Various embodiments may relate to an electronic ballast for operating at least a first and a second cascade of LEDs, wherein the first cascade of LEDs is designed in such a way that the first cascade of LEDs is not be bridged. In order to provide a target value for a series regulator arranged in series with the LED cascades, a resistance voltage divider is used, which is coupled between the coupling point of the LED cascade that is not bridged and of the LED cascade that is not bridged at one end and the second output connection of the rectifier at the other end.