Abstract: A method and device for operating electronic ballasts for high intensity discharge lamps, the ballasts having a driver, two power switches, an LC series circuit, a driver controller, a current sensor, and a power sensor.

Abstract: A circuit for synchronizing the ignition in electronic ballast discharge lamps, wherein a half-bridge output stage of the electronic ballast has an upper switch and a lower switch. The lower switch is connected to a common wire of a power supply, and a high voltage impulse for igniting the lamp is generated only when the lower switch is open. The circuit includes a transformer including a first winding and a second winding magnetically coupled to each other, with the second winding having a lower number of turns than the first winding. One lead of the first winding is connectable to an electrode of a discharge lamp, and a second lead thereof is connectable to the common wire of the power supply. A diode is connected with its anode to one lead of the second winding, and with its cathode to the junction between the upper and lower switches.