Abstract: The invention relates to an operating device (BG) for lamps (LM), comprising an interface (IFi), by means of which the device (BG) may be provided with external dimming values. The device (BG) converts said provided external dimming values into internal dimming values on the basis of which the control of the connected lamps (LM) is achieved, the internal dimming values being of higher resolution than the external dimming values. According to the invention, the operating device (BG) is designed such that the conversion of the external dimming values into internal dimming values may be programmed. The operating device (BG) can particularly also be designed such that said conversion can be programmed with regard to the dynamics thereof. A programming can be provided by a time conversion relationship (linear, logarithmic or exponential time curve etc.) by means of which an internal dimming value corresponding to an external dimming value is reached.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating device (BG) for lamps (LM), comprising an interface (IFi), by means of which the device (BG) may be provided with external dimming values. The device (BG) converts said provided external dimming values into internal dimming values on the basis of which the control of the connected lamps (LM) is achieved, the internal dimming values being of higher resolution than the external dimming values. According to the invention, the operating device (BG) is designed such that the conversion of the external dimming values into internal dimming values may be programmed. The operating device (BG) can particularly also be designed such that said conversion can be programmed with regard to the dynamics thereof. A programming can be provided by a time conversion relationship (linear, logarithmic or exponential time curve etc.) by means of which an internal dimming value corresponding to an external dimming value is reached.

Abstract: Method for detecting the rectification effect in at least one gas discharge lamp (10) and electronic ballast for operating at least one gas discharge lamp, which recognises the appearance of the rectification effect in the gas discharge lamp (10). In order to be able to detect the appearance of the rectification effect in the gas discharge lamp (10) simply and with high sensitivity there is monitored the current (i.sub.1) flowing via a primary winding (7A), connected parallel to the gas discharge lamp (10), of a heating transformer (7A-C) or a parameter (i.sub.2, u.sub.3) dependent upon this current (i.sub.1) , and in the event that a predetermined limit value is overshot the presence of the rectification effect in the gas discharge lamp (10) is determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of aqueous baths for electroless gold deposition and, preferably, for the deposition of gold onto nickel and nickel alloy films. The combination consists of a preliminary bath and a primary bath and, optionally, a pickling solution and a pretreatment. The gold film which is obtained is chip-bondable and wire-bondable.