Abstract: In a DC power supply circuit, upon a switching element switching to a turned-on state, a first current path is formed from an output terminal at a high-potential side of a rectifier circuit to an output terminal at a low-potential side of a rectifier circuit, via an inductor and the switching element in respective order, and a second current path is formed between terminals of a capacitor, via a load, another inductor, and the switching element. Upon the switching element switching to a turned-off state, a third current path is formed from the output terminal at the high-potential side of a rectifier circuit to the output terminal at the low-potential side of a rectifier circuit, via the inductor, a diode, and the capacitor in respective order, and a fourth current path is formed between the inductors, via the diode and the load in respective order.

Abstract: A lighting installation includes a light fixture having a socket adapted to electrically connect to at least one lamp, the light fixture having a line voltage input, a neutral input and a ground input. Also included is a circuit for suppressing electrical surges including output leads for line voltage and neutral to the socket, a first varistor connecting the line voltage input and ground input, a second varistor connecting the line voltage input and neutral input, a third varistor connecting the ground input and neutral input, a resistor connecting the line voltage input and line voltage output, and a resistor connecting the neutral input and neutral output.

Abstract: In examples of the embodiment, a surge-proof interface circuit (100) comprises a rectifier circuit (20) which is configured to produce a rectified rectifier output voltage at the rectifier output terminals (20c, 20d), in accordance with a rectifier input voltage at the rectifier input terminals (20a, 20b), and a Darlington circuit (30) which comprises at least two transistors (Q3, Q4). Said Darlington circuit (30) comprises a current path (35) which can be controlled on the output side in accordance with a control signal (62) and said current path (35) which can be controlled on the output side is coupled between the rectifier output connections (20c, 20d).

Abstract: An electric protection mechanism for a light controller includes an overload protection device. The overload protection device includes a lamplight controller, a power controller, and a load detector. A current sensor is provided between the power controller and a light. An overload detector is provided to detect the state of the electric current anytime. Once abnormal current is outputted to the light, the power controller immediately shuts its output and informs the lamplight controller of the abnormal current. The lamplight controller will reset its process, such as to shut down the power source or to press the button so as to return to normal. Thus, the lamplight controller, a light adjuster or a remote controller can be protected. The present invention provides an overload protection function, and it is safe to use the present invention.

Abstract: A lighting battery relates to a cylindrical rechargeable battery. The lighting battery comprises a battery body, a driving circuit, a switch and light-emitting diodes, wherein the switch is an inching switch, and the driving circuit has a trigger pin which is connected to the switch whereby a trigger signal is acquired to control the driving circuit operate or stop. The power pin and grounding pin of the driving circuit is respectively connected to the positive pole and the negative pole of the battery body, as well as the output pin of the driving circuit is connected to the light-emitting diodes.

Abstract: An electronic driver apparatus is provided for driving power an organic LED, including a switchable inductance circuit and a controller to connect an inductance between a power source and the OLED during a startup period as power is first applied to the OLED.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for igniting a lamp of a projector. The method includes steps of: (a) sensing a first temperature difference in response to power-off of the projector; (b) in response to power-on of the projector, detecting an aftercooling time and judging whether it is smaller than a predetermined cooling time, if YES, perform step (c); otherwise, perform step (g); (c) sensing a second temperature difference; (d) judging whether a ratio of the second temperature difference to the first temperature difference is larger than a threshold, if YES, perform step (e); otherwise, perform step (g); (e) calculating a re-cooling time; (f) controlling a fan to operate for the re-cooling time to cool the lamp down; and (g) igniting the lamp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ballast for a high-pressure discharge lamp, in particular for a motor vehicle headlight lamp or a projection lamp, which ballast is, according to the invention, in the form of a Class E converter.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for operating a high-pressure gas discharge lamp has an igniting-circuit circuit arrangement having a capacitor able to be connected via two terminals to a voltage supply unit. The capacitor is connected in parallel with a primary winding of a transformer by a switching element that becomes conductive above a given voltage. The circuit arrangement also has a lamp-circuit circuit arrangement in which the high-pressure gas discharge lamp is connected on one side, via a secondary winding of the transformer, to a terminal for connection to the voltage supply unit. The other side of lamp-circuit is connected, via an inductive element, to a second terminal for connection to the voltage supply unit. The inductive element is formed by an air core inductor or rod core inductor that is exposed or is encapsulated in an insulating substance and that has an inductance equal to or less than 20 ?H.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing and/or eliminating striations from gas discharge lamps powered by an electronic ballast charges a capacitive energy device, which is coupled in parallel with the lamp, when the capacitive energy device detects that a predetermined lamp voltage condition has been satisfied. The system/method supplements the current supplied to the lamp by the electronic ballast with current supplied from the capacitive energy device when the predetermined lamp voltage condition is not satisfied. The supplemental current supplied to the lamp creates a harmonic-rich lamp current waveform that reduces and/or eliminates striations.

