Abstract: A device to reduce power consumption in a rapid-start fluorescent lighting fixture having one or more lamps and a conventional ballast. The device includes a step-up isolation transformer, a capacitor connected in parallel with a bleed resistor and in series with a protective fuse all across the transformer. The device being mounted external of the ballast and wired in series between the ballast and the filament of a lamp to present a symmetrical load to the ballast circuit. In one embodiment the capacitor of the device is connected between the primary and secondary windings of the transformer by taps intermediate of the windings with an optimum connection at the center taps of the windings. In a second embodiment the capacitor is connected between either lead of the primary winding of the transformer and the center tap of the secondary winding.

Abstract: A magnetic ballast circuit for a fluorescent lamp providing improved power factor, reduced harmonic content and increased efficiency. A ballast circuit with three inductances connected at a junction, preferably with the first and second inductances comprising a tapped autotransformer, with the third inductance connected between a line terminal and the tap, with the first inductance connected in series with a capacitance to the other line terminal, and with the second inductance connected to the load. The first inductance may be provided totally as part of the autotransformer, or may be supplemented with a second inductance in series. In an alternative embodiment, separate inductances may be utilized. Alternative lamp filament power sources and alternative functionally equivalent core and winding configurations are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides for a self-regulating electronic ballast system (10) which includes a power source (12) for actuating at least one gas discharge tube (66). The self-regulating electronic ballast system (10) includes a filter circuit (11) connected to the power source (12) for maintaining a substantially smooth direct current voltage signal as well as for suppressing harmonic frequencies generated by the electronic ballast system (10). Induction circuitry (15) is coupled to the filter circuit (11) and includes a tapped primary winding (42) for generating a voltage across the gas discharge tube (66) responsive to a regulated current. A switching network (13) which is feedback coupled to the induction circuitry (15) establishes the regulated current and the switching network (13) includes a regulation control circuit (17) for maintaining the power output of the gas discharge tube (66) at a predetermined and substantially constant value.

Abstract: A fluorescent light source and power supply adapted therefore in which a set of three D.C. mercury discharge paths are provided adjacent each other in a single tubular envelope. A cathode is provided at the base end of each path and a single anode at the other end. The three discharge paths are isolated longitudially extended semi-circular glass insulator partitions. The power supply provides D.C. voltage across the anode and cathodes and a switching circuit which transfers energy from a transformer during portions of the switching cycle to efficiently power the tube.

Abstract: A current-balancing transformer is provided to supply plural parallel-connected electrical loads, especially loads such as gas discharge lamps which exhibit negative impedance and/or non-linear impedance over at least a part of their normal operating range. The current-balancing transformer forces current sharing among the loads so that each of the parallel-connected loads is supplied operating current.

Abstract: A two-lamp rapid start fluorescent lamp circuit in which the lamps are ignited in sequence and then operated in series. The circuit being energized from a low voltage a.c. source through the use of a substantially conventional ballast which utilizes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding connected in autotransformer relationship. The circuit includes a disconnect socket and a conventional two contact socket for mounting each lamp. The disconnect sockets in one circuit are arranged in one example to open the connections between the filament windings and a filament of each lamp. In another circuit one disconnect socket is arranged to open a connection to a filament winding and the other disconnect socket is arranged to open one of the connections to the line.

Abstract: A discharge lamp ballast for stabilizing wattage input into a discharge lamp at different levels in two or more ranges comprises a magnetic core forming a closed magnetic circuit. A main winding on the core may be used alone or with an extended winding switched in series, and be connected in series with the lamp across an alternating current source in a lamp operating circuit. A control winding on the core has a triac connected across it to vary the current and thereby the wattage supplied to the lamp in the operating circuit. A pair of gapped shunts, one located between the control winding and the extended winding, and the other between the extended winding and the main winding, assure a proportionally greater control effect on the series reactance in the lamp operating circuit when the extended winding is switched in than when it is not.

Abstract: Two fluorescent lamps are lightened by a single inverter circuit which provides switched power current to a single leakage transformer. The leakage transformer has a single primary winding coupled with said inverter circuit and a pair of secondary windings each coupled with a related fluorescent lamp. The core of said leakage transformer has a closed magnetic core with a pair of short legs each of which bridges across said closed magnetic path with a non-magnetic material so that said pair of short legs provides three windows and bypass leakage magnetic paths. The first window is defined by said pair of short legs, and each of the second and the third legs is defined by one of said short legs and said closed magnetic path. The primary winding is mounted in said first window, and each of said pair of secondary windings is mounted in said second or third window.

Abstract: A magnetic ballast circuit for a fluorescent lamp providing improved power factor, reduced harmonic content and increased efficiency. A ballast circuit with three inductances connected to a junction, preferably with the first and second inductances comprising a tapped autotransformer, with the third inductance connected between a line terminal and the tap, with the first inductance connected in series with a capacitance to the other line terminal, and with the second inductance connected to the load. The first inductance may be provided totally as part of the autotransformer, or may be supplemented with a second inductance in series. In an alternative embodiment, separate inductances may be utilized.

Abstract: A ballast for energizing a pair of fluorescent lamps in response to power supplied by an AC line, includes a capacitor connected between one of a pair of heater winding leads which connect to a filament contained in one of the fluorescent lamps, and one of a pair of leads associated with a primary winding of the ballast, the primary winding leads being connected to the AC line. The present ballast realizes a substantial reduction in the amount of power consumed from the AC line when compared to operation of the ballast without the added capacitor.

Abstract: A magnetic transformer switch which switches its primary flux path upon conduction in its secondary and the combination thereof with a fluorescent lamp in which the heater current is reduced upon lamp ignition by reason of the current in the heater winding in the secondary being reduced upon the primary flux path being switched. A unique construction minimizes both electromagnetic interference and induction losses.

Abstract: The electromagnetic interference produced by arc discharge lamps and other devices operating at frequencies in excess of 15,000 Hz is reduced by providing a current path external to the envelope containing the discharge, the current flow in the path being oriented so as to produce a magnetic field generally in opposition to the magnetic field generated by the current in the arc discharge. The present invention is particularly applicable to circular fluorescent lamps with a centrally disposed ballast operating at relatively high frequencies.

Abstract: An output configuration for an electronic ballast system includes means for effecting independent selection of both pre- and post-ignition lamp filament voltages. The primary of a filament voltage control transformer is coupled to lamp filaments so as to induce a voltage in the transformer secondary windings in relation to the lamp filament current. The secondary windings are arranged so that the voltage induced therein adds to the voltage provided to the lamp filaments by filament drive windings on the ballast output transformer.

Abstract: An output transformer for an inverter driven by a pulsating voltage obtained through the full wave rectification of a low frequency alternating current voltage is provided with an auxiliary winding, and a high frequency voltage obtained from the auxiliary winding is rectified to obtain a voltage for charging a capacitor. The voltage across the capacitor is used as an auxiliary voltage together with the pulsating voltage for driving the inverter. The circuit for charging the capacitor includes a current limiting inductor having first and second coil sections, through which the charging current flows alternately in opposite directions depending upon the polarity of the high frequency voltage.

Abstract: A low cost high frequency electronic dimming ballast for gas discharge lamps is disclosed which eliminates the need for external primary inductance or choke coils by employing leakage inductance of the transformer. The system is usable with either fluorescent or high intensity discharge lamps and alternate embodiments employ the push-pull or half-bridge inverters. Necessary leakage inductance and tuning capacitance are both located on the secondary of the transformer. Special auxiliary windings or capacitors are used to maintain necessary filament heating voltage during dimming of fluorescent lamps. A clamping circuit or auxiliary tuned circuit may be provided to prevent component damage due to over-voltage and over-current if a lamp is removed during operation of the system.

Abstract: In an electrodeless discharge lamp of the type including an ionizable medium within a sealed envelope capable of emitting radiant energy when subjected to a radio frequency field, an oscillator for generating an output signal at a given radio frequency, a Class D RF amplifier including first and second transistors responsive to the oscillator output signal, and an induction coil responsive to the output of the amplifier, the coil being positioned in close physical proximity to the medium in the envelope for coupling to the medium an electric field having a magnitude sufficient to initiate ionization of the medium and a magnetic field for maintaining the ionization, there is disclosed an improved transformer for driving the Class D amplifier which results in a significant decrease in power consumption. The oscillator output signal is connected to the primary winding of a transformer which includes a toroidal, magnetic core.

