Abstract: A control gear for a high intensity discharge lamp comprising a switch element, and an oscillator connected to drive the switch element through the intermediary of a variable mark-space ratio driver arrangement. The switch element switches current in a series resonant circuit including the primary winding of a transformer, across the secondary winding of which the lamp is connected. A feedback circuit which receives signals controls the mark-space ratio to regulate the power consumed by the lamp in a closed loop. Initially, the mark-space ratio is set at a starting level such that a very high voltage is generated in the resonant circuit to cause starting of the lamp.

Abstract: An electric discharge lamp circuit arrangement wherein rapid starting of the lamp is obtained by charging a ballast impedance capacitance via a unidirectional current conducting path in a sense such as to breakdown a voltage breakdown device in the control electrode lead of a controllable switching device connected with the lamp to provide a current path between the supply terminals comprising, in series, the capacitance, heating means for the lamp main electrodes and the switching device. On breakdown, the switching device temporarily conducts to complete the series path and cause a pulse of current to flow through the heating means, whereafter the capacitor recharges and a further current pulse is produced. The unidirectional current path may extend through the breakdown device or by-pass the breakdown device via a rectifier.

Abstract: A circuit for operating an electric discharge lamp from an a.c. supply wherein a burst of high voltage pulses for starting the lamp is generated during each cycle or half cycle of the supply by rapidly turning on and off an electronic switch, e.g. a triac, connected between a tapping point on a ballast inductance and an input terminal of the circuit.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for operating an electrical discharge lamp has a pair of terminals for connection to a supply of voltage of substantially sinusoidal waveform, a second pair of terminals for connection with a discharge lamp, a ballast impedance connected between one of the first pair of terminals and one of the second pair of terminals, a starting device for aiding initiation of discharge in the lamp and means for disabling the starting device when a discharge has been initiated in the lamp. The means for disabling the starting device operates in response to a change in the voltage waveform across the second pair of terminals from substantially sinusoidal to substantially square.