Alternatives & variations Download PDF datasheet

446A

Three-electrode inert-gas cold-cathode voltage regulator with starter electrode, designed for exceptionally stable regulation around 81 V.

Directly heatedCold cathodeCommon cathodeDissimilar

Sections: 1
Base: -
Socket code: UX4
Base pins: 4
Nominal heater: -

Description

The 446A is a three-electrode inert-gas-filled cold-cathode tube designed for voltage-regulator service, with exceptionally stable life characteristics; its third electrode is primarily a starting element.

Socket description

Medium-shell UX 4-contact

General specifications

Tube and section characteristics

Properties common to every published source and operating point.

Heater and base

Base: -
Socket code: UX4
Base pins: 4
Nominal heater voltage: -
Nominal heater current: -
Parallel heater voltage: -
Parallel heater current: -
Series capable: No

Terminal pinout

Electrical assignments shared by every tube using this base designation.

No verified pinout is recorded for this base designation.

Section ratings

1 physical section, each with unique specifications.

Section 1

Voltage Regulator

X-ray radiationInterelectrode capacitances

Max cathode current: 40 mA
Regulator voltage: 81.2 V
Regulator minimum current: 5 mA
Regulator maximum current: 40 mA
Regulator starting voltage: 95 V
Regulator maintaining voltage: 81.2 V

Starter breakdown bogey 95 V; starter current 0.5–5 mA.

Source-dependent data

Operating conditions by source

Each block preserves the test conditions and published values from one reference. Values from different sources are intentionally kept separate.

Data set 01

2026 Western Electric 400s

Published operating points and test conditions from this source.

SECTION 1

Voltage Regulator

Characteristic

Anode Breakdown Voltage
108 V
Anode Voltage Drop at 40 mA
80 to 82.5 V
Regulation 5–40 mA
- to 1 V
Starter Breakdown Voltage
90 to 105 V
Starter Voltage Drop at 5 mA
81 to 86 V

Other

Starter Current
0.5 mA to 5 mA