Abstract: An electronic ballast circuit for powering a plurality of fluorescent lamps or the like from an unsmoothed DC voltage source includes a sine wave converter operatively connected to receive said DC voltage, for generating a high frequency alternating voltage of sufficient amplitude to power said lamps. The converter comprises a tank circuit and two push-pull transistors connected thereto and a current source capacitively coupled to said tank circuit for providing base drive alternately to each transistor. A lamp filament heater current cancellation circuit reduces power drain once the lamps have turned on.

Abstract: An improved electrical circuit for selectively controlling the power to a gaseous discharge lamp. One use for such circuit and lamp is in an ink-curing process for objects printed with multiple-colored ink wherein areas of the object are printed and cured in a multiple-step operation.

Abstract: In an electrodeless discharge lamp of the type including an ionizable medium within a sealed envelope capable of emitting radiant energy when subjected to a radio frequency field, an oscillator for generating an output signal at a given radio frequency of 13.56 MHz, an RF amplifier responsive to the oscillator output signal, and an induction coil and a capacitor connected in series and responsive to the output of the amplifier, the coil being positioned in close physical proximity to the medium in the envelope for coupling to the medium an electric field having a magnitude sufficient to initiate ionization of the medium and a magnetic field for maintaining ionization, there is disclosed an improvement wherein a Class D amplifier drives the series connected coil and capacitor without a separate load circuit connected in the output circuit of the amplifier. A specially selected filter and matching network coupled between the Class D amplifier and the series connected coil and capacitor reduces CV.sup.

Abstract: Starting and operating circuit for gaseous discharge lamps has device for quickly re-starting extinguished lamps while still hot. Circuit comprises a source of alternating current, an inductive regulator ballast having its input connected to the alternating current source, and a gaseous discharge lamp connected to the output of the ballast, a sine wave oscillator circuit having its input connected to the current supply and having its output connected to a transformer connected in series between the ballast and the lamp for stepping up and applying voltage to a lamp, and a positive temperature coefficient resistor (PTCR) connected between the alternating current source and the oscillator circuit for reducing power to the oscillator circuit when the lamp is inoperative or absent.

Abstract: An operating circuit and method for efficiently operating and starting an electrodeless lamp having a magnetic core operated at radio frequencies. The circuit generates a current which flows through the winding of an electric field inducing means in the lamp in a reverse-bias direction, with respect to a drive current, to operate the core of the inducing means in all quadrants of the B-H curve, with the time average of all current through the lamp winding equaling approximately zero in order to avoid or minimize heat energy losses and sharp current peaks caused by saturation. This also allows use of lower current-capacity less-expensive components. The circuit repetitively applies constant-current DC drive pulses to the lamp winding for a small percentage of an interval during which energy is stored, which is used to generate the reverse-bias current.

Abstract: A dimmer circuit for an inverter-driven electronic ballast system. The ballast includes an output transformer having a primary winding coupled to the inverter output and a secondary winding adapted to be coupled to a lamp filament winding for supplying power to the filament. An interstage transformer has a primary winding adapted to be coupled to a lamp filament and a secondary winding coupled to an inverter input for applying a feedback signal derived from the filament current at that input. The dimmer circuit is in the form of a feedback loop that includes a winding on the primary of the output transformer, a winding on the primary of the interstage transformer, and a variable impedance coupling those windings. Varying the impedance necessarily varies the total feedback loop impedance and therefore the amount of feedback applied at the inverter output and, inversely, the power supplied to the lamp filament.

Abstract: An improved drive scheme for a pair of push-pull inverter transistors in an electronic ballast circuit. The inverter output is coupled through a series resonant circuit comprising a capacitor and the primary winding of an output transformer. The resonant circuit is coupled to the inverter output through an additional winding on the primary of an interstage so that a component of the loop current is fed back to the bases of the push-pull transistors, thereby compensating for phase errors in the drive signal applied at the inverter input.

Abstract: A two-wire ballast arrangement for fluorescent lamp dimming is disclosed in which a modified transformer utilizing the natural leakage inductance associated with ballast transformers is used to achieve full-range fluorescent tube dimming at substantially constant filament heating voltage. Additional auxiliary secondary windings are disposed in predetermined spaced relationship to the primary winding and the main secondary winding to create a "tapping" effect in the magnetic flux. The mutual leakage inductances of the auxiliary secondaries in relation to the primary and the main secondary is utilized in a manner such that as the voltage is decreased to the primary, the voltage of the auxiliary secondary windings remains substantially constant to hold the filament heating voltage substantially constant. Embodiments are disclosed for use either with conventional 50/60 Hz or at high frequency, i.e. above 400 Hz.

