Abstract: A drive scheme for low-pressure gas discharge lamps is provided with automatic detection of the type of the lamp and automatic adjustment of discharge current and heating current to the values required by detected lamp. Two independent circuit loops deliver energy to two main lamp circuits: discharge loop and filament heating loop from independently regulated energy sources. Discharge current is supplied from high frequency current source, heating currents are supplied from independent voltage sources. Computer based control module senses the value of discharge voltage, discharge current and heating current and provides automatic detection of type of the lamp and automatic of the parameters of independent current and voltage sources according to the values required by actually driven lamp.