An approach is provided for devices and methods for using high efficiency ballasted lamps with an electronic transformer, especially for the replacement of traditional halogen lamps from the existing fixtures. The method comprises acts of synchronizing a reference signal to a voltage corresponding to an AC voltage from an AC power source, and driving a load at a predetermined duty cycle. Therefore, the present disclosure is able to drive a load with a desired average output power lower than the minimum load requirement of the electronic transformer yet still allow the electronic transformer to work properly.