Switched linear system model and simulation analysis of the electronic ballast

This paper casts systematic insight into the electronic ballasts which are functionally made-up by three cascade stages, i.e., input, PFC and output. Simulation results utilizing the semi-theoretical model indicate that the fluorescent lamp operating at high frequencies is approximately a voltage dependent resistor. Further numeric analysis simplifies the lamp load network as a resistor-inductor series branch. The electrical characteristics of the output stage are revealed and described by a switched RL load. Employing the system equivalent circuit, we derive the model of the electronic ballast. And the state-space descriptions (line current, capacitor voltage, and load current are states variables) illustrate that the electronic ballast driving the fluorescent lamp is a switched linear system of third-order and four-mode.