Resonant power converter driving an inductive load like a discharge lamp

A resonant power converter (1) for driving an inductive load as, e.g. an inductively coupled gas- discharge lamp, is designed for operation at an operational frequency (Fop) of 13.56 MHz and comprises: a series arrangement of a first inductor (L1) and a first controllable switch (Q1) connected to a DC voltage source (DC); - a series arrangement of a second inductor (L2) and a second controllable switch (Q2) connected to said DC voltage source (DC); a first parallel capacitance (Cdsl) associated with the first controllable switch (Q1); a second parallel capacitance (Cds2) associated with the second controllable switch (Q2); a controller (30) for driving the switches (Ql, Q2); the load is coupled between said nodes (A, B); the switches alternate between a conductive state and a non-conductive state at a duty cycle of 50%; - the switching frequency (Psw) is one-third of said operational frequency (Fop).