Starter circuit for high pressure gas discharge lamp - applies undamped high LF ionising voltage via transformer and inductor

摘要

The starting circuit, for a high pressure gas discharge lamp in its hot or cold state, has a source of undamped high LF ionising voltage (1.6-200 kHz) that increases the electron density in the lamp every half period. The output of this source is coupled to the lamp via a transformer (T3) in series with the lamp. The lamp is coupled via an inductor and autotransformer to the mains supply. The period of the undamped ionising potential is such that the ionisation level increases at every half period.