A simple single switch electronic ballast for compact fluorescent lamps with passive power factor correction (PFC) and soft switching capability

Abstract

This paper presents a simple, high power factor single switch electronic ballast for compact fluorescent lamp (CFL). Conventional CFLs on the market are not able to achieve the same power factor performance as the incandescent lamp does, which presents a significant problem for the utility with the gradual widespread use of CFL in the near future. In this paper, a single switch electronic ballast topology with passive power factor correction (PFC) is proposed. The PFC circuit is a valley fill circuit and the proposed single switch resonant inverter is able to achieve zero current switching. Detailed descriptions of the circuit operating principles are provided in this paper. Simulation and experimental results are given on a 13W CFL tube to highlight the merits of the proposed work.