Abstract: A pulsed power system has an inductive energy storage circuit (42) including a current source (43) and a plasma opening switch (44). The plasma opening switch has a transmission line (51, 52) coupling the current source to a load (41). The plasma opening switch changes from a closed state to an open state when a plasma discharge (45) in the plasma opening switch is driven by magnetic force from a first region along the transmission line to a second region towards the load. Electrical conductors (47, 48) are arranged for providing a stabilizing magnetic field configuration in the first region to magnetically latch the plasma discharge in the first region during charging of the inductive energy storage circuit, and current flowing along the transmission line from the current source to the load tends to disrupt the stabilizing magnetic field configuration and unlatch the plasma discharge from the first region and drive the plasma discharge toward the second region.

Abstract: An ignition circuit for generating high voltage pulses to a discharge lamp is provided with a switching element (SW1) to enable to stop generating said high voltage pulses when the lamp does not ignite or has ignited. The switching element (SW1) is connected between the input terminals (ground, Vdc) of a supply voltage and a parallel circuit of a capacitor (C1) and a series connection of a breakdown device (B1) and a primary winding (W1) of a transformer (T1). Switching the switching element (SW1) non-conductive prevents that the capacitor (C1) from charging.

Abstract: A discharge lamp ballast is designed to limit or interrupt its AC output power to the discharge lamp upon occurrence of an abnormal discharge outside of an arc tube. A detector is included to examine a lamp voltage once in each of the positive and negative half-cycles or in each one complete cycle of the AC output power, and identifies the abnormal discharge when there is a particular change in the monitored lamp voltage. The particular change may be defined by a single logic or by combination of several logics each designed to represent specific characteristic for the abnormal discharges of several types.

Abstract: A circuit for the generation of ignition pulses for a lamp has: an ignition pulse transformer, a device for the generation of ignition pulses (ignition pulse generator) at a primary winding of the ignition pulse transformer, which are transformed in the secondary winding of the ignition pulse transformer, a voltage detector for the detection of the voltage value of the transformed ignition pulses, and a voltage regulator for regulating the voltage value of the transformed ignition pulses to a predetermined reference value. The ignition pulse generator has, in a series circuit, a pulse capacitor and a switch, parallel to the secondary winding of the ignition pulse transformer and the lamp, wherein the regulator for the voltage value of the transformed ignition pulses sets at the pulse capacitor the voltage applied at an ignition time point. The voltage at the pulse capacitor can be set by means of selection of the switch-on and/or switch-off time points of the switch.

Abstract: In order further to improve the ignition of gas-discharge lamps, in particular high-pressure gas discharge lamps, there is proposed an ignition circuit arrangement for a discharge lamp, with which there is associated a supply circuit for providing an ac supply voltage to the lamp. The ignition circuit arrangement according to the invention (1) includes an ignition transformer (20) which is connected to a trigger circuit (2) on the primary side and to the lamp (3) on the secondary side for transmitting an ignition pulse; an input energy source (30) for the ignition trigger circuit; a first switch means (40) in the trigger circuit and a control means which actuates the first switch means. The ignition circuit arrangement according to the invention is distinguished in that to assist with the ignition process an energy storage means (10) controllable by the control means, in particular a voltage source controllable by the control means, is arranged in the supply circuit in series with the gas-discharge lamp (3).

