Abstract: An electronic ballast circuit includes a programmable processor. The processor is programmed to vary operating parameters of the ballast circuit to accommodate operation of different types and/or sizes of lamps. Ballast circuit operating parameters that can be varied by the programmable processor include component parameters, such as inductance and resistance, and the frequency at which the ballast circuit is oscillated. The processor can be programmed to produce an oscillating processor signal which is used to produce a corresponding oscillating power signal to ignite and/or sustain ignition of the lamp. A voltage monitor and a current monitor are employed to monitor the operating condition of the lamp. The monitor outputs are used by the processor to optimize circuit operation.