AN0012 Electronic Lighting Ballasts

All fluorescent lamps require a ballast to provide the electrical power to preheat the lamp electrodes, strike the lamp, provide the running power and control the discharge current. This can be achieved by either electromagnetic or high frequency electronic ballasts. With the introduction of new regulations in 2005 covering the European Union, USA and Japan, the use of the older electromagnetic ballasts will no longer be permitted, apart from repairing older systems until 2010. High frequency electronic ballasts provide increased luminous flux from the fluorescent lamp and negate the need for a starter, thus saving energy and costs. With more manufacturers of high frequency electronic ballasts converting to low cost surface mount capacitors, for use in the snubber circuit of the ballast, Syfer Technology Ltd has introduced a range of capacitors specifically intended for this application. This range is available in the popular 1206 case size and is manufactured from the stable COG/NPO dielectric. This is particularly suitable for the ballast operating frequencies of 20KHz to 100KHz.