Abstract: A lamp ballast for operating a high intensity discharge lamp includes an electronic ballast circuit to supply an operating voltage to the discharge lamp, and an igniter circuit to supply starting pulses to the discharge lamp in a cold state and to supply hot restrike pulses to the discharge lamp when the discharge lamp is in a hot state following turn-off. The hot restrike pulses are sufficient to maintain ionization in the discharge lamp but do not cause the discharge lamp to generate substantial light output.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate sensing a pulse in a ballast circuit for a lamp when the lamp is in an end-of-life (EOL) stage or when the lamp is experiencing an arcing conduction condition, such as may occur when a contact between the lamp and its holder is compromised. Upon sensing the pulse, a microcontroller may distinguish between EOL and arcing conditions based on detected pulse width(s), and may initiate an appropriate response. For instance, if the pulse is due to an arcing event, the microcontroller may interrupt lamp operation for a brief period before restarting the lamp to mitigate the arcing condition. If the pulse is caused by an EOL condition, the microcontroller may place the lamp in a preheat or restarting mode to hasten lamp failure. In either case, responses to the sensed pulse mitigate the occurrence of dangerously high lamp temperatures that may damage lamp sockets.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an HID ballast and lamp tester, which provides visual indication of failure of either the ballast or lamp by continuously monitoring the status of the HID lighting system. The HID ballast and lamp tester detects and utilizes the voltage difference between the open circuit voltage and the operating voltage of the ballast to trigger visual indication of the open circuit voltage output of the ballast when the HID lamp has failed. The tester circuit comprises the ballast source, a full wave bridge rectifier and filter capacitor circuit, a voltage divider network circuit, a trigger circuit of a diac bi-directional silicon switch and a light emitting diode.

Abstract: In a bride circuit comprising a lamp choke that might partially saturate during the ignition of the lamp, at least one of the switches is switched off when the amount of charge displaced through it in forward direction equals a predetermined value. Despite the partial paturation of the lamp choke the amplitude of the ignition voltage is thereby effectively controlled.

Abstract: A device for operating a discharge lamp of the alternating current operating type has a high pressure discharge lamp with a silica glass discharge vessel in which a pair of opposed electrodes are located and on which a trigger electrode is located, a feed device which supplies an alternating discharge current to the high pressure discharge lamp, the feed device having a starter circuit, an inverter circuit with at least two switching devices; a coil which is located downstream of the inverter circuit and is series-connected to the discharge lamp; and a control element which produces on/off driving in alternation with a dead time, and in which the inductance of the coil is at most 210 ?H.

Abstract: FA ballast (20) for powering a gas discharge lamp (70) comprises an inverter (200) and an arc protection circuit (600). Arc protection circuit (600) monitors an electrical signal within the ballast. In response to occurrence of a disturbance in the signal, such as what occurs during output arcing, arc protection circuit (600) disables the inverter (200) for a timed shutdown period. Arc protection circuit (600) provides a timed starting period for igniting the lamp, during which time any disturbance in the electrical signal is essentially ignored and inverter (200) is allowed to continue to operate. Arc protection circuit (600) also provides a restart function for periodically attempting to ignite and operate the lamp. Arc protection circuit (600) is preferably realized using a timer integrated circuit (U1) with associated discrete circuitry, and may be adapted for use with ballasts having self-oscillating or driven type inverters.

Abstract: A ballast for electrical lighting fixtures with improved thermal protection features has ballast laminations, primary and secondary coils, and a thermal protector, the thermal protector being wired in series with the secondary coil. The ballast preferably is of the type having multiple input voltage taps on the primary coil; in such cases, the electrical positioning of the thermal protector in series with the secondary coil causes the wiring assembly of the thermal protector (as part of the ballast) to be independent of the primary coil input voltage tap used in a particular application. Improved electrical lighting circuits for high-intensity-discharge lamps have the above-described thermally-protected ballasts.

Abstract: An ignition system for a high-frequency high-intensity discharge lamp system of a type used for location-lighting during filming or other entertainment venues includes a transformer with a pair of secondary windings, each having a primary winding closely interwound. The secondary windings, which are connected between the steady-state power source and the discharge lamp, are wound for producing opposing magnetic fields with substantial flux cancellation. The primary windings are wound to produce voltage amplification and connected to an ignition circuit adapted to produce high-voltage ignition spikes to turn on the discharge lamp. The system also includes a resonant circuit between the steady-state power source and the transformer. The ignition and resonant circuits are temporarily energized to produce a voltage for igniting the lamp.

