14D13 — Radiation Cooled Power Triode
A directly heated, radiation-cooled power triode designed for high-power low-frequency and radio-frequency applications, including relay and vibrator amplifiers.
Overview
The 14D13 is a heavy-duty, directly heated radiation-cooled triode manufactured by Associated Electrical Industries Limited (AEI) under the Ediswan brand. It is mechanically and electrically identical to the V1505 triode. Featuring a robust graphite anode and a thoriated tungsten filament, the 14D13 is designed primarily for demanding industrial and communications applications. Its specified services include relay and vibrator amplifiers, as well as other low-frequency audio-frequency (A.F.) and radio-frequency (R.F.) applications.
Mechanical Construction, Mounting, and Physical Dimensions
The physical design of the 14D13 is optimized for high-power dissipation through radiation cooling. The tube incorporates a graphite anode, which provides excellent thermal stability and heat dissipation under continuous load conditions. The filament is a thoriated tungsten type, offering high electron emission efficiency.
Due to its high operating temperatures and physical size, the 14D13 must be mounted in a vertical, base down position to ensure proper heat convection and mechanical stability. The tube uses a Special 4-pin base configuration.
The physical dimensions of the envelope are substantial:
- Maximum Overall Length: 345 mm
- Maximum Seated Height: 322 mm
- Maximum Diameter: 90 mm
Electrical Ratings and Filament Characteristics
The 14D13 operates with a high-current filament supply and is rated under the absolute value system. The filament is designed to run from either AC or DC sources.
Filament and Absolute Maximum Ratings
Inter-Electrode Capacitances
The internal capacitances of the triode structure determine its performance at higher frequencies and influence the design of neutralizing circuits in R.F. applications:
- Anode to Grid (Ca-g): 18 pF
- Grid to Filament (Cg-f): 14 pF
- Anode to Filament (Ca-f): 9.0 pF
Typical Characteristics and Class AB2 Push-Pull Operation
Static Characteristics
Under typical static operating conditions, the 14D13 exhibits a moderate amplification factor combined with a relatively low plate resistance, enabling efficient power transfer. At a specified operating point, the static characteristics are as follows:
- Anode Voltage (Va): 2.0 kV
- Anode Current (Ia): 150 mA
- Mutual Conductance (gm): 8.0 mA/V
- Amplification Factor (μ): 16
- Valve Anode Resistance (ra): 2.0 kΩ
Class AB2 Push-Pull Audio-Frequency Amplifier
The 14D13 is highly suited for high-power Class AB2 push-pull audio amplification. Typical operating parameters for a two-valve push-pull configuration are documented below. Unless otherwise specified, the voltage and current values represent the requirements or performance of a single valve in the pair:
*Note: The no-signal anode voltage of 2.68 kV is based on a high-tension (h.t.) supply regulation of 10%.
In this Class AB2 configuration, the two-valve stage is capable of delivering an output power in excess of 1.2 kW with less than 5% total harmonic distortion. This high power output requires a driving power of approximately 6.0 W at maximum signal, reflecting the grid current flow during positive grid excursions (with peak grid current reaching approximately 400 mA).
Technical Summary
The 14D13 is a high-power, directly heated, radiation-cooled triode featuring a graphite anode and a thoriated tungsten filament. It is mechanically and electrically identical to the V1505. Operating with a nominal 14 V, 7.0 A filament supply, the tube is rated for a maximum continuous anode dissipation of 300 W and a maximum D.C. anode voltage of 3.0 kV. It is designed for vertical, base-down mounting using a special 4-pin base.
With an amplification factor of 16 and a mutual conductance of 8.0 mA/V, the 14D13 is optimized for heavy-duty applications such as relay and vibrator amplifiers, as well as low-frequency and R.F. services up to 1.5 Mc/s. In Class AB2 push-pull service, a pair of 14D13 valves can deliver more than 1.2 kW of audio power with less than 5% distortion, making it an exceptionally powerful and robust choice for high-power modulator and amplifier designs.