Abstract: A control circuit for a lamp. The control circuit is used in conjunction with an alternating current (AC) variable voltage power source to energize the lamp. The control circuit includes a voltage sensing component for sensing the voltage of an voltage input signal from the power source for energizing the lamp. The control circuit includes a controller configured to estimate a delay angle as a linear function of the sensed voltage. The control circuit includes an AC converter for modifying the voltage input signal according to the estimated delay angle to generate an AC voltage output signal having a constant root mean square voltage for energizing the lamp.

Abstract: A circuit (300) for igniting a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp comprises input terminals (302,304), output terminal (306,308), a charging circuit (RIGN,CIGN), a transformer (320) having a primary winding (322) and a secondary winding (324), a MOSFET (340), and a clamping diode (DCLAMP). During operation, ignitor circuit (300) provides a high voltage (VIGN) for igniting an HID lamp. Ignitor circuit (300) provides an ignition voltage (VIGN) having a peak magnitude that is more predictable and less prone to degradation due to the influences of parasitic components. Additionally, ignitor circuit (300) may be realized in a manner that is significantly more cost-effective than comparable prior art circuits.

Abstract: A circuit (300) for igniting a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp comprises input terminals (302,304), output terminal (306,308), a charging circuit (RIGN,CIGN), a transformer (320) having a primary winding (322) and a secondary winding (324), a MOSFET (340), and a clamping diode (DCLAMP). During operation, ignitor circuit (300) provides a high voltage (VIGN) for igniting an HID lamp. Ignitor circuit (300) provides an ignition voltage (VIGN) having a peak magnitude that is more predictable and less prone to degradation due to the influences of parasitic components. Additionally, ignitor circuit (300) may be realized in a manner that is significantly more cost-effective than comparable prior art circuits.

Abstract: A dimming control system includes a first circuit (100) and a second circuit (400). First circuit (100) is coupled in series with the AC line source (10) and receives brighten and dim commands from a user. The brighten and dim commands are communicated to second circuit (400) by momentarily altering the AC voltage waveforms observed by second circuit (400). Second circuit (400) provides an adjustable output signal that is coupled to inverter circuitry within an electronic dimming ballast. The output signal is adjusted by the second circuit (400) in dependence on the observed AC voltage waveforms.

Abstract: A dimming control system includes a first circuit (100) and a second circuit (400). First circuit (100) is coupled in series with the AC line source (10) and receives brighten and dim commands from a user. The brighten and dim commands are communicated to second circuit (400) by momentarily altering the AC voltage waveforms observed by second circuit (400). Second circuit (400) provides an adjustable output signal that is coupled to inverter circuitry within an electronic dimming ballast. The output signal is adjusted by the second circuit (400) in dependence on the observed AC voltage waveforms.