Abstract: The method according to the present invention relates to controlling a gas discharge lamp during a pre-heating period of said lamp, wherein a first terminal of a control circuit is connected with a first electrode of the lamp and a second terminal of a control circuit is connected with a second electrode of the lamp, and wherein means are provided, suitable for connecting the first terminal and the second terminal with each other, thus providing a conducting path, and suitable for disconnecting the first terminal and the second terminal. Furthermore the method comprises the use of a chargeable and dischargeable power buffer, for powering control circuitry for operating the switching means.

Abstract: The method according to the present invention relates to controlling a gas discharge lamp during a pre-heating period of said lamp, wherein a first terminal of a control circuit is connected with a first electrode of the lamp and a second terminal of a control circuit is connected with a second electrode of the lamp, and wherein means are provided, suitable for connecting the first terminal and the second terminal with each other, thus providing a conducting path, and suitable for disconnecting the first terminal and the second terminal. Furthermore the method comprises the use of a chargeable and dischargeable power buffer, for powering control circuitry for operating the switching means.

Abstract: A light-generating device (1; 11) comprises at least one LED light source device (4) mounted on a front surface (7) of an MCPCB (2). The light-generating device (1; 11) further comprising a body (5) of open-cell metal foam, having a back surface (8) and a chamber (6) recessed in its back surface (8), the back surface (8) of the body (5) of open-cell metal foam being attached to the front surface (7) of the MCPCB (2) with the LED light source device (4) being arranged in the said chamber (6). The metal foam (5) preferably is aluminium, like the MCPCB (2). The metal foam (5) contributes substantially to the heat sinking and cooling of the device, effectively causes the output light to be diffused and become more homogenous, and provides a mechanical protection for the front side of the LED.

Abstract: The lamp life of a gas discharge lamp (6) depends inter alia on the deterioration of an electrode of the lamp during operation. The deterioration depends on an operating temperature of the electrode. A method according to the present invention for controlling the lamp life includes controlling the electrode temperature during operation by generating a temperature signal (12) representing the electrode temperature and providing said signal to a lamp driver circuit (4) operating said lamp. The lamp driver circuit controls an operating signal (10) supplied to the lamp (6) in order to control the electrode temperature to lie within a predetermined temperature range, thereby minimizing damage to the electrode during operation.