Protection for external electrode fluorescent lamp system
US7126289B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B20/00
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a driving circuit with protection function for driving a set of external electrode fluorescent lamps (EEFL). The drive circuit includes a transformer connected to the set of EEFLs, a switching network connected to the transformer which delivers power to the transformer, a sensing circuit connected to the set of EEFLs which detects disconnection if one light source is disconnected, and a controller connected to the switching network which controls the switching network to reduce the total current supplied to the EEFLs which remain connected, if the sensing circuit detects that one EEFL is disconnected. Appropriate protection can therefore be implemented when the EEFL is disconnected on one end or both ends.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.