A ballast (10) for powering at least one gas discharge lamp (52)
from a three-phase AC voltage source (30) comprises a three-phase rectifier
circuit (200), a high frequency filter capacitor (300), and a high
frequency inverter (400). Preferably, three-phase rectifier circuit (200)
is implemented by a six-diode bridge, and high frequency filter capacitor (300)
can be realized by a film capacitor or a ceramic capacitor. Ballast (10)
provides a high power factor and low total harmonic distortion without requiring
a dedicated power factor correction circuit. Other benefits of ballast (10)
include enhanced efficiency, longer life, and lower inrush current.
