Abstract: A ballast circuit for operating a metal halide lamp by applying DC excitation during its start, glow and run modes is disclosed. The type and values of the circuit components of the ballast circuit are selected to provide automatic, sequential and desired transfer functions as the impedance value of the metal halide lamp transitions from its value occurring during the start, glow and run modes of operation. The ballast circuit has an input stage that is easily adapted to present a high power factor to the AC power source supplying the metal halide lamp. Further, the ballast circuit generates a signal for more easily starting the lamp and having a relatively high DC level upon which are developed pulse signals.

Abstract: An electronic starter for fluorescent lamps is disclosed. A Triac having a trigger electrode and having an anode and a cathode connectable to first and second filaments, respectively, of a fluorescent lamp is provided. A thermistor, a resistor, and a capacitor are connected in series across the anode and the cathode of the Triac, and a voltage responsive element, such as a bipolar Zener diode, is connected between the trigger electrode of the Triac and the junction between the resistor and the capacitor. This starter replaces conventional glow starters for fluorescent lamps, without requiring a special ballast.

Abstract: A novel circuit for igniting and operating gas discharge lamps, in particular metal vapour lamps, comprises a buffer capacitor (C4) connected to a direct-current voltage (1,2) and connected in parallel with a circuit consisting of a choke and a capacitor connected in series (L1, C1). An electronic switch (S), for example a transistor and a recovery diode (D), is connected in parallel with the capacitor (C1). A second choke-capacitor series circuit (L2, C3) connected in series with the metal vapour lamp (L) is connected in parallel with the capacitor (C1), which is connected in parallel with the electronic switch (S). A second capacitor (C2) is directly connected in parallel with the the metal vapour lamp (L). The ignition circuit and the power supply circuit for the metal vapour lamp (L) are combined in this fluorescent lamp ballast, thus obviating the need for a separate ignition circuit. In addition, the circuit operates independently of the supply voltage.

Abstract: A starting and operating device for controlling a starter that ignites a sodium lamp, AC power voltage being provided to the starter and sodium lamp by means of a power supply transformer having its secondary winding connected to the starter and sodium lamp, and its primary winding connected to an AC power source.

Abstract: A high-frequency capacitor includes first and second conductive members, each having a plurality of U-shaped metal plates disposed parallel to each other and a terminal plate coupled between the ends thereof. The metal plates of the first and second conductive members are interleaved, and a dielectric material is disposed between the adjacent metal plates. The result is a low-inductance capacitor suitable for use in a high-frequency electronic circuit, such as an electrodeless high intensity discharge (HID) lamp ballast. Furthermore, such acapacitor may be suitably integrated with a heat sink in an electrodeless HID lamp ballast.

Abstract: A hot restart circuit includes a storage capacitor and SCR connected across a tapped portion of a ballast with a breakdown device to start the SCR. A charging circuit for the storage capacitor includes a diode, pumping capacitor and choke in series from the ballast tap to the AC line and a further diode interconnecting the capacitors. The pumping capacitor increases the charge on the storage capacitor in a step-wise fashion until the breakdown voltage is reached, whereupon starting pulses are applied to the lamp.

Abstract: A ballast circuit for a fluorescent lamp includes a magnetic choke coupled between the lamp and a power supply and an electronic starter circuit coupled across said lamp. The magnetic choke includes an inductor and a capacitor to limit the supply of current to the lamp. The capacitor provides power factor correction and limits current supply without dissipating power in the form of heat. The electronic starter circuit includes a triac coupled across the lamp that is triggered by a diac coupled to the power supply input through a capacitor. When a sufficient charge builds up on the capacitor, the diac is triggered and, in turn, the triac is triggered to provide current through the electrodes of the lamp to thereby preheat the electrodes. Almost as instantly as the triac is triggered, the diac is caused to stop triggering the triac and therefore, the triac becomes non-conducting and is removed from the cirucit.

Abstract: A disabling circuit for deactivating a high pressure sodium lamp starting and operating circuit when the lamp exhibits end-of-life cycling includes a normally closed thermal switch connected to the starting and operating circuit is inoperative, the switch having contacts which open in response to an elevated temperature. A heating element is connected in parallel with the lamp so that the voltage across the lamp is applied to the heating element. The heating element is supported in a selected heat conducting relationship with the thermal switch so that a predetermined elevated temperature is reached and the contacts are opened only after the dissipation of an amount of energy resulting from repeatedly high lamp open-circuit voltage accompanying end-of-life cycling.

