Circuit for controlling the light intensity and the operating mode of discharge lamps

Method for controlling the brightness and the operating behavior of gas discharge lamps (LA1, LA2) via an electronic ballast with a variable in its output frequency ac voltage generator (30), having a rectifier circuit (20), which feeds the ac voltage generator (30), having a load circuit (40 ) having at least one series resonant circuit and at least one gas discharge lamp (LA1, LA2), and from the ac voltage generator (30) with a variable AC voltage (UHF) Is fed, and with a control and / or regulating device (17). To avoid light (im) pulses during the ignition process is a rapid ignition recognition is performed, and upon detection of an ignition a rapid reduction of the lamp current is effected.