Disclosed are a drive system of a semiconductor light source and a semiconductor lighting device. The drive system comprises: a transformer, the transformer comprising a first coil (201) and a second coil (202) mutually coupled to each other, the second coil (202) being used for receiving an input voltage; a switch device which is connected in series to the second coil (202) and used for controlling energy storage and energy release of the second coil (202); and an output device which is connected in parallel to the second coil (202) and used for supplying power to the semiconductor light source, wherein the first coil (201) of the transformer is induced by the second coil (202) to generate a sensing signal which is used for controlling the switching-on and switching-off of the switch device.