Photocell enhanced technique for measuring starting electrode temperatures of fluorescent lamps

This report discusses a photocell enhanced technique which evaluates the lamp-ballast compatibility relationship during the starting and operating scenario of fluorescent lamps. This technique, which fundamentally uses the dynamic RH/RC protocol, can certainly be used for preheat and rapid start type circuitry with either low frequency electromagnetic or high frequency electronic ballasts. It may also be used to evaluate instant start type circuits by analyzing the start time and sputtering characteristics of the starting signatures. The signatures of the F40T12 lamp using the conventional two-lamp rapid start ballast are discussed along with the signatures of other linear and CFL type fluorescent lamps using high frequency electronic ballasts. Examples of good and bad waveshapes are discussed with an explanation of why they are so interpreted.