GAS DISCHARGE DEVICE CURRENT CONTROL CIRCUIT

A low voltage comparator circuit (30) is utilized for comparing the current flowing into and out of one of the electrodes (12, 14, 16) of a gas discharge device (10) with a preselected value. The comparator (30) provides an output signal to an optical isola- tion means for generating light waves in response to the comparator (30) mea ns output. The optical isolation means (240) in- cludes a photosensitive means (248) for providing an output signal which is responsive to the intensity of light waves generated by the light generating means (246). The output of the photosensitive means (24 8) is electrically connected to an input means (252) for a current control (252) which includes a first terminating means (254) electrically connected to the one electrode (12) of the gas discharge device (10), and a second terminating means (256) electrically connected to the high voltage supply (20).