Comparative design of a new DC/DC conversion scheme for gas discharge lamp in automotive applications

An automotive application of the high-intensity gas discharge lamp is discussed. Lamp design parameters are reported, taken from the latest experiences of manufacturers and users. Accordingly, ballast specifications are assumed and applied to the design of the regulated DC/DC power conversion stage. Well-known power converters are reviewed for reference and a new converter, called FFC, is presented. Analytical conversion characteristics and design procedures are reported and applied. A design comparison is then carried out, based on transformer, switch and bulk capacitor RMS current behaviours, over warm-up and steady state operating ranges. FFC is shown well suited for the application, requiring wide input and very wide output ranges. Experimental verifications are reported from pre-series prototypes