METHOD FOR OPERATING A GAS DISCHARGE LAMP AND A GAS DISCHARGE LAMP DRIVER SYSTEM

摘要

In a method and circuit for operating a gas discharge lamp, the physical processes occurring in the gas discharge lamp are determined in order to control the behavior, and thus the light output, of the gas discharge lamp. Thereto, the method comprises the steps of, and the circuit comprises means for, providing an operating current to the gas discharge lamp and determining an operating parameter of the gas discharge lamp. Based on the determined operating parameter a value of a physical lamp parameter of the gas discharge lamp is determined. Using the determined value of the physical lamp parameter and a corresponding mathematical model of a physical process occurring in the gas discharge lamp an operating state of the gas discharge lamp is estimated. Using the model, which is based on the physical principles of the processes occurring in the gas discharge lamp, it is possible to determine the physical state of the gas discharge lamp. Consequently the operating current supplied to the gas discharge lamp may be controlled based on the determined operating state of the gas discharge lamp.