A high-power-factor electronic ballast using a flyback push-pull integrated converter

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 flyback converter operating in discontinuous conduction mode. Operating principle, design equations, component stress, and efficiency are presented. Experimental results have been obtained for one 40-W fluorescent lamp operating at 50-kHz switching frequency and 220-V line voltage.