Patent ID: 6724152
Filing Date: 2004-04-20
Classification: H05B

Abstract:
A control system for providing variable arc current control of a lighting system, said control system comprising:an input power factor correction means including means for converting AC power from an AC power source into converted DC power, said input power factor correction means boosting said converted DC power so as to provide boosted converted DC power; a lamp unit comprising at least one fluorescent gas discharge lamp; switching means for controlling application of said boosted converted DC power to said lamp unit; an output power conditioning means, connected to said input power factor correction means and to said switching means, for controlling operation of said switching means so as to control application of said converted DC power to said lamp unit; and a start-up circuit including a starting means for providing a starting voltage to said output power conditioning means, said start-up circuit further comprising a plurality of voltage doubling rectifier circuits for providing a bias voltage supply to said output power conditioning means and to said input power factor correction means.