A boost push-pull electronic ballast with a single switch

Abstract

This paper describes a high-power factor electronic ballast for fluorescent lamps. The converter offers a high power factor and a high-frequency, supply to the lamp using a single switch. In spite of its simplicity, an excellent performance concerning load and supply is achieved, ensuring a sinusoidal and in-phase supply current. High power factor is achieved by using a boost converter operating in discontinuous conduction mode. The lamp high frequency supply is given by a push-pull converter. Experimental results have been obtained for two 40 W fluorescent lamp operating at 50 kHz switching frequency and 110 V line voltage.