Abstract: A lamp ignition circuit is provided which can initiate operation of a gas discharge lamp using a driving voltage which is similar in magnitude to the lamp operating voltage. The lamp ignition circuit is useful with a semi-resonant ballast and lamp circuit in which switching operations intrinsic to the lamp shock-excite a series-connected inductor and capacitor into semi-resonant operation corresponding to an energy exchange and transfer during each half-cycle of the alternating current source to drive the lamp to start and maintain operation of the lamp using line voltage. The ignitor circuit has a disabling function following ignition of the lamp which is operable when the operating voltage of the lamp is approximately the line voltage of the power source. The disabling function triggered by an increase in voltage across the ignition circuit following operation of the lamp.

Abstract: An abnormality detection circuit detects abnormality relating to ground fault in secondary winding circuitry of transformer, non-grounding fault of transformer assembly casing or false connection of the AC power source to the transformer assembly in reverse polarity. An interrupter circuit turns a switch off in response to detection of the abnormality by the abnormality detection circuit to interrupt the supply of the AC power to the transformer. When the supply of the AC power is interrupted, the switch is connected to a restart circuit, whereupon the circuit is activated to allow a charging current to flow to a capacitor, which is connected in series in a drive current path of a drive circuit with a time delay on the order of 0.5 to 1.0 second which is determined by a delay circuit thereof. The charging current drives a restoring circuit, which controls the interrupter circuit to its restoring condition temporally so that the switch is turned to its “on” condition only once.

Abstract: A circuit and method for running a metal halide arc discharge lamp from an AC power source. The circuit includes a rectifier for producing a DC voltage. The lamp is resistively ballasted by a current limiting filament connected in series with the lamp. The circuit includes a switch that closes during start up of the lamp so that the resistive filament is energized to provide immediate light prior to the lamp entering the normal run mode.

Abstract: The restart properties of a light source even under the condition of a hot restart is improved, and suppression of the danger of an insulation breakdown in an unintended area is achieved by a light source comprising a discharge lamp in which a pair of main discharge electrodes are located opposite a discharge space; an auxiliary electrode arranged such that it does not come into contact with the discharge space; a feed circuit that supplies a discharge current to the main discharge electrodes; and a starter that produces a high voltage between one of the main discharge electrodes and the auxiliary electrode, wherein, during a time interval during which the starter produces said high voltage, a high voltage is also applied to the main discharge electrodes at least during a portion of the time interval.

Abstract: An ignition device which ignites a discharge lamp comprises high-frequency voltage generator, a feeding harness line, and a lowpass filter. The high-frequency voltage generator includes a switch for generating a high-frequency voltage through high-frequency switching and an output transformer which outputs a high-frequency voltage. The discharge lamp is ignited by the high-frequency output voltage of the output transformer being applied between its paired electrodes. The feeding harness line has its one end connected to the high-frequency voltage generator and its other end connected to the discharge lamp and includes parallel conductors the length of which is 200 mm or more in length. The lowpass filter bypasses a high-frequency oscillating current which flows at no-load time mainly due to stray capacitance associated with the feeding harness line.

Abstract: An ignitor disabling apparatus is provided to reliably and automatically disable a universal sodium ignitor with hot re-strike capability, or a 120 Hz pulse capability. The ignitor is configured to disable the ignitor portion of a HID lamp if the lamp fails to start. Timing operation of the disabling circuit is achieved using a power supply that ramps to a steady state to provide triggering of a timer circuit. A normally closed, solid state gating device is used for disabling the ignitor to minimize sparks. The disabling apparatus can be retrofit into an existing universal sodium ignitor.

Abstract: An electronic starter for fluorescent lamp has a preheating circuit for controlling the preheating of the fluorescent tube and a power switch and locking circuit for cutting off the current to the preheating circuit. The power switch and locking circuit makes use of the voltage level on the power input to determine the status of the fluorescent tube. A high voltage on the power input represents that the fluorescent tube has failed to turn on in the ignition operation, whereby the power switch and locking circuit thereupon cuts off the current to the preheat circuit, thereby eliminating flickering of the fluorescent tube and so preventing irritation to the eyes, and extending the service life of the lamp.

Abstract: A starter circuit is provided for starting an HID lamp. The circuit de-couples the high voltage starting pulse from the input lines (ballast output lines) so that the starter can function properly regardless of the distance between the ballast and the lamp.

