A Electronic Starter for Fluorescent Lamps for use as Neon Signs

네온사인 기능을 수행하는 형광램프용 전자식 스타터

In this paper we develop an electronic starter circuit that is suitable for Neon sign operation of switch-start fluorescent lamps. The developed starter enable single pulse ignition of fluorescent lamp at the peak point of preheating current, irrespective of the position of the Tum-On signal. This is possible due to the sequential operation of two transistors different in their operation characteristics and a diode operation characteristic. The switching endurance test using this starter has been carried for more than 3000 hours for a single switch-start on a severe blinking condition of preheating of 0.1s and of successive lighting interval of 0.1s.