Automatic Fluorescent Lamp Detection Technique for Electronic Ballasts

Due to the variation of fluorescent lamp power rating and types, the specified ballast could be used to meet the appropriate operating power. Generally, electronic ballast drives fluorescent lamp with fixed operating frequency. Such method can be used for only the designed lamp type and power rating. An operation of this type of ballast with mismatch lamp will cause damage on the lamp and/or ballast. This paper presents an automatic fluorescent lamp detection for electronic ballasts. This proposed method enables the ballast to determine the connected lamp´s power rating and drive the lamp with proper operating frequency. The experimental results show 100% accuracy on the 3 power rated T8 lamps which are 18 watt, 32 watt and 36 watt.