Buck-boost corrector implementing for compact fluorescent lamp applications

This research paper presents a method to improve the power factor of a compact fluorescent lamp through the deployment of a buck-boost pre-converter which operates at a fixed frequency and duty cycle. The used buck-boost pre-converter is a classic one switch topology characterized by reverse output voltage. This type of active power factor correction seems to have many advantages upon the classic boost PFC. The possibility to have a smaller or a greater voltage level than the input value, makes this type of topology a good option for a common half-bridge self oscillating CFL ballast. The results obtained following the use of the above-mentioned pre-converter are being analyzed through computer simulation as well as practical measurements.