Inventors:
LeRoy D. Barter - Fullerton CA
Assignee:
Beckman Instruments, Inc. - Fullerton CA
International Classification:
H05B 3702
G05F 100
Abstract:
A device for starting and operating gas discharge tubes including a DC-to-AC inverter which generates a low voltage or a high voltage at an output thereof in response to first or second input signals, respectively. The output of the inverter is connected to a gas discharge tube and sensing means generates a signal proportional to the current flow through the tube. Suitable means provides a trigger or synchronizing signal to a driver. The driver, responsive to the sensed output signal and the trigger or synchronizing signal, generates a drive signal synchronized with the trigger or synchronizing signal and having a duration inversely related to the magnitude of the current flowing through the gas discharge tube. A high voltage switch applies a second input signal to the inverter in response to the drive signal to provide a decreasing high voltage duration during successive cycles of the inverter as the tube begins to conduct current. The device further includes a first input signal source which applies the low voltage input signal to the inverter such that the inverter provides low voltage to the tube when the drive signal is not present.