Abstract: A control circuit for a switching regulator can include: a control signal generation circuit configured to generate a control signal for controlling switching states of power switches in the switching regulator; where, in a first state of the switching regulator, the control signal is generated in accordance with a loop feedback signal that is generated based on a difference between an output voltage and a desired output voltage; and where, in a second state of the switching regulator, the control signal is generated in accordance with a reference voltage by disabling the loop feedback signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are described for measuring and controlling parameters of a plasma generator. A current in a primary winding of a transformer or inductive element that generates a plasma is measured. A voltage across a secondary winding of the transformer or inductive element is measured. Based on the current of the primary winding and the voltage across the secondary winding, a parameter of the plasma is determined. The parameter includes a resistance value associated with the plasma, a power value associated with the plasma, or both.

Abstract: A soft start circuit generates a soft start voltage Vss which changes with time at a starting time of lighting an EEFL. A pulse width modulator generates a PWM signal Vpwm whose duty ratio is feedback-controlled so that a feedback voltage Vfb corresponding to an output voltage Vdrv of an inverter conforms to the soft start voltage Vss. A logical control unit performs switching control of a voltage of a primary coil of a transformer on the basis of the PWM signal Vpwm from the pulse width modulator. The soft start circuit executes at least one striking operation in which the soft start voltage Vss is raised with time, lowered when being reached to a first voltage level VH, and raised again when being lowered to a second voltage level VL lower than the first voltage level VH.

Abstract: An electronic ballast including a rectifying circuit to provide a signal representative of the current signal associated with a buck inductor, a monitoring circuit to provide a monitoring circuit signal when the signal representative of the buck inductor is within a specified range, and a comparing circuit coupled to the rectifying circuit and the monitoring circuit and operable to alter the output of the power converter circuit driving the lamps in response to comparisons between the signals from the rectifying circuit and the monitoring circuit to control power conditions in the ballasts.

Abstract: To provide a discharge lamp ignition device to light high-intensity discharge lamps in which, during alternating current ignition, the fluctuation of luminous flux on the reversal of polarity of the voltage impressed on the lamp is minimized and in which steady lighting characteristics of the discharge at startup are secured, a discharge lamp ignition device has a capacitor Ch connected to a transformer Th and an intermittent voltage impression arrangement Uj to drive voltage impression on the primary winding Ph, with the secondary winding Sh of the transformer Th constituted so that the voltage generated in the secondary winding Sh can be impressed overlapping the output voltage of an inverter Ui between the electrodes of the discharge lamp Ld by interposing it in the path connecting the output of the inverter Ui and the electrode for the main discharge of the discharge lamp Ld.

Abstract: The number of layers of a secondary winding of a flyback transformer for use in a PWM controlled high-tension voltage generator is increased to six or higher. The distributed capacitance of the flyback transformer is thus decreased, the frequency of ringing is increased, and the pulse width of a flyback pulse is narrowed. The timing of the on-operation of a control FET is expedited, and the input current to the flyback transformer is lowered. A compact and power-saving flyback transformer thus results.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling the luminous output of a fluorescent lamp over a wide dimming range. The luminous output is controlled by controlling the lamp current, while the lamp is immersed in a lateral electrostatic field. The lamp and external electrostatic ionization electrodes are driven by a true analog voltage-to-current converter that has a dynamic range inherently wider than conventional PWM circuits. A modified, transformer coupled, push-pull converter with an analog-current-driven primary circuit is used in one embodiment of the apparatus. The lamp driver must be capable of providing a high compliance voltage consistent with the I-V profile of the lamp. A subordinate primary winding on the transformer may be used to reduce magnetization current and to supply sufficient energy for supporting the lateral electrostatic field that is generated by the ionization electrodes which may be printed on a PWB mounted behind the lamp.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for energizing electrical devices such as fluorescent lamps and other gas discharge luminescent devices. The circuit provides energizing signals for gaseous discharge tubes at a voltage sufficient to initiate ionization of the gases therein. The signals are characterized by frequencies in the range of from about 60 hertz to 30 megahertz. After ignition the circuit automatically reduces the voltages and currents of the devices to a level sufficient to maintain gas ionization, and save energy. The circuit also reduces shock hazard. A preferred wave shaping in the energizing circuit is disclosed which creates purer square and sine waves for reducing radio frequency interference and electromagnetic interference, and a "soft-on" circuit is disclosed which greatly reduces the voltages applied to the devices thereby increasing the life of the devices. An automatic and a manual dimming section are also disclosed which dim the light output for the devices.

Abstract: A lighting system for a suspended ceiling comprises a central high-frequency power source feeding a plurality of power conditioning units permanently wired-in and mounted in various locations on the permanent ceiling above the suspended ceiling. Each such power conditioning unit provides a power-limited Class-3 high-frequency voltage at an output receptacle and is operable to power a special fluorescent lighting fixture by way of a light-weight flexible two-wire detachable connect cord. Special fluorescent lighting fixtures are mounted in the suspended ceiling, with each such lighting fixture being powered from a power conditioning unit mounted somewhere nearby on the permanent ceiling above.

Abstract: The invention provides a double ended thyratron arrangement in which at each end of the thyratron there is a cathode, at least one intermediate grid and a final grid which borders a high voltage withstanding gap. At each end of the thyratron the final grid which borders a high voltage gap is connected to act as a screen electrode, usually by connecting this grid directly to the cathode. At the same time, at one or both ends of the thyratron means are provided for applying triggering input pulses to one of the intermediate grids between the respective cathode and final grid. The thyratron may be of the pentode type, in which case, at each end the final grid is connected to act as a screen, the intermediate grid adjacent the cathode is subject to bias and the triggering signals are applied to the intermediate grid adjacent the final grid.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrode arrangement for improving the ignition readiness of gas discharge lamps, particularly for flash tubes. The ignition electrodes consist of a plurality of wire loops which surround the surface of a gas discharge tube. The mutual space between neighboring wire loops is smaller in the center portion of the tube than towards both end portions.