Abstract: A power source for operating gas discharge lamps and other loads at high frequency, typically utilizing a 115 volt ac source rectified to provide a dc input in the order of 150 volts, and providing a 20,000 hertz output. An inverter with power supply, oscillator circuit and transformer, with conventional primary, secondary and feedback windings for operating the transistor oscillator. An additional output winding on the transformer with a rectifier and filter providing a supplemental dc supply connected to the main dc supply in parallel or in series to supplement a fluctuating main dc supply and maintain continuous oscillator operation while utilizing small filter capacitance and substantially reducing peak ac line current.

Abstract: A power source for operating gas discharge lamps and other loads at high frequency, typically utilizing a 115 volt ac source rectified to provide a 150 volt dc input and providing a 20,000 hertz output. An inverter with a transistor current control for protection against transistor damage under open circuit, starting and no-load conditions, with low power consumption under no-load and with dimming capability. An inverter with a detector circuit connected across the feedback winding or an additional control winding for developing a control signal varying as a function of the feedback winding output, and a zener diode or other device for connecting the control signal to the base of the transistor in current controlling relation when the control signal exceeds a predetermined value.