Abstract: A solid state power supply and light emission controller for a cold cathode luminescent tube which converts alternating current line voltage, or direct current voltage, into a variable repetition rate pulse alternating current voltage for energizing the tube and for controlling the light emission of the tube. The power supply provides for essentially constant light emission from the tube in the presence of variations in the internal impedance of the tube, variations in ambient temperature, and variations in line voltage. The power supply finds use, for example, with cold cathode luminescent tubes such as neon tubes, and the like.

Abstract: A solid state power supply and light emission controller for a cold cathode luminous tube which converts standard alternating current line voltage, or direct current voltage, into a variable repetition rate pulse alternating current voltage for energizing the tube and for controlling the light emission thereof. The power supply and controller provides for essentially constant light emission from the tube in the presence of variations in the load presented by the tube, ambient temperature and line voltage. The power supply and controller includes a flyback transformer circuit which, in turn, includes circuitry for monitoring the line voltage and the load presented by the tube, and for providing an automatic cut-off when the line voltage decreases below a predetermined level. The power supply and controller finds use, for example, with cold cathode luminescent tubes such as fluorescent-mercury-argon-neon, fluorescent neon, clear mercury-argon-neon, and clear neon.