Abstract: An ignitor or starting circuit for a high pressure arc discharge lamp including a voltage sensitive bidirectional switch and an impedance with a resistor and inductor in series circuit. An additional capacitor is connected in parallel across the voltage sensitive switch and the resistor.

Abstract: A starter circuit for a discharge lamp includes a current control circuit which initially has a low impedance so as to produce an initial cathode heating current for the lamp. The current control circuit is switched into a high impedance condition by means of a control voltage applied to its gate thereby causing a high voltage striking pulse to be applied across the lamp. A field effect transistor is effective to modify the control voltage to the gate such that the starting circuit is effective to produce a succession of starting pulses across the lamp during each half cycle of a rectified AC supply.

Abstract: To provide enhanced starting voltages for fluorescent lamps operating, for xample, from 110 V power networks through a rectifier, and in which a high-frequency oscillatory circuit is used which includes a ring core transformer (TR1, TR2, TR3) operated under saturation conditions, and controlling switching transistors (T1, T2), which have emitter-resistors (R4, R5) connected thereto to stabilize the operation of the circuit and of the transistors, at least one diode (FIG. 4: D4, D5) is connected in parallel to at least one of the emitter resistors; for some circuits (FIGS. 2-4) a diode, or two diodes (D6, D7, D8, D9) can form the emitter-resistors or resistors.

Abstract: An ignitor disabler for the starter circuit of a High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamp includes means for disabling the ignitor, and means for triggering the disabling means of the ignitor after passage of a predetermined amount of time. The triggering means has a timing component that begins time measuring operation only under certain, predetermined conditions. The disabler includes means for resetting the timing component of the triggering means upon lamp ignition. In its preferred embodiment, the starter circuit specifically includes a power supply portion in use to convert alternating current to direct current and designed to provide a stable direct current output over a broad range of input signals.

Abstract: A spark gap device is disclosed that is particularly suited for a rapid restrike or starting circuit which is employed in sport stadium lighting applications to start or restrike metal halide lamps that have been subjected to a momentary loss of power. The spark gap device comprises two electrodes that are arranged in a parallel side-by-side relationship and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined amount. The spark gap device operates that when a high voltage potential is applied across the electrodes, the generated and reoccuring spark is distributed along the parallel arranged electrodes. The parallel arrangement of electrodes provides for improved life and cooler electrode temperatures as compared to prior art spark gap devices in which the generated and reoccuring spark jumps between the end regions of separated electrodes.

Abstract: An ignitor disabler for the starter circuit of a High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamp includes means for disabling the ignitor, and means for triggering the disabling means of the ignitor after passage of a predetermined amount of time. The triggering means has a timing component that begins time measuring operation only under certain, predetermined conditions. The disabler includes means for resetting the timing component of the triggering means upon lamp ignition. In its preferred embodiment, the starter circuit specifically includes AC threshold voltage establishing means and a field effect transistor for ensuring that a timing capacitor in the disabler triggering circuit is effectively discharged to zero volts. The disabler trigger circuit may operate down to minus 40.degree. C.

Abstract: A universal two-lead igniter for high intensity discharge lamps includes a first parallel RC network connected in series circuit with a second network between the two terminals of the igniter. The second network may include a second parallel RC network coupled to the first RC network via a voltage-responsive bidirectional switching device, such as a Sidac. Alternatively, the second network may include a second capacitor and an inductor connected in series with the Sidac device, The igniter is adapted to be connected in parallel with the lamp and generates, by means of a resonant type of operation of the first and second networks, a high frequency, high voltage pulsatory open circuit voltage that provides more reliable ignition of a HID lamp.

Abstract: The ignitor is a high voltage power supply for intermittent operation used to ignite HMI (Hydrargyrum Medium Arc Iodide), Xenon and mercury arc lamps of the type typically used in motion pictures, video applications, theater and television. The ignitor inputs through a rectifier circuit and the rectified current drives the primary coil of the first transformer of two ganged transformers. The primary coil is driven into saturation, at which point a pulse-width modulated controller senses that the saturation current has been reached in the primary, and opens a FET which acts as a switch in series with the primary, collapsing the field around the primary to induce an energy surge into the secondary, which results, after further conditioning and transforming, in the production of a high voltage (30 kv-50 kv) arc-jumping current to ignite the arc lamp to which it is connected.

