This thyratron is from the 1930s and was used in timebases for Radar. At a defined grid voltage the valve, will rapidly switch to full conduction. The valve is turned off by reducing the anode voltage. Most thyratrons are gas filled and can be considered as triggered gas discharges. The precision of construction gives the defined and reproducible operating characteristics. This valve not only has a high peak current but is designed for operation at up to 8,000 pulses per second.

The first computer, Colossus, used these thyratrons as pulse generators. The operating speed of Colossus was 5,000 cycles per second.

The classic envelope is 41 mm in diameter and, excluding the B5 base pins, is 100 mm tall.

 
Pin Connections

B5	1	2	3	4	5
	a	g	h	h	k

 
Absolute Maximum Operating Conditions

Thyratron	Vh	Ah	Va	mAa
	4.0	1.35	500	1000

This exhibit was last updated on 18 January 2003