Patent ID: 6150773
Filing Date: 2000-11-21
Classification: H05B,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for designing the output stage of an electronic ballast for a fluorescent lamp, the output stage including a capacitor and an inductor, the method comprising the steps of:specifying a plurality of parameters relating to the operation of the fluorescent lamp, including a running power, a running voltage, and a maximum preheating voltage for the lamp;selecting a minimum running frequency for the lamp;selecting an input voltage for the ballast;calculating a value for the inductor of the output stage;calculating a preheat frequency, an ignition frequency, a running frequency, a preheat voltage, and an ignition current; andcalculating a value for the capacitor of the output stage, such that the preheat frequency is greater than the ignition frequency, the ignition frequency is greater than or equal to the running frequency, the preheat voltage is less than the maximum preheat voltage, and the difference between the preheat frequency and the ignition frequency is greater than about 5 kHz.