High frequency discharge lamp

A circuit arrangement suitable for high-frequency operation of a discharge lamp, comprising:

• input terminals for connection to a low-frequency supply voltage source,
• an input filter coupled to the input terminals for suppressing high-frequency interference of the circuit arrangement with the low-frequency supply voltage source,
• rectifying means having inputs coupled to the input filter for rectifying a low-frequency supply voltage supplied by the low-frequency supply voltage source,
• a first branch comprising first capacitive means connected across outputs of the rectifying means,
• a DC-AC converter coupled to the first capacitive means for generating a high-frequency current from a direct voltage present across the first capacitive means, and
• a further branch of which a first end is connected to a point of the DC-AC converter at which a high-frequency voltage is present during lamp operation and of which a further end is coupled to the rectifying means,
• wherein the further branch is conductive for AC current in both directions and the further end of the further branch is connected to a junction between the input filter and one of the inputs of the rectifying means.