High-intensity discharge lamp assembly, circuit for instant start of high-intensity discharge lamp, and low lighting voltage instant start method for high-temperature re-ignition of high-intensity discharge lamp

摘要

A lamp assembly includes a housing that selectively receives a removable, plug-in high intensity discharge (HID) lamp. A transformer and electrical circuit are received in the housing for providing an instant start, hot re-strike ignition of the lamp at less than 25 kilovolts. A circuit for an instant start, hot re-strike of an HID lamp supplies an ignition voltage to the HID lamp that includes pulses having an amplitude of less than 25 kilovolts and a frequency ranging from approximately 20 hertz to approximately 500 hertz. Preferably, the frequency is greater than 100 hertz, more preferably the frequency is approximately 150 hertz. The amplitude of pulses are preferably less than approximately 15 kilovolts, and more preferably approximately 8-10 kilovolts. The pulse width is approximately 200 nanoseconds and the peaks of the pulses are periodic with a period of approximately 2 milliseconds.