Abstract: Apparatus for starting and operating a high pressure discharge lamp includes a pair of input terms for connection to a high frequency inverter. A step-up transformer couples the input terminals to a pair of output terminals for connection of the discharge lamp. A switching arrangement including a voltage-multiplier circuit, is coupled to the primary winding of the transformer and includes a first branch comprising a first capacitor and a diode and a second branch comprising a diode. Between the first capacitor and the diode of the first branch is connected a third branch comprising a semiconductor switch such as a SIDAC. The first branch is connected through the transformer coil to a first supply source connection point. The second branch is connected to a tap point of the coil. The first and the second branch are connected via a common impedance including second capacitor and an inductor to a second supply source connection point.

Abstract: An ignition circuit for fluorescent lamp includes a transformer having coreless windings connected in parallel with a fluorescent lamp with the coreless windings having inductive reactance matched with a capacitive reactance or internal resistance of the fluorescent lamp for forming a harmonic oscillation of a multivibrator in order for stably igniting the fluorescent lamp for saving electric energy.

Abstract: A starting and operating circuit for gaseous discharge lamps which includes a pair of input terminals for connection to an alternating current supply and a pair of output terminals for connection across the lamp. A ballast inductor is connected at its ends in series between one of the input terminals and one of the output terminals. A pulse generator is connected between one of the input terminals and one of the output terminals and another pulse generator is connected between a tapping point on the ballast inductor and the outer input terminal or the other output terminal or a point on the connection therebetween. The high voltage pulse generator includes a non-linear capacitor (NLC) and a semiconductor bipolar thyristor (commonly known as SIDAC) connected in series, the non-linear capacitor and the bipolar thyristor being connected in parallel with the lamp.

Abstract: In a fluorescent lamp, a circuit board assembly is provided within the base of the lamp. The circuit board assembly includes a circuit board having a plurality of conductive runs thereon, a lamp starter circuit and device electrically coupling the pins of the lamp base to the circuit board. The conductive runs have a concave cut-out portion located immediately adjacent the location where an electrical coupling lead is coupled (e.g. by soldering) to the runs. The concave cut-out portion prevents the circuit runs from lifting off from the circuit board when the electrical coupling lead is bent after being coupled to the circuit runs.

Abstract: A starting aid with an autotransformer arranged in a parallel manner with respect to a gaseous discharge lamp is disclosed. The parallel arrangement lowers the current carrying capabilities necessary for the starting aid to handle relative to a serial arrangement. The parallel arranged starting aid by appropriate selection of its component values provides for the application of the starting aid to various sources of alternating current used for the excitation of a variety of types of gaseous discharge lamps.

Abstract: An improved, more energy efficient reactor-type ballasting circuit for fluorescent lamps includes an inductive ballasting coil for directly applying an AC line voltage to the cathodes of a lamp without an intermediate autotransformer and also includes a glow type thermal switch in series with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistor for electrical connection across the cathodes of the lamp to conduct pre-heating current to the lamp cathodes. The PTC resistor will effectively remove the glow switch from the ballast circuit if the switch fails to open after an appropriate time delay.

Abstract: A plug-in starting aid for generating high voltage pulses in the ballast circuit of high intensity discharge lamp comprises interconnected electrical components mounted in a frame of insulating material. The frame has three terminals projecting out one side and engageable in the cooperating terminals of a connector block in which the starting in may be plugged in. The terminals are also engageable by standard mating wire terminals when the starting aid is used without a connector block.

Abstract: A two-lead starter circuit for a gaseous discharge lamp is composed of only four components, namely a capacitor, a bilateral voltage-sensitive switch, a pulse transformer and a resistor. These components are connected in a series-parallel circuit arrangement which is both more economical and more reliable than prior-art two-lead starter circuits.

Abstract: An opening switch for very high power electrical pulses uses a slow magnetic field to confine a plasma across a gap between two electrodes. The plasma conducts the electric pulse across the gap while the switch is closed. A magnetic field generated by the pulse repels the slow magnetic field from the negative electrode to push the plasma from the electrode, opening the switch. A plurality of radial vanes may be used to enhance the slow magnetic field.

