An energy savings device for an inductive, resistive or capacitive load that
fluorescent
lighting fixture. A setting unit allows a user to set a desired power operating
level for the load, and outputs a setting signal as a result thereof. A processor
receives the setting signal from the setting unit, and determines a phase delay
to be performed on an output AC voltage waveform that is to be provided to the
load, wherein the processor outputs a control signal as a result thereof. A switching
linear control element receives the control signal output from the processor, and
turns off and on at predetermined times in accordance with the control signal,
so as to create the output AC voltage waveform as a chopped voltage waveform from
the input AC voltage waveform. A bridge rectifier is connected to the switching
linear control element and disposed in a series connection between the load and
a line that provides the input AC voltage waveform, which converts an AC current
waveform from a bi-directional waveform to a unidirectional waveform for inputting
to the switching linear control element.