Abstract: A precision regulated power supply for charging an energy storage capacitor wherein regulation is achieved using a triac to interrupt a connection between a primary winding of a transformer and a DC power source. The circuit is useful in a power supply for a photocopier flash lamp where precision regulation of light intensity is required. A control winding is wound on the transformer closely coupled to the power secondary winding. A triac is connected across the control winding such that the winding can be short circuited when it is desired to cease charging of the storage capacitor. Short-circuiting of the control winding collapses the voltage on the transformer secondary winding thereby inhibiting the flow of current in the secondary winding. Regulating circuitry senses the voltage on the capacitor and gates the control winding triac into conduction when that voltage reaches a desired magnitude.

Abstract: A circuit for starting and ballasting a compact high-intensity arc discharge lamp. A filament connected in series with the arc lamp provides illumination during arc start-up and functions as a ballast during normal arc operation. An oscillatory starting circuit includes a transformer and a frequency-controlling ringing circuit, and applies starting voltage to the arc lamp until an operating arc is established. The circuit includes capacitor means for isolating the starting transformer from the operating path of the arc lamp, and further includes a voltage-doubling starting circuit and also a "keep-alive" feature which prevents the arc from extinguishing during power fluctuations.

Abstract: An electronic ballast circuit for a multiple gaseous lamp load includes a feedback rectifier circuit coupled to a high frequency inverter circuit and to a DC source. The high frequency inverter circuit is also coupled to the multiple gaseous load and a variation in an alterable impedance of the feedback rectifier circuit causes a variation in power applied to the multiple gaseous load and power provided by the DC source.

Abstract: A voltage supply for an X-ray tube provides both high and low voltages to the tube. A high voltage transformer using split primary and secondary windings is employed. The high voltage is switched on and off by selectively phasing the voltage across the transformer's secondary coils. Low voltage is coupled from one of two primary windings.

Abstract: A ballast circuit for controlling the ignition characteristics of a preheat type fluorescent lamp of the type having a transformer with a primary, operating secondary, filament and auxiliary ignition windings, in which there is provided a rectifier having A.C. input terminals, one connected to an end of the operating winding and the other connected to an end of the auxiliary ignition winding by a resistor, and a pair of D.C. output terminals across which is connected a resistive ballast. A starting capacitor is connected to the junction of the resistor and the rectifier A.C. input terminal and applies the auxiliary starting voltage after a time delay. A second capacitor, connected in the lamp running circuit, is charged through a resistor and diode and makes an additional voltage available.

Abstract: A transformer particularly useful in conjunction with solid state high frequency push-pull inverter supplies for discharge lamps is disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, two E-shaped core sections are disposed adjacent to one another in a mirror image fashion with corresponding core legs aligned but with an air gap provided between the middle legs of the core structure. The transformer disclosed permits the use of non-bifilar winding methods in the manufacture of transformers particularly useful in square-wave push-pull inverters used in discharge lamp ballasting circuits. In addition, the core structure disclosed provides for an integral ballasting reactance which minimizes power loss induced in the surrounding metal casing or other nearby metal structures.

Abstract: Circuit for providing low ripple DC power supply from a single-phase AC source without the use of a filter capacitor. The circuit comprises a high leakage reactance transformer with a primary winding and two secondary windings arranged with the secondary windings on opposite sides of the primary winding, a leading current circuit connected to one secondary winding and a lagging current circuit connected to the other secondary winding, and a three-phase full wave rectifier bridge connected to the leading and lagging current circuits to provide a low ripple DC power output. The DC power supply circuit is used with a pulse generating circuit to provide pulsed operation of a gaseous discharge lamp such as a high pressure sodium vapor lamp, and produces desirable relationship of lamp watts to lamp volts for improved lamp life and uniformity of illumination.

Abstract: A magnetron energizing circuit preferably uses two transformers of the high leakage reactance type having isolated secondaries with an end terminal of each secondary connected to a common point which is at ground potential. The secondaries are connected to series condensers in two loops which provide leading current flowing in the secondaries at all times while both are connected in the circuit to produce saturation in the respective cores of the secondaries whereby to achieve substantially constant current and good regulation for variations in the primary voltage. A single magnetron is served by the circuit and variations in the loading of the magnetron are also compensated for by virtue of the substantially constant current circuit. The secondaries are connected in opposite phase with respect to the respective capacitors which they serve to charge to obtain a full wave doubler operation when the transformers are both in circuit but with low peak current.

