Omega Electronics S.a.

Philippe Deglon

Werner Schneiter

Pierre Desarzens

Alberto Tellan

The discharge lamp energizing arrangement of this invention comprises a starter and a generator adapted to maintain a discharge current in the lamp. The generator includes a first circuit arranged to couple in series a D.C. voltage source, a first switch and a second switch. When the first switch is closed the second is open and vice versa. A second circuit arranged to couple an inductance and the lamp in series is connected in parallel with the second switch. The switches are operated by a control means which combines signals received from an oscillator and a comparator so as to regulate the current flow in the lamp. The generator appears as a source of stabilized current for any load which is applied thereto and may just as well be employed for a lighting fixture as for energizing the luminous points of a matrix display board.

Energizing arrangement for a discharge lamp

A discharge lamp energizing arrangement comprises a starter and a generator adapted to maintain a discharge current in the lamp. The generator includes a first circuit arranged to couple in series a D.C. voltage source, a first switch and a second switch. When the first switch is closed the second is open and vice versa. A second circuit, arranged to couple an inductance and the lamp in series, is connected in parallel with the second switch. The switches are operated by a first control means which employs the signals received from an oscillator. The starter includes a third switch connected in parallel with the lamp terminals. The third switch is operated by a second control means itself operated by the first control means. When the energizing arrangement is turned on the third switch is closed and it subsequently reopens on the first occasion that the first switch passes from the closed to the open state.

The arrangement of the invention enables control of a light emitting element comprising at least one discharge tube. Firing of the tube is effected by a generator which provides voltage pulses at predetermined periodic intervals (T.sub.r). The luminous intensity of the tube is controlled by a D.C. source which enables application of a discharge maintenance current to the tube, the duration of application (T.sub.c) of which depends on an instruction signal. A circuit is provided to assure synchronism between the application of the voltage pulse and the maintenance current. The arrangement may be applied in matrix displays.

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Bienne, Switzerland

Philippe Deglon