Abstract: A high frequency ballast circuit powered by a dc input voltage source for starting and operating a gas discharge lamp load, comprising: a means for providing drive signals, each the drive signal having a first and second state, a series switch having a conduction channel having a first and second terminal, the series switch having a control terminal responsive to the drive signals, the conduction channel is on (conductive) in responsive to the interval characterized by the first state of the drive signal and off (non-conductive) in response to a drive signal having a second state, and an inductor. A clamp diode is included. The inductor is coupled to the clamp diode cathode and to the series switch. A ballast reactance is included with a a power oscillator circuit, the power oscillator circuit has a transformer having, a primary winding having a first, a second and a center-tap terminal, a drive winding having a first and a second and a center-tap terminal, and an output winding.