Importance

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Abstract

A ballast circuit is provided having an input, an output for coupling to an electric discharge lamp and an oscillation circuit for illuminating the lamp. A circuit may be included for sensing when current from the isolation circuit exceeds acceptable levels, at which point, the ballast circuit may be shut down, limited or otherwise reducing the possibility of ballast failure. In one form of the invention, a current excursion sensor circuit is coupled between the isolation circuit and the output circuit for sensing when the current from the isolation circuit exceeds a given value. Preferably, the ballast circuit is shut down and maintained inactive until such time as any current excursion has a chance to decay away, ballast components have an opportunity to cool off or otherwise return to normal condition or until such other condition has occurred. Preferably, the ballast is shut down upon a current or voltage excursion of such a magnitude at or before components may overheat or begin to fail.

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First Claim