Patent ID: 7932682
Filing Date: 2011-04-26
Classification: H02M,H05B,Y02B

Abstract:
1. A ballast for use with an input power source for energizing a lamp, said ballast comprising: a power stage for converting power supplied by the input power source to drive the lamp; a internal power supply connected to the power stage for receiving power from the power stage; a input circuit connected to the internal power supply, said input circuit including a switch component, said switch component having a closed mode for electrically connecting the internal power supply to the input power source and conducting power from the input power source to the internal power supply, said switch component having an open mode for electrically disconnecting the internal power supply from the input power source; a controller for controlling the operations of components of the ballast, said controller having a first input, a second input, and an output, said controller being electrically connected to the internal power supply for receiving power from the internal power supply via said first input to energize said controller, said controller being electrically connected to the internal power supply via said second input for monitoring the voltage of the internal power supply, said controller being electrically connected to the input circuit switch component via said output for selectively operating said switch component in the open mode and the closed mode as a function of the monitored voltage when the lamp is energized, wherein said switch component operates in the closed mode when the lamp is not energized.