An approach for selecting switching devices for CFL ballasts

This paper discusses a method for switching device selection for lowest overall CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) ballast cost while satisfying product life requirements. The inputs to selection process are lamp power, expected product life, and a range of semiconductor devices that satisfy electrical requirements of conventional, half-bridge series resonant ballast topology. The selection process is illustrated on the example of n-channel MOSFET pair, complementary pair of an n and p-channel MOSFETs, BJT pair, and a pair of IGBTs. While this paper addresses switching device selection for CFL applications, the approach is more universal and it can be implemented to guide switching device selection in order to minimize cost for other electronic equipment as well.