a control circuit controls a duty of a main switching element so as to stabilize the output voltage. There is provided a filter circuit, preventing EMI, which is constituted of filter capacitors and a filter coil. In relation to the filter circuit, there is provided a discharging resistor which is constituted of two series resistors so as to prevent an accident by discharging electric charges of the filter capacitors quickly. A voltage of a connection point between the series resistors is applied to a power supplying capacitor of the control circuit via an activating resistor.

Abstract: A transformerless, high power xenon power supply for providing a DC voltage to a high wattage xenon bulb. The power supply includes: a first DC power supply which accepts incoming AC power and provides a first DC output, the first DC power supply having a first capacitor for filtering the voltage at the first DC output; a current path having an inductor, a controllable switch for controlling the electrical current flowing through the inductor, and a second capacitor for filtering the voltage at an output of the current path; and a pulse width modulator having an output in communication with the controllable switch. The output of the current path is not electrically isolated from the incoming AC power. The inventive power supply may offer significant reductions in size, weight, and cost over designs having a transformer.

Abstract: A lamp lighting apparatus including a voltage control section for supplying a pulse voltage whose peak value rises stepwise, and a power conversion section for converting an output of the voltage control section into a high voltage and applying the high voltage to a lamp to light the lamp and for supplying, after the lamp is lit once, a self-sustaining discharge current to the lamp.

Abstract: A frequency-modulated converter with a series-parallel resonance, particularly for driving any ohmic or inductive load, including gas discharge tubes, wherein a commutating voltage switch in the form of a transistor is provided and is connected in series between a negative electrode of a direct current voltage source and a first terminal of an inductor, and a pulse generator circuit is provided between the voltage source and the transistor's control electrode and the inductor's second terminal is connected to the primary winding of a transformer. A first capacitor and rectifier diode are also provided in a first and second parallel branch respectively between the transistor's charge receiving and charge emitting electrodes, and a second capacitor is provided across the voltage source's electrodes, and a smoothing capacitance is provided for the voltage source, the second capacitor being connected in series with the inductor via the diode.