摘要 |
A circuit (100) for driving a plurality of gas discharge lamps (102, 104), and having: input terminals (126, 130) for connection to a source of voltage supply; output terminals (134, 136, 140) for connection to the lamps in series; an oscillator (124, 132) connected between the input terminals and the output terminals for producing a high-frequency drive voltage at the output terminals; a transformer (106) having a primary winding (108) coupled to the input terminals and having a secondary winding (114) coupled to the output terminals, the transformer secondary winding being coupled at its ends (116, 118) and at an intermediate point (120) to respective ones of the output terminals and the intermediate point (120) of the transformer secondary winding being coupled to its respective output terminal (140) by a capacitor. The capacitor serves to enhance striking of one of the lamps after the other has struck, and provides an alternative path for current to one of the lamps if the other ceases to function or is removed.
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