Abstract: A circuit is disclosed to implement an energy saving electronic ballast (1A) for driving a fluorescent lamp or tube (2). The circuit is characterized by a high power factor, low harmonic distortion and minimized radio frequency interference. The circuit includes a unique DC power supply (4) comprising a high pass filter (8), which receives an AC input signal, a diode bridge rectifier (6) and a high speed diode rectifier (D2) which cooperates with the bridge rectifier to provide the power supply with first and second rectification stages. A current regulating capacitor (C4) for driving the fluorescent lamp or tube is connected to the DC power supply between the first and second rectification stages. A trigger and high frequency oscillator are provided after the second rectification stage of the power supply to provide the DC current necessary to operate the ballast circuit.

Abstract: A plug-in fluorescent lamp assembly including a lightweight (e.g. plastic) light box that is adapted to either rest upon the existing support grid of a conventional false ceiling in a flush mounted arrangement or be attached directly to the ceiling in a surface mounted arrangement. The lamp assembly comprises a prewired electrical receptacle that is fixedly connected to the light box. Formed at one end of the receptacle is a socket at which the pins of one or more fluorescent tubes are to be removably received. Located at the opposite end of the receptacle is a terminal block that is to be detachably connected to a commercially available electronic ballast by which to drive the fluorescent tubes. By virtue of the plug-in or modular characteristics of the lamp assembly herein described, either a fluorescent tube and/or the ballast may be easily removed and quickly replaced in the event of failure without having to remove the light box from the ceiling or disturb the wiring of the receptacle.