Using solid-state over-voltage protection devices for high intensity discharge lamps ignition

In this paper, a new igniter for HID lamps based on solid-state overvoltage protection devices (sidacs) is proposed. A complete analysis of the proposed igniter, as well as a design method and some implementation considerations, are discussed. The proposed igniter has been implemented in two different HID ballast inverters: resonant and square wave one. When the voltage in the lamp reaches a threshold value, the protection device generates a pulse that is transferred to the lamp by a small transformer in series with the lamp. If the circuit is designed properly, the pulse has enough energy as to ionize the gas in the discharge tube, thus starting the lamp. Several prototypes for different HID lamps and different high frequency inverters have been built and tested.

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