Process for generating voltage pulse sequences and circuit assembly therefor

Abstract

An electrical circuit arrangement for producing pulsed-voltage sequences for the operation of discharges which are impeded dielectrically comprises a series circuit formed from a tuned circuit inductance (TR,-A) and a controlled switch (T,), a pulse generator (OS) which drives the switch (T,), an electrical valve (D,) which is connected in parallel with the switch (T,), a tuned circuit capacitance (C,) which is likewise connected in parallel with the switch (T,), a means (TR,-B, a″, b″) for coupling a lamp (La,) to at least one electrode which is impeded dielectrically, and, optionally, a buffer and feedback capacitor (C,) which is connected in parallel with the series circuit formed by the tuned circuit inductance (TR,-A) and the switch (T,). The means for coupling a lamp comprises in particular two connections (a″, b″) and the secondary winding (TR,-B) of an autotransformer (TR,), which is connected between a first pole of the switch (T,) and the corresponding connection (a″), the primary winding (TR,-A) of the autotransformer (TR,) acting as the tuned circuit inductance. The second connection (b′) is connected to the second pole of the switch (T,). In operation, the switch (T,) opens and closes alternately in time with the drive signal of the pulse generator (OS), as a result of which a sequence of voltage pulses, which are separated by pauses, is produced at the electrodes, which are impeded dielectrically, of a lamp (La,) which is connected to the connections (a″, b″).