GA21

Long-life front-viewing cold-cathode numerical indicator with ten digit-shaped cathodes and 19 mm characters. Manufacturer data specify more than 10,000 hours life when displayed characters are switched at least every 24 hours.

Directly heatedCold cathodeCommon cathodeDissimilar

Sections: 1
Base: B17A
Socket code: B17A
Base pins: 17
Nominal heater: -

Description

GA21 is a long-life cold-cathode numerical indicator (Nixie) tube with ten cathodes shaped as digits 0–9. It has 19 mm front-viewed digits, a published maximum ignition voltage of 140 V, normal cathode current of 1.4 mA, and a recommended minimum supply of 250 V. The sheet states life expectancy exceeds 10,000 hours when characters are switched at least every 24 hours.

Socket description

17-contact large Nixie socket family

General specifications

Tube and section characteristics

Properties common to every published source and operating point.

Heater and base

Base: B17A
Socket code: B17A
Base pins: 17
Nominal heater voltage: -
Nominal heater current: -
Parallel heater voltage: -
Parallel heater current: -
Series capable: No

B17A - 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

Nixie

X-ray radiationInterelectrode capacitances

Max cathode current: 1.8 mA

Cold-cathode glow-display section. Published cathode-current maximum promoted when specified.

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

1965 Nixie Cerberus

Published operating points and test conditions from this source.

SECTION 1

Nixie

Other

Digit Height
19 mm
Front viewing
Maximum Ignition Voltage
140 V
Published main characteristics
Minimum Cathode Current
1 mA
Published main characteristics
Maximum Cathode Current
1.8 mA
Published main characteristics

Characteristic

Normal Cathode Current
1.4 mA
Published main characteristics
Minimum Supply Voltage
250 V
Lower supply voltages are not recommended unless stabilized
Recommended Anode Resistor
82 kOhm
At listed minimum supply voltage
Off-Cathode Bias Voltage Minimum
50 V
Off cathodes
Off-Cathode Bias Voltage Maximum
120 V
Off cathodes
Life Expectancy
10000 h
Digits switched sequentially at intervals of no more than 24 h