Voltage Regulator ·VoltageRegulator
Cold-cathode gas voltage stabilizer providing a nominal 150 V reference or regulated supply over approximately 5–40 mA.
The 150C1 and its variant 150C1K are voltage stabiliser tubes designed to maintain a constant voltage across a specified current range. Manufactured by Philips, these tubes serve to regulate voltage in electronic circuits. The family includes two distinct physical configurations: the standard 150C1, which utilizes a "P" base, and the 150C1K, which features an 8-pin Octal base.
The 150C1 and 150C1K differ primarily in their base types and physical dimensions. Both variants share a maximum bulb diameter of 43 mm (with some documentation specifying up to 44 mm for the 150C1) and a maximum seated height of 99 mm. The 150C1K variant, due to its octal base, has a specified maximum overall height of 114 mm.
The electrical connections for the two variants are assigned as follows:
The 150C1 uses a "P" type base. The active pin connections are:
The 150C1K uses an 8-pin Octal base. The active pin connections are:
The electrical specifications of the 150C1 series are documented across different production eras, showing slight variations in typical operating parameters.
To initiate conduction, the tube requires a starting (ignition) voltage (Vign) of less than or equal to 205 V. This ignition characteristic is sensitive to environmental conditions: in the presence of some ambient illumination, the maximum ignition voltage is 205 V, but in complete darkness, a considerable delay in igniting the tube may occur.
Once ignited, the tube exhibits the following voltage characteristics:
The tube is designed to operate within a current range of 5 mA to 40 mA. Within this range, the regulation characteristics are defined as:
| Parameter | Value / Range | Conditions / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Voltage (Vign) | ≤ 205 V | Requires ambient light; delayed in darkness |
| Average Operating Voltage (Va) | 150 V | Typical |
| Operating Voltage (Ia = 20 mA) | 144 V to 164 V | Minimum / Maximum limits |
| Voltage Regulation (Ia = 5 - 40 mA) | ≤ 8 V | Maximum variation (2.5 V typical) |
| A.C. Resistance | 200 ̤ | Typical |
To ensure proper operation and prevent damage, the following absolute limiting values and operating conditions must be strictly observed:
The 150C1 and 150C1K are specialized voltage stabiliser tubes designed to provide a stable nominal operating voltage of 150 V. Operating within a current range of 5 mA to 40 mA, they offer a maximum voltage variation of 8 V (typically 2.5 V) and an AC resistance of 200 ̤. The 150C1 utilizes a P-type base, while the 150C1K uses an 8-pin Octal base. Proper operation requires correct polarity (negative cathode, positive anode), ambient light to prevent ignition delays, and protection from mechanical shock and vibration.
International Octal
General specifications
Properties common to every published source and operating point.
Electrical assignments shared by every tube using this base designation.
No verified pinout is recorded for this base designation.
1 physical section, each with unique specifications.
Section 1
Cold-cathode gas-filled Philips voltage stabilizer/reference tube.
Source-dependent data
Each block preserves the test conditions and published values from one reference. Values from different sources are intentionally kept separate.
Data set 01
Published operating points and test conditions from this source.
Operating Voltage
150 V
Regulation
8 V
Published current range
Ignition Voltage Maximum
205 V
Minimum Operating Current
5 mA
Maximum Operating Current
40 mA
Data set 02
Published operating points and test conditions from this source.
Maintaining voltage at 20 mA
144 to 164 V
Voltage regulation
- to 8 V
Ia=5-40mA
Data set 03
Published operating points and test conditions from this source.
Average operating voltage
150 V
Maximum regulation variation
8 V
Dynamic AC resistance
200 ohm
Operating voltage range
146-166 V
Maximum starting voltage
205 V
Minimum operating current
5 mA
Maximum operating current
40 mA