Multiple channel ballast and networkable topology and system including power line carrier applications

A modular multi-fixture light system comprising:

• a. a close-loop controllable multi-fixture ballast;
• b. a plurality of twisted pair cables for driving and feedback, said cables connected at one end to said ballast;
• and
• c. a plurality of lighting fixtures each able to use different types of discharge lamps having matching lamp terminations, each said lamp termination connected at another end of each said cable.

An electronic ballast comprising:

• a. a multi-channel central ballast controller;
• b. at leas one lamp driver connected to a respective channel of said multi-channel central ballast controller;
• and
• c. at least one lamp operative to be driven individually by one said lamp driver under control of said respective channel, each said lamp including at least one sampling circuit for providing feedback signals used by said controller in a close-loop control of said respective channel.

A method for individually controlling at least one lamp from a multi-channel central ballast controller in close loop comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a multi-channel central ballast controller operative to receive and provide a plurality of analog and digital signals;
• b. sensing a status parameter of each said lamp and relaying said sensed parameter to said multi-channel central ballast controller;
• and
• c. in response to said sensing, outputting a command from said controller through a specific respective channel associated with each said lamp to individually change a state of said lamp.