METHOD AND BALLAST FOR OPERATING A GAS DISCHARGE LAMP

摘要

A ballast for operating a gas discharge lamp is controlled to re-ignite the lamp within a short time period after extinguishing due to unforeseen circumstances. After ignition of the lamp, an extinguishing of the lamp is monitored. After detecting an extinguishing of the lamp, a high frequency voltage is generated across the lamp, in particular immediately after detecting an extinguishing of the lamp, or after a brief delay time period following detecting an extinguishing of the lamp. This method can be used both in run-up and in steady state operation mode. Detection of an extinguishing lamp may be performed by sensing a lamp current (CH4) or a lamp voltage (CH1).