Simple Theory of the Three-Electrode Vacuum Tube

The physical principles upon which the operation of the three-element vacuum tube depends are presented in simple form and the terms usually applied to the tube, its operation as an amplifier, and a simple approximate method for computing the power output and percentage of distortion are explained. — No new material is presented in the paper although some of it is presented from a somewhat different point of view from that usually found in the literature. An effort has been made to present in reasonably compact form the essential features of the subject most useful to engineers interested in vacuum-tube applications. — The subjects discussed include: the portion of electron theory upon which the fundamental principles of vacuum-tube operation are based; space charge, the three-halves power law, temperature and voltage saturation; characteristics of the three-element tube; definition and physical significance of the terms plate resistance, transconductance, and amplification factor; dynamic characteristics, power output, and distortion; various means of coupling the vacuum tube to its associated circuits; and means for testing vacuum tubes for adequate thermionic emission.

Print ISSN

0097-5834

Published

1935-02

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J10127