Adaptive fluorescent lamp start control strategy for dimmable magnetic ballast system

Based on the environmental concern a novel central dimming system with magnetic ballast driven lighting system, Dimmable Magnetic Ballast System (DMBS), was presented to replace the electronic ballast driven lighting system. To make the DMBS work at a wide range of input voltages for dimming, an Adaptive Fluorescent Lamp Starter (AFLS) which can provide an adaptive preheating time and constant fire voltage for different operation voltage and environmental temperature is proposed in this paper. Experimental results show that features of an adaptive preheating time, a single-pulse ignition with constant fire voltage, and zero glow current can be achieved. Compared with conventional electronic starters, the proposed AFLS can stretch the lifetime and operating voltage range of the DMBS.