Abstract: An electronic energization circuit is provided to illuminate a gas discharge lamp that includes a transformer with a substantially rectangular hysteresis loop. A secondary winding on the transformer is connected to energize the lamp and at least one primary winding is provided on the transformer. Input voltage terminals may be DC terminals to supply an input voltage to the circuit. At least one semiconductor, such as a transistor, is connected to the input terminals and to the at least one primary winding, and a control means is provided for the semiconductor for unequal on and off conduction periods of the semiconductor. These unequal periods provide the conditions which eliminate the striations (bubbles) or dark spots in the gas plasma of the lamp, usually associated with high frequency energization.

Abstract: The high voltage transformer for the ignition system of an oil burner and the control system for the oil burner are packaged together in a single housing. The duty cycle of the transformer is discontinuous. The transformer core is of symmetric U-I configuration but the coil arrangement is asymmetric with a single primary coil being provided. The transformer is not potted, the core ends are free of coils, and one core end overlaps a circuit board for the control system to thereby foreshorten the overall package. Although the transformer is not potted, tight constraints against shorting of the high voltage secondary leads are maintained by provision of an insulator bushing means which is positioned in apposition to the transformer secondary coils by means of a bracket which also provides a mounting for the transformer core, the high voltage leads being drawn through the insulator bushing means and secured at terminal contacts at the lower ends of the bushing means.