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 BIMOS switch which ensures high-voi tage and high-frequency capability. In spite of the high switching frequency of 450 kHz an excellent efficiency of 91% could be achieved. Thus miniaturization becomes feasible.