A ballast includes a power supply subsystem, a power factor correction circuit, a control subsystem and a half bridge. In one embodiment, the power supply subsystem receives an input line voltage that is within a range of approximately 310-530 volts AC or other suitable ranges. Further, in one embodiment, the power supply subsystem provides a rectified DC output. The power factor correction circuit receives the rectified DC output. In one embodiment, the power factor correction circuit includes a boost converter and a buck converter that produce a selected stable bus voltage that is less than approximately 700 volts DC. The control subsystem outputs control signals based on a digital input. The half bridge receives the bus voltage and the output control signals. Additionally, the half bridge outputs a high frequency signal to a lamp. In one embodiment, the control subsystem includes a microcontroller and a ballast controller. Further, in one embodiment, the ballast controller includes a software module that receives the digital input and provides first input control signals to the microcontroller.