Abstract: A power controller for fluorescent lamp dimming is disclosed, using all digital internal and external programmable controls. A specific ASIC is described. A gate array and microcomputer share parallel functions with fast sub-functions carried out by the gate array and slower sub-functions carried out by a micro-processor. Circuits are provided for automatic shut down when a high frequency ground fault is detected; for connecting the filaments of gas discharge lamps in a series/parallel circuit for driving the load as close to resonance as possible but in an inductive mode; and for developing a dead time between high side and low side switches which is related to transformer current, switch current, bridge voltage or bridge voltage dv/dt.

Abstract: An integrated digital controller for controlling power electronic devices and method of its use, comprises an analog-to-digital converting scanner module for scanning analog data inputs and used to create digital data correlated with the analog inputs, a loop control module operative to receive the digital data and used for controlling at least one control loop, and a pulse sequence generator (PSG) module used for generating a variety of fast, configurable, event-driven pulse sequences in cooperation with the PSG and scanner modules. The controller comprises optionally a CPU for managing various tasks and coordinate between the modules, means to create the events, and means for configuration and reconfiguration on-the-fly. The controller is preferably integrated in a semiconductor chip.

Abstract: An inverter for supplying electrical energy from a DC supply to a load, includes a flyback transformer having a primary winding circuit coupled to the DC supply, and a secondary winding circuit coupled to the load. The primary winding circuit includes a first switch for interrupting the DC supply causing energy to be stored in the transformer, and the secondary winding circuit includes a second, unidirectional switch to produce an output of one sign when closed. The primary winding circuit further includes an electrical device effective to return energy to the DC supply only when the first and second switches are open.