High Voltage High Frequency Class-E Converter Suitable for Miniaturization

A 120 V mains-driven class-E converter used as an electronic ballast for a 15 W fluorescent lamp is presented. The key element of the circuit is a cascoded bipolar metal-oxide semiconductor (BiMOS) switch which ensures high-voltage and high-frequency capability. In spite of the high switching frequency of 450 kHz an excellent efficiency of 91 percent could be achieved. Thus miniaturization becomes feasible.