Light source electronic transformer

An electronic ballast for powering a light source, comprising:

• a main power converter for providing power from a main power line;
• a controllable starter circuit connected to the main power converter;
• a transformer connected to the main power converter and to an associated light source;
• a ballast control integrated circuit (IC) connected to the controllable starter circuit and having an output connected to the transformer;
• and
• an IC power converter connected to the transformer and having an output connected to the ballast control IC;
• wherein, when the light source is to be switched ON, the controllable starter circuit receives power from the main power converter and provides a high energy output for input to the ballast control IC circuit, and wherein in response to the high energy input the ballast control IC circuit outputs a power control signal to the transformer that causes the light source to illuminate and the transformer to provide supply power to the IC power converter, and wherein after the light source illuminates the controllable starter circuit powers OFF.

A method for controlling an electronic ballast for a light source, comprising:

• receiving, by a starter circuit, power from a main power converter to initiate illumination of a light source;
• providing, by the starter circuit, a high energy output for input to a ballast control IC;
• receiving, by the starter circuit, a control signal;
• and
• powering OFF the starter circuit in response to the control signal.

A method for controlling an electronic ballast for a light source, comprising:

• receiving, by a starter circuit, power from a main power converter to initiate illumination of a light source;
• providing, by the starter circuit, a high energy output for input to a ballast control IC;
• receiving, by the starter circuit, a control signal from a time controlled circuit;
• and
• powering OFF the starter circuit in response to the control signal.