Tubular Fluorescent Lamps Detection Based on the Self-Oscillating Electronic Ballast

In this paper, the detection of T5 tubular fluorescent lamps (FLs) is carried out with a self-oscillating electronic ballast. The developed topology identifies and operates different lamps with their rated powers. A single-ended primary-inductor converter (SEPIC) is used for power factor correction (PFC), with a half-bridge inverter to supply the lamps. The lamps detection is realized by means of an analog electronic circuit. The command of the switches of the PFC and inverter stages is accomplished by the self-oscillating circuit. Experimental results, as well as an analysis of the data referring to compliance with the technical standard NBR 14418 are presented in relation to preheating of the T5 FLs electrodes.