Abstract: A brightness-regulating voltage-transforming circuit includes a pulse-width modulator (PWM); a transformer connected at a secondary side to a high-pressure discharge lamp; a voltage-transforming circuit having two transistors connected at bases to outputs of the PWM for the latter to control working frequencies thereof; and a brightness control circuit including a transistor connected at a collector to a middle tap of the transformer and at a base to the PWM for the PWM to control the lamp brightness, and a diode connected at an end to a juncture of a primary side of the transformer and an end of a buffer inductance, and at another end to a voltage source. When the transistor of the brightness control circuit is cut out, energy stored in the buffer inductance is regenerated and sent to the voltage source via the diode, enabling the lamp to have reduced noise interference and increased working efficiency.

Abstract: A discharge lamp circuit includes a power source for creating a current flow. A ballast is electrically connected to the power source and controls the current flow produced by the power source. A capacitor is electrically connected in the ballast. At least one discharge lamp is connected in series with the capacitor. The current flow passes through the discharge lamp during normal operation of the discharge lamp circuit. The ballast includes a switching circuit, electrically connected to the capacitor and the discharge lamp. The switching circuit provides an alternate path for the current flow during a starting operation of the discharge lamp circuit. The switching circuit provides the alternate path in accordance with a charge associated with the capacitor. The charge associated with the capacitor increases when the current flow passes through the alternate path.

Abstract: A ballast for feeding a high-pressure discharge lamp. The ballast: supplies the lamp with an AC voltage at an ignition frequency (fi) during an ignition period (ti), supplies the lamp with an AC voltage at a glow frequency (fg) during a glow period (tg) following the ignition period (ti), repeats the start-up sequence of ignition period and glow period (ti, tg), supplies the lamp with an AC voltage at an operating frequency (fb) during an operating period (tb) following the last start-up sequence, and interrupts the power supply to the lamp in a start-up sequence, not being the last start-up sequence, during an interruption period (td) following the glow period (tg).

Abstract: A discharge lamp circuit includes a power source for creating a current flow. A ballast is electrically connected to the current source and controls the current flow produced by the current source. A capacitor is electrically connected in the ballast. At least one discharge lamp is connected in series with the capacitor. The current flow passes through the discharge lamp during normal operation of the discharge lamp circuit. The ballast includes a switching circuit, electrically connected to the capacitor and the discharge lamp. The switching circuit provides an alternate path for the current flow during a starting operation of the discharge lamp circuit. The switching circuit provides the alternate path in accordance with a charge associated with the capacitor. The charge associated with the capacitor increases when the current flow passes through the alternate path.

Abstract: A lighting circuit 1 for an electric discharge lamp. The circuit includes a DC electric power source circuit 3, DC-AC conversion circuit 4 and starting circuit 5. The starting circuit 5 includes a primary circuit of a transformer has a condenser and switch element, and the switch element is closed so that a high voltage signal for starting is impressed upon an electric discharge lamp from a primary winding via a secondary winding when voltage across both terminals of a condenser exceeds a threshold value in accordance with an accumulation of electric charges in the condenser. In the case where an output voltage of the DC electric power source circuit 3 is positive (or negative) with respect to the electric potential of ground, the polarity of supply voltage supplied from the DC electric power source circuit 3 or the DC-AC conversion circuit 4 for charging the condenser in the starting circuit 5 (the primary circuit in the starting circuit 5) is regulated to be negative (or positive).

Abstract: An ignitor and ignitor monitoring device is provided which is externally and detachably mounted to a high intensity discharge (HID) luminaire. The ignitor monitoring device provides a visual indication of whether or not the ignitor of the lamp in the HID luminaire is functioning. If the lamp is not operating and the indicator is activated, sufficient open circuit voltage is present to operate the ignitor, the ballast in the luminaire is most likely functioning properly, and power is present to operate the luminaire. A service person can assume that the lamp is defective and can replace the lamp as a first attempt to correct the problem with the luminaire. If the lamp is off and the indicator is also not operating, the luminaire is not operating for any of a number of reasons such as a defective ignitor, a defective ballast capacitor, a defective lamp or loss of supply voltage from the power source. A service person can replace the ignitor in a first attempt to repair the luminaire.

Abstract: A switching device intended for igniting and operating a high-pressure discharge lamp, provided with a switch-mode power supply (smps) for supplying a controlled current to the lamp, and with a pre-conditioner for feeding the smps. The pre-conditioner is provided with a storage capacitor. The switching device also includes an ignition circuit including a pulse capacitor and a switch for generating ignition-voltage pulses for igniting the lamp. The pulse capacitor, having a capacity of CF, is energized from the storage capacitor via an ohmic resistor.

