High-Frequency and Pulse Operation

Abstract

New electronic components (e.g. high-power transistors) have been developed that make it possible to operate HPS lamps on currents widely different in frequency and waveform to those present in HPS lamps operated on a conventional, mains-frequency ballast. The electronic ballast makes it possible to reduce the volume and weight of the stabilising circuit and to improve the system efficiency. Furthermore, the regulation of the lamp power at a constant value in the event of lamp voltage rise and the regulation of the light level can also be taken care of by the solid-state ballast (Verderber and Morse, 1982). Other properties of the lamp can also be positively or negatively influenced, as will be discussed in this chapter.