Impedance matching circuit for an electrodeless fluorescent lamp ballast

Abstract

An impedance matching circuit for a self-oscillating electrodeless fluorescent lamp ballast of the type having an inductor connected in series with the parallel combination of a capacitor and the lamp's drive coil includes an additional capacitor connected in series with the drive coil. The capacitance value chosen for the additional capacitor is dependent on: stresses on the parallel capacitor; matching the impedance of the ballast; and the impact of the capacitor on the loaded coil phase angle. The additional capacitor reduces the phase angle presented to the ballast, thereby lowering the sensitivity of the ballast to component and lamp variations. In addition, the overall impedance of the network is reduced, such that the required inductance of the series inductor is reduced; hence, the inductor can have fewer turns and lower conduction losses. The current in inductor for the required power level is lower, resulting in a further reduction in conduction losses as well as a reduction in core losses due to lower flux in the core. Still further, a reduction of stresses on the inductor results in a reduced operating temperature, and hence increased efficiency, reliability and ballast life.