TL494 12V Flourescent Lamp Inverter Circuit L6574 Ballast Driver

Inverter Circuit is based on TL494 pwm control IC. In addition, the inverter circuit is a good source for different projects, including the core and transformer winding information used in the L6574 ballast driver IC. 12V Fluorescent Lamp Inverter A standard 36/40W inverter circuit for powering Fluorescent Lamps from 12V DC. Ideal for camping, fault light or even emergency home lighting.

Fluorescent tubes use much less energy than incandescent lamps, and fluorescent tubes also last much longer. Other advantages are diffused, glare-free lighting and low heat output.

For these reasons, fluorescent lighting is a natural choice in commercial and retail buildings, workshops and factories. For battery powered lighting, fluorescent lamps are also the first choice because of their high efficiency.

The main disadvantage of running fluorescent lamps from battery power is that an inverter is required to drive the tubes. Inverter efficiency then becomes the main issue.

There are many commercial 12V powered fluorescent lamps available using 15W and 20W tubes. However, it’s rare to see someone taking them to full brilliance. For example, a typical commercial dual 20W fluorescent lamp powered by 12V draws 980mA or 11.8W. If we ignore the losses in the fluorescent tube driver itself, this means that each tube is supplied with only 5.9 W, which is significantly less than 20 W. Therefore, while the lamps use 20W tubes, the light output is par.

CAUTION The circuit is working with high voltage. Be careful with the capacitor connections. If you connect the + – polarity reversely, there may be big explosions at high voltage. Before operating the circuit, use Insured Power Line, safety glasses. This circuit produces more than 300V DC, which can be deadly. Construction should only be attempted by persons experienced in mains level voltage and safety procedures.

Inverter Circuit and TL494 Block Diagram

Winding information of the filter and driver transformers used in the Fluorescent Lamp inverter circuit, layout plans of the inverter circuit

Source: http://www.siliconchip.com.au/cms/A_30504/article.html

12V Flourescent Lamp Inverter Circuit schematic PCB files alternative link: