公开(公告)号：US20020117976A1

公开(公告)日：2002-08-29

申请号：US09794306

申请日：2001-02-27

Applicant: STMicroelectronics, Inc.

Inventor： Clifford J. Ortmeyer

IPC: H05B037/02

CPC classification number: H05B41/36 ,  H05B41/282

Abstract: A ballast compatible with different types of gas discharge lamps includes a power supply and a controller connected to the power supply. The controller includes a memory having a plurality of desired operating parameters stored therein for respective different types of gas discharge lamps. A sensing circuit causes the power supply to supply a current to the gas discharge lamp prior to start-up and senses a voltage based thereon indicative of a type of the gas discharge lamp. A control circuit causes the power supply to provide the desired operating parameters based upon the type of gas discharge lamp. Since the desired operating parameters are applied to the gas discharge lamp, the life of the lamp is increased.