Abstract: Ballast circuitry is provided for powering a gaseous discharge lamp which has a range of possible parasitic loading capacitances associated with it. The circuitry includes a reactive source of ignition pulses which stores sufficient energy to charge the highest value of parasitic loading capacitance in the range to at least the minimum ignition voltage of the lamp. A voltage clamping element limits the peak voltage of the ignition pulses, even at the lowest value of parasitic loading capacitance in the range, to a maximum permissible voltage that may be applied to the lamp. The reactive source and the voltage clamping element cooperate to automatically provide high-energy ignition pulses to the lamp, with peak voltages well within permissible limits, over the entire range of parasitic loading capacitances.

Abstract: A starter circuit particularly suitable for a plasma of an ion engine for a spacecraft includes a power supply having an output inductor with a tap. A switch is coupled to the tap. The switch has a control input. A pulse control logic circuit is coupled to said control input, said pulse control logic circuit controlling said switch to an off state to generate a high voltage discharge.

Abstract: A starter circuit particularly suitable for a plasma of an ion engine for a spacecraft includes a power supply having an output inductor with a tap. A switch is coupled to the tap. The switch has a control input. A pulse control logic circuit is coupled to said control input, said pulse control logic circuit controlling said switch to an off state to generate a high voltage discharge.

Abstract: A ballast for feeding a high-pressure discharge lamp, comprising:

Abstract: A starter circuit particularly suitable for a plasma of an ion engine for a spacecraft includes a power supply having an output inductor with a tap. A switch is coupled to the tap. The switch has a control input. A pulse control logic circuit is coupled to said control input, said pulse control logic circuit controlling said switch to an off state to generate a high voltage discharge.

Abstract: A starter circuit particularly suitable for a plasma of an ion engine for a spacecraft includes a power supply having an output inductor with a tap. A switch is coupled to the tap. The switch has a control input. A pulse control logic circuit is coupled to said control input) said pulse control logic circuit controlling said switch to an off state to generate a high voltage discharge.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for igniting a lamp, in particular a high-pressure discharge lamp. The lamp has an ignition transformer with a primary side and a secondary side, the secondary side is connected to the lamp which is to be ignited, and the primary side is connected to an ignition switch. The ignition switch is controlled for actively disconnecting a current flowing through the primary side of the ignition transformer.

Abstract: In a discharge lamp lighting circuit 1 using a common starter circuit 5A to a plurality of discharge lamps 6i (i=1, 2, . . . , n) to start the discharge lamps 6, the starter circuit 5A has a transformer 7 comprising a plurality of secondary windings 7bi (i=1, 2, . . . , n) provided for a primary winding 7a. A primary circuit 8 comprises a capacitor 9 and a switch element 10 and the generated voltage when the capacitor 9 is charged when the switch element 10 conducts is increased by the transformer 7, then is applied through each secondary winding to the corresponding discharge lamp.

Abstract: A gas discharge lamp control circuit includes a series circuit formed by first and second AC input terminals, an inductance and first and second lamp terminals. An ignitor circuit is coupled to the series circuit and selectively couples and decouples at least a portion of the inductance in parallel with the first and second AC input terminals to generate a flyback voltage in the inductance.

Abstract: A high-pressure discharge lamp has integrated in its base or base housing a circuit arrangement (SCH) which combines a starting device and a power reducing circuit which comprises a phase-gating control (PS). A capacitor (C2) connected in parallel with the lamp (L) provides a transfer voltage which is distinctly higher than the input voltage of the arrangement.

Abstract: A starter circuit particularly suitable for a plasma of an ion engine for a spacecraft includes a power supply having an output inductor with a tap. A switch is coupled to the tap. The switch has a control input. A pulse control logic circuit is coupled to said control input, said pulse control logic circuit controlling said switch to an off state to generate a high voltage discharge.

Abstract: A pulse igniter for a discharge lamp has a transformer with a primary winding coupled to a first capacitor and a switching element and a secondary winding shunted by a series circuit of a diode and a second capacitor at its output. As a result, the generated ignition voltage is rectified and applied to the lamp for a relatively long time interval, resulting in improved ignition behavior.