Patent ID: 6157134
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: H01J,H05B,Y02B

Abstract:
A starting circuit for a fluorescent lamp system, the starting circuit comprising:a ballast unit for controlling electrical power received from an external power source;a sealed lamp unit secured to the ballast unit, the sealed lamp unit including at least one gas;first and second lamp electrodes located at respective end points of the lamp unit, the lamp electrodes extending into the sealed lamp unit and being electrically connected to the ballast unit;a first lead wire extending into the sealed lamp unit;a first extended wire connection having a first end electrically connected to the first lamp electrode and a second end electrically connected to the first lead wire; anda first capacitor, electrically connected in series between the first and second ends of the first extended wire connection, for limiting a current flow through the first extended wire connection, a breakdown voltage path within the sealed lamp unit being modified as a function of a position of the first lead wire.