Skip to main content
Tube Tinker — Electron Tube Database
Alternatives & variationsDownload PDF datasheet

Voltage Regulator ·VoltageRegulator

OD3A

Improved 150 V gas regulator operating over approximately 5–40 mA, with light-sensitive glow-discharge starting characteristics.

Directly heatedCold cathodeCommon cathodeDissimilar
Sections
1
Base
4AJ
Socket code
IO
Base pins
8
Nominal heater
-

Description

OD3A is a cold-cathode glow-discharge voltage-regulator tube intended to hold a relatively constant DC output voltage as load and supply conditions vary. The supplied RCA data specifies a 5 to 40 mA regulating-current range along with starting-voltage, voltage-drop, and regulation characteristics.

Socket description

International Octal

General specifications

Tube and section characteristics

Properties common to every published source and operating point.

Heater and base

Base
4AJ
Socket code
IO
Base pins
8
Nominal heater voltage
-
Nominal heater current
-
Parallel heater voltage
-
Parallel heater current
-
Series capable
No

4AJ - Terminal pinout

Electrical assignments shared by every tube using this base designation.

TerminalSectionConnectionEvidence
PIN2KAK — CathodeUnverified

EIA Base Connections, printed page 127, 4AJ

PIN5PAP — Plate (Anode)Unverified

EIA Base Connections, printed page 127, 4AJ

Section ratings

1 physical section, each with unique specifications.

Section 1

Voltage Regulator

X-ray radiationInterelectrode capacitances
Max cathode current
40 mA
Regulator voltage
150 V
Regulator minimum current
5 mA
Regulator maximum current
40 mA
Regulator starting voltage
180 V
Regulator maintaining voltage
150 V

150 V regulator; starting-voltage and regulation ranges preserved in parameters.

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

1971 RCA HB3 Binder 2 of 7

Published operating points and test conditions from this source.

SECTION 1

Voltage Regulator

Other

  • Average starting current

    - to 100 mA

    Starting period <=10 s

  • DC cathode current maximum

    - to 40 mA

    Steady-state

  • DC cathode current minimum

    5 to - mA

    Steady-state

  • Ambient temperature minimum

    -55 to - °C

  • Ambient temperature maximum

    - to 90 °C

  • Shunt capacitor maximum

    - to 0.1 µF

Characteristics

  • DC anode starting voltage maximum

    - to 225 V

    Total darkness

  • DC anode starting voltage average

    160 V

    Normal ambient light 5 to 50 footcandles

  • DC anode starting voltage maximum

    - to 180 V

    Normal ambient light 5 to 50 footcandles

  • Anode voltage drop average

    145 V

    DC cathode current 5 mA

  • Anode voltage drop average

    145 to 160 V

    DC cathode current 30 mA

  • Anode voltage drop average

    145 to 162 V

    DC cathode current 40 mA

  • Regulation average

    2 V

    DC cathode current 5 to 30 mA

  • Regulation maximum

    - to 4 V

    DC cathode current 5 to 30 mA

  • Regulation average

    4 V

    DC cathode current 5 to 40 mA

  • Regulation maximum

    - to 5.5 V

    DC cathode current 5 to 40 mA

  • Tube noise maximum

    - to 15 mV rms

    DC cathode current 40 mA

  • DC leakage current maximum

    - to 10 µA

    DC anode supply 50 V; anode resistor 3000 ohms