Abstract: A starting and operating circuit for high pressure discharge lamps including a pair of input terminals for connection to an alternating current supply and a pair of output terminals for connection across the lamp. A ballast inductor is connected at its ends in series between one of the input terminals and one of the output terminals and a pulse generator is connected between the output terminals. The pulse generator comprises a non-linear capacitor (NLC) and a semiconductor bipolar thyristor (commonly known as a SIDAC) connected in series, the non-linear capacitor and bipolar thyristor being connected in parallel with the discharge lamp.

Abstract: To operate a fluorescent lamp having a lamp operating voltage of to about 0 V from a power supply having a nominal voltage level below lamp operating voltage, and without use of a voltage doubler circuit or a transformer to increase the power supply voltage, the power supply voltage is rectified, chopped, and then applied to the fluorescent lamp through a voltage increasing circuit which is formed as an LC resonance circuit. The inductive component can be formed by the current limiting choke, already present in a typical fluorescent lamp circuit, and the capacitative component by a small capacitor, for example of 6 nF value, connected to the choke to form a series resonance circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric arrangement for operating a an electric discharge lamp (13) which is connected in series with a coil (14) and a switch (15) to a pulsatory direct voltage source. The combination of the lamp and the coil is shunted by a rectifier. The lamp is shunted by a capacitor (18) and the switch is periodically rendered conductive at an instant when the instantaneous voltage of the pulsatory direct voltage source is between 0.5 and 0.8 times the then required re-ignition voltage of the lamp. The voltage build up across the capacitor (18) after the switch has become conducting causes the lamp to reignite. The luminous efficacy of the lamp is comparatively high.

Abstract: In a rapid restrike starter embodying the invention, a starting circuit applies a series of high voltage pulses, each of approximately the same magnitude through a transformer in series with the ballast and the high intensity discharge lamp to be started, a voltage triggered switch such as a sidac is used to turn the starting circuit on at a predetermined voltage, a second voltage triggered switch connected in series with the first acts in conjunction with a circuit comprised of capacitors and resistors to cause a series of resonant symmetric pulses each approximately the same magnitude as the initial pulse, the use of this oscillating pulse provides restrike performance at approximately two-thirds the pulse voltage otherwise required which improves long term reliability by decreasing the likelihood of socket arcing and insulation breakdown.

Abstract: A pulse generating apparatus includes a base current supply section for generating a constant DC current having a first prescribed current level for turning on a xenon lamp, and a pulse current section for adding a pulse current having a second current level greater than the first current level and a prescribed pulse duration within a prescribed repetition period to the constant DC current. The base current supply section and pulse current section should satisfy the following equations:1.4.ltoreq.Imax/Imini.ltoreq.60.2.ltoreq.t/T.ltoreq.0.7T.ltoreq.1/40Where Imax is the sum of the first and the second prescribed current levels, Imini is the first prescribed current level, T is the prescribed repetition period, and t is the prescribed pulse duration.When the pulse current added to the DC current is supplied to a xenon lamp, the xenon lamp outputs a strong light during the pulse duration of the pulse current, and a feeble light during the absence of the pulse current.

Abstract: A triggerable opening switch for a very high voltage and current pulse includes a transmission line extending from a source to a load and having an intermediate switch section including a plasma for conducting electrons between transmission line conductors and a magnetic field for breaking the plasma conduction path and magnetically insulating the electrons when it is desired to open the switch.

Abstract: A light source including a spiral line pulse generator having an output coupled to one electrode of a high pressure discharge lamp and having an input for coupling to a source of lamp operating power for providing high voltage lamp starting pulses. This pulse generator includes, in addition to a spiral line generator, a solid state electronic switch in combination with an inductor. The electronic switch and inductor are connected in series between the conductors of the spiral line pulse generator for multiple discharge of the spiral line pulse generator to provide multiple high voltage pulses during each half cycle of lamp operating power to initiate discharge in the high pressure discharge lamp.

Abstract: A rapid restrike metal halide lamp and method of operating such a lamp are disclosed which are particularly suitable for sports stadium lighting applications. The rapid restrike metal halide lamp has an arc tube containing constituents which require a waveform having a relatively high voltage and at a relatively high current in order to rapidly restrike the arc tube after the lamp has experienced a power interruption so as to initiate a sustaining arc condition of the arc tube. The relatively high waveform in the form of a series of pulse trains is routed to the arc tube by means of a two path arrangement comprising a conductive base at the bottom of the lamp and a insulative cap at the top of the lamp. This two-way path substantially reduces and even eliminates any arcing condition within the confines of the lamp.

Abstract: An inverter circuit electrically connecting a gas discharge lamp to a source of direct current voltage whereby the impedance of said lamp is resistive. Current measuring means for measuring the lamp high frequency current flow and in electrical communication with control means for controlling the on/off ratio of said inverter for maximum lamp current.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for igniting and operating gas discharge lamps comprises a choke coil (1) connected between a lamp (2) and an a.c. supply source. The choke coil has an inductance L and an ignition device (3) is connected to the lamp. A capacitor (9) having a capacitance C is connected in parallel with at least a part of the choke coil in order to pass an ignition current to the lamp that is higher than the normal lamp operating current. The relationship betweeen the capacitive reactance of the capacitor and the inductive reactance of the choke coil is 1/.omega.C>3.omega.L.

Abstract: A circuit for operating low-pressure discharge lamps at elevated frequency comprises a reconnect circuit which disables the disconnect circuit upon exchange of a defective low-pressure discharge lamp (LP1). The disconnect circuit comprises a diode (D10), a resistor (R11) and a thyristor (TH) together with a trigger circuit (5). The reconnect circuit comprises a capacitor (C9) and a resistor (R12). Upon removal of the defective low-pressure discharge lamp (LP1), the capacitor (C9) is charged over the resistor (R12). Upon insertion of a new low-pressure discharge lamp (LP1), the capacitor (C9) is discharged and recharged in opposite direction and the holding current is removed from the thyristor (TH). This causes the thyristor (TH) to block, and enables the push-pull frequency generator (3) to start oscillating again.

Abstract: Apparatus for igniting and operating a high pressure arc discharge lamp includes a pulse generating circuit for generating high voltage pulses for starting the lamp. The pulse generating circuit is comprised of a step-up transformer, a start capacitor, a voltage sensitive bidirectional switch (e.g., a sidac) and an impedance which forms a charge circuit for the capacitor. The capacitor discharges via the switch and a part of the transformer to generate a high voltage pulse which is coupled to the lamp electrodes. An auxiliary capacitor and a serially connected inductor are coupled in parallel with the pulse generating circuit so as to clamp the open circuit voltage at a high level upon generation of the ignition pulse thereby to maintain a level of lamp current sufficient to sustain the discharge arc. This makes the lamp ignition more reliable and extends the lamp life.

Abstract: A light source including a spiral line pulse generator having an output coupled to one electrode of a high pressure discharge lamp and having an input for coupling to a source of lamp operating power for providing high voltage lamp starting pulses. The pulse generator includes, in addition to a spiral line circuit, a solid state electronic switch for discharging the spiral line pulse generator and a ballast capacitor connected in series with the solid state switch. The spiral line pulse generator preferably has a magnetic core associated therewith for increasing the spiral line inductance.

Abstract: Starting and operating apparatus for high intensity discharge lamps includes first and second pairs of terminals formed for connection to an AC source and a discharge lamp respectively, a series connect ballast means and inductor connected to one of said first pair and one of said second pair of terminals a bilateral switch shunted by a capacitor and in series with an AC impedance coupled to the inductor and to the other one of said first and second pair of terminals whereby relatively wide high voltage, high frequency pulse potentials for starting the discharge lamps are provided.

Abstract: The operation of the starting circuit is only allowed for a predetermined time period in response to a control signal which is generated either following the application of the alternating voltage to the input terminals of the lamp circuit at the beginning of a working period of the lighting installation including said lamp, or a predetermined delay after interruption of said alternating voltage due to a short power interruption. The operation of the starting circuit is not allowed if the lamp extinguishes due to an increase of its voltage, thus avoiding attempts to re-start a defective lamp.

Abstract: A high vacuum sodium vapor lamp whose discharge tube is surrounded by a heating coil connected in series with a switch opening to interrupt the heating after the lapse of a heating period sufficient to allow breakdown of the tube, is also provided with overvoltage protection and especially an element located in the lamp base, for limiting the autoinductive voltage poles to a level sufficient for breakdown of the tube but insufficient to allow breakdown between the terminals of the lamp.

