The invention describes a multiple lamp balance transformer and a drive
circuit. The multiple lamp balance transformer has two magnetic cores
with a closed magnetic flux path and two coils wound around the closed
magnetic flux path. The two coils have the same number of windings. The
impedance property of the coil and Lenz's Law are used to balance the
operating current of the lamps connected to the coils. The drive circuit
has a multiple lamp balance transformer connected to several lamps, and a
boost transformer uses a controller to supply the current and voltage to
the lamps. A current detect/protect circuit connected to the coils and
the controller detects the current passing through the coils and converts
the operating current of the lamp into a voltage to be sent to the
controller, so that the controller controls and provides sufficient power
to the lamps.