A single-stage PFC converter applied as an electronic ballast for fluorescent lamps

A new power factor correction converter in single stage is presented in this paper. The proposed topology was develop from the integration of the self-oscillating boost EIE converter operating in critical conduction mode (CCM) with the buck-boost power factor correction stage. This new power factor (PFC) in single stage has been applied as an electronic ballast for fluorescent lamps and has been shown itself as a great choice for specialized industry mainly because of its low cost and facility of implementation. Simulation and experimental results of an prototype built at laboratory for a 40 W fluorescent lamp, with a low THD (13%), power factor equal to 99.16%, and crest factor equal to 1.4 are presented.