ARRANGEMENT PROVIDED WITH A GAS AND/OR VAPOUR DISCHARGE LAMP

摘要

A circuit arrangement for supplying alternating current to an electric discharge lamp has a pair of input terminals for connection to an alternating voltage source and a series arrangement of a stabilizing inductor and lamp being connected across the input terminals. A circuit consisting of a semiconductor switch is connected in shunt with the lamp and a control circuit is provided for triggering the semiconductor switch. This control circuit is coupled to a control electrode of the semiconductor switch and includes a branch having an element with a relatively short time constant such that the switch is triggered on and off at least several times during every second half cycle of the alternating voltage source. This arrangement operates in the operating condition of the lamp and, together with a stablilizing ballast, generates voltage peaks which ensure rapid reignition of the lamp at each half cycle of the alternating current supply.