A multi-function feedback sense input in an electronic ballast control indicates a number of lamp faults on the basis of lamp parameters exceeding specified thresholds. An end of life detection is achieved by conditioning a lamp feedback with a DC offset to provide a simple threshold comparison to determine if the lamp exceeds specified operational boundaries. An open filament, absent lamp or broken cathode is detected on the same feedback sense by detecting an open circuit in the lamp filament and driving the sense feedback to a shutdown state in the event of a filament open circuit. The ballast control includes a current sense feedback for detecting overcurrent conditions as well as lamp faults so that the control detects an end of life condition, lamp absence, broken lamp, open filament, broken cathode, overcurrent, hardswitching or failure to ignite fault with a minimum number of feedback sensors. The ballast control provides a number of protections with a simplified circuit to reduce cost and improve functionality of the electronic ballast control.