Abstract: A lamp ballast connectable with a d.c. source comprises a regulating device having a voltage coil and a load coil. The voltage coil is connected in a circuit in parallel with the series-connected load coil and lamp. Alternate charge and discharge of a capacitor connected with the voltage coil impresses an alternating voltage thereacross. The capacitor is charged by current through the voltage coil and is discharged through a resonant commutating circuit comprising a thyristor triggered from an oscillator pulse circuit at a frequency of several KHz. The commutating circuit, which has a resonant frequency about twice that of the oscillator, further comprises a commutating reactor having substantially lower impedance than the load and voltage coils, a back current diode, and a resistance-capacitance dV/dt clamp that reduces back voltage spikes across the thyristor to safe rates of rise.

Abstract: A power supply and firing control circuit for a strobe lamp has a capacitor means for providing electrical power to the power electrodes of the strobe lamp for discharge through the strobe lamp. A transformer has a pair of secondary windings, one of which is connected to each of the power electrodes of the strobe lamp in series with the capacitor means. The firing pulses provided by the secondary windings of the transformer are of opposite electrical polarity. The absolute voltage differential between any portion of the circuit and ground potential will be minimized and energy losses thereby reduced. Additionally, the circuit provides substantial improvement in ionization effectiveness, thereby permitting the secondary turns of the transformer to be reduced in number and the transformer size and weight reduced correspondingly.

Abstract: A two-wire ballast arrangement is disclosed for fluorescent tubes having first and second terminals for supplying variable power to dim the fluorescent tube, a choke coil connected between the first terminal and the fluorescent tube and a filament transformer having a primary connected between the second terminal and a tap on the choke coil, the tap being selected to supply substantially constant voltage to the primary winding, the transformer having secondary windings to supply filament voltage to the fluorescent tube.

Abstract: Electronic ballast apparatus includes a transformer having an "E"-shaped core member with a primary winding wrapped on a center leg member and coupled to a potential source and first and second secondary windings each wrapped on a first and second outer leg member of the core member and coupled to gaseous discharge lamps such that flux developed in the primary winding is differentially divided between the first and second secondary windings in inverse relation to energization of the gaseous discharge lamps.

Abstract: An impulse generator for use with phosphor energizable lamps, e.g. gaseous discharge lamps and electroluminescent lamps, and which eliminates the need of a conventional ballast and starting mechanism. The impulse generator includes a pair of terminals which are adapted to be connected to a conventional source of alternating electrical current with a diode rectifying bridge for rectifying the electrical current. A solid-state circuit switching element is connected to the rectifier and operates in conjunction with a timing means including a resistive capacitive network. Moreover, the solid-state switching element is connected to a primary coil which is electromagnetically coupled to a secondary coil. The secondary coil includes terminals for connection to the lamp. The circuit is operable to generate pulses in a sequence and at time intervals sufficient to maintain energization of the lamp.

Abstract: A system for operating gas discharge lamps at high frequency from a high voltage supply, typically 115 V AC with a 160 watt, 25,000 Hz output. The system provides efficient conversion, having the capability of driving any number of lamps up to maximum wattage, inherent open-cirucit and short circuit protection, and higher efficacy from the lamps. Filament power may or may not be used. Filament power is not necessary under conditions when the lamps are forced into a glow discharge to charge each cycle through the use of a tuned resonant circuit. An unsaturated inverter provides fast cut-off times. Dimming capabilities may be provided.

Abstract: An inductor structure for use in a discharge lamp circuit has wound around at least part of its magnetic core first and second conducting foils. The first conducting foil is insulated from the magnetic core. The second conducting foil is interwound with but separated and insulated from the first conducting foil by a first dielectric foil and a second dielectric foil interwound with the conducting foils. The conducting foils have different numbers of turns. The conducting foil with the greater number of turns has all its turns except its excess turns wound oppositely to the turns of the other conducting foil. The structure provides a lower level of harmonic content above main frequency in the lamp and mains current waveforms.

Abstract: A ballast for operating a pair of fluorescent lamps includes an isolation transformer with a split secondary winding. A power capacitor is connected serially between the two sections of the secondary for reducing shock hazard associated with leakage current resulting when a high frequency emergency lighting circuit is operational and further, for minimizing transference of EMI from the lamp side of the ballast to the line side.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved small-sized electric flash device wherein transformers of its DC-DC converter circuit for producing a high voltage comprises printed coil or coils thereby efficiently reducing their volume and sufficiently flattering their shape, so that, together with miniaturized circuit parts and printed circuit substrate, highly integrated, hence compact photographic flash device is obtainable.

Abstract: A sinusoidal wave oscillator ballast circuit includes a tuned oscillator coupled to a DC rectifier means coupled by a power factor correction circuit to an AC potential source. The oscillator is coupled to an inductor means including a first and second transformer means with the secondary winding of the first transformer means coupled to the oscillator, the primary of the first transformer means in series connection with a capacitor and the primary winding of the second transformer means to form a resonant circuit, a first secondary winding of the second transformer means coupled to a lamp circuit to form a load circuit shunting the capacitor of the resonant circuit and a second secondary winding of the second transformer means having opposite ends connected by clamping diodes to the DC rectifier means. Means for compensating for "storage time" of the transistor of the oscillator and for conditioning the line to transients and radio frequency interference (RFI) are also provided.

Abstract: A strobe light circuit adapted for use with a battery including a transformer and oscillator connected to charge a storage capacitor disposed across a discharge tube. A fourth winding in the transformer provides the trigger signal to the tube. By this arrangement the trigger pulse becomes progressively higher with increasing charge on the storage capacitor utilizing to best advantage the parameter relationships of the tube.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp ballast circuit includes a tuned oscillator coupled to a pulsed DC potential source and to a transformer having a first winding directly connected to the oscillator and in series connection with a capacitor to form a series resonant circuit. A second winding of the transformer inductively couples the first winding of the transformer to the oscillator, a third winding inductively couples a load across the capacitor of the series resonant circuit, and a fourth winding is inductively coupled to the first winding of the transformer and clamps the DC potential source to a given potential level. Also, protection for open circuits, short circuits, and temperature change due to changed ambient conditions or increased current flow is provided.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition system for a jet engine which has a relatively high power factor at the transformer input without exceeding the one ampere current rating required in jet ignition systems at the desired power level. A specially designed power transformer (10 ) has a capacitor (3) connected across closely coupled primary and tertiary windings (11 and 12).

Abstract: Starting and operating ballast circuit for gaseous discharge lamp. Ballast winding comprises a pair of series connected coils each having a portion with a selected number of turns thereof connected in a high voltage starting circuit including a discharge capacitor and a voltage sensitive switch and forming a series discharge loop with the coil portions to provide high voltage, high frequency starting pulses on the lamp.

Abstract: A rapid start fluorescent lamp ballast with a secondary winding supplying lamp current and tertiary windings for supplying heater current, has a magnetic switch which senses current through the secondary winding and opens the heater current circuit after the lamp starts and draws operating current from the secondary winding. The current sensing magnetic switches shown are a slow acting relay with its coil in the secondary circuit and a magnetic reed switch physically disposed in the magnetic field of the secondary ballast winding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of lighting a cold cathode electric gas discharge lamp in which the lamp is connected across the secondary winding of a voltage step-up transformer, and the primary winding of the transformer is energized with a chopped D.C. voltage having a frequency of at least 12 kHz and a voltage which provides an output voltage from the secondary winding having an R.M.S. value no greater than 700 volts.

Abstract: A ballast circuit for providing constant power to a high intensity discharge lamp, the ballast including a transformer having two cores separated by a gap, one core being at least partially closed and the other, having an air gap. A primary coil winds around a portion of each core and secondary coils wind around another portion of each core. The secondary coils and a capacitor are in series with the lamp to regulate the current and voltage applied to the lamp.

Abstract: A two-wire ballast arrangement is disclosed for fluorescent tubes having first and second terminals for supplying variable power to dim the fluorescent tube, a choke coil connected between the first terminal and the fluorescent tube and a filament transformer having a primary connected between the second terminal and a tap on the choke coil, the tap being selected to supply substantially constant voltage to the primary winding, the transformer having secondary windings to supply filament voltage to the fluorescent tube.