Abstract: A ballast circuit arrangement for providing a predetermined desired A.C. voltage to enhance the operation of the gas discharge tube serving as the main light source in a lighting unit of the type which also comprises an incandescent filament serving as a resistive element and a supplementary light source is disclosed. The circuit arrangement operates directly from an applied 220 volt, 50 Hz or 120 volt, 60 Hz alternating current (A.C.) voltage source. The circuit arrangement comprises a capacitor connected serially with both the incandescent filament and the gas discharge tube. If desired, the incandescent filament may be replaced with a resistive element. The value of the capacitor is selected so as to reduce the applied 220 volt, 50 Hz or 120 volt, 60 Hz A.C. source to a desired range for operating the circuit in a manner to develop a desired reduced voltage for operation of the gas discharge tube.

Abstract: A ballast and control circuit for use with fluorescent lights. The circuit aids energy efficiency by removing heater current flow once the lamp has ignited. The circuit also uses time delayed inductive storage to allow delivery to the lamps of increased operating current without a concurrent increase in power utilization.

Abstract: A ballast circuit for starting and operating a preheat type circular fluorescent lamp, which replaces a multiple wattage incandescent lamp in a three-way incandescent lamp socket, so that the fluorescent lamp can be ignited to function at three different operating wattages. A lamination stacked core structure mounts first and second coils. A passive circuit element, such as positive temperature coefficient resistor also known as a thermistor, is connected in the circuit, which includes a three-way incandescent lamp screw base, for current switching functions to achieve the desired ignition and operating currents for the fluorescent lamp at its different operating wattages.

Abstract: In a high pressure discharge lamp device provided with an inductive stabilizer and a starting circuit consisting of a serial circuit of a resistor and a bimetal switch, a pulse waveform conversion circuit is arranged therein to reduce the pulse peak of the starting voltage and also broaden the pulse width of the starting voltage. The pulse waveform conversion circuit comprises a serial circuit of a resistor and a switching element, such as micro-gap element, which operates at a voltage lower than the starting voltage of the discharge lamp but higher than the secondary load-free voltage of the stabilizer.

Abstract: Two or more fluorescent lamps having a total length of about 96 inches and each having a diameter of one and a half inches and consuming less than 10 watts power per foot of length are connected in electrical series combination, one cathode of each lamp being connected to that of another lamp. An end of each remaining cathode of the combination is respectively connected to one of a pair of input electrical power terminals for a 50 or 60 hertz a-c line voltage in the range of 200 to 300 volts, one of the latter connections being via a ballast inductor. A starter switch is connected across the other ends of the remaining cathodes, and a secondary winding on the ballast inductor is connected across the interconnected cathodes. The lamp designs are specified such that they will start and operate in the circuit from the a-c line voltage.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge (HID) lamp has an arc tube including a pair of main electrodes and at least one auxiliary electrode or probe, wherein a high frequency (HF) high voltage is applied to the probe for forming a high frequency (HF) ignition discharge for establishing a low frequency (LF) arc discharge between the main electrodes. In this ignition system, the electrodes of the arc tube are arranged so that an LF discharge path and an HF discharge path are positioned in an X- or a Y-configuration in the arc tube for causing easy lamp ignition. Also, to simplify the outer leads, it is desirable to mount the probe on one of the main electrodes by a dielectric member opposite another main electrode thereby to form a shorter gap between the probe and the other main electrodes than that between the main electrodes. The starting device of HID lamps has a high frequency-high voltage (HF-HV) generator, the output of which is applied, directly or indirectly, to the probe.

Abstract: A discrete type starter for HID lamps uses a ferrite core pulse transformer whose secondary is connected in series with the lamp across a ballast output winding. The primary is formed by mounting one or more sidacs and a resistor astride the core loop and interconnecting them by cladding on the board to make two or three turns around the core. The primary is connected across a capacitor which is connected in series with an impedance across the ballast output winding.

Abstract: There is disclosed a high pressure metal vapor discharge lamp which contains in an outer bulb a starting circuit connected in parallel with a light emitting tube having at least one pair of main electrodes. The starting circuit includes a ceramic capacitor surrounded by glass material and exhibiting a non-linear voltage-charge characteristic.

Abstract: Apparatus for starting and operating a high intensity discharge lamp includes a pair of terminals connectible to an AC service voltage source and coupled by a ballast to an HID lamp with a series connected gated switch and a non-linear dielectric element shunting the HID lamp, a series connected resistor and capacitor shunting the HID lamp and a bidirectional switch coupling the junction of the resistor and capacitor to the gate electrode of the gated switch whereby a delayed pulse of increased magnitude is applied to an HID lamp.