U s i n g and

Understanding
MINIATURE
NEON LAMPS

BY
W i l l i a m G. Miller

PI H O W A R D W. S A M S & CO., INC.

THE BOBBS-MERRILL CO., INC.
INDIANAPOLIS . KANSAS C I T Y . NEW YORK
 Contents
F I R S T EDITION
FIRST P R I N T I N G - 1969
CHAPTER 1
Copyright @ 1969 by Howard W. Sams & Co., Inc.,
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206. Printed in the United States
of America. Basic Operation - Corotrons - Progressive Explanation
of Terms - Physical Considerations
All rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without express
permission, of editorial o r pictorial content, in any manner,
is prohibited. No patent liability is assumed with respect CHAPTER 2
to the use of the information contained herein.

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 69-16778

Incandescent Versus Neon - Standard Brightness - High
Brightness - Ultraviolet - Construction - Practical
Indicators

CHAPTER 3

Description - Application - Regular Construction -

Circuit Design Considerations - Practical Regulator and
Reference Circuits

CHAPTER 4

~ L A T O R SPULSE
, GENERATORS,AND FLASHERS . . . 37
Single-Lamp Oscillators - Two-Lamp Multivibrators -
Flashers
 CHAPTER 5

COMPUTERCIRCUITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Bistable Multivibrator - Monostable Multivibrator -
Three-Input OR Gate - Three-Input AND Gate - Three-
Input MAJORITY Gate - Design Considerations - Ring
Counter - Trigger Circuits - Complete Decade Ring

CHAPTER 6
Preface
MISCELLANEOUSCIRCUITS . . . . . . . . . . . 61
SCR Control - Relay Circuits - Photocell Circuits -
Photoconductive Junction Devices - Temperature and
Humidity Sensors - Timer Circuits - Touch Control - Miniature glow lamps have been in use for many years and
Audio Switch - Variable Delay Circuit - Overvoltage are familiar to most readers as indicators and relaxation oscil-
Circuits
lators. Practically everyone has seen the inexpensive neon
tester, consisting of a neon glow lamp in series with a current-
CHAPTER 7 limiting resistor, housed in a neat plastic enclosure terminated
with flexible test leads. This forms a convenient and reliable
POWERSUPPLIES AND INSTRUMENTS . . . . . . . 79 means of testing for the presence of ac or dc voltages.
Unregulated 160-Volt Supplies - Regulated Power Sup- In electronics, the "state of the art" has progressed rapidly,
plies - Voltage Calibrators - Transient Voltmeter - finding new applications f o r the glow lamp as a circuit ele-
Electrician's Friend - High-Energy Detector - A-M Sig- ment. Much of this progress results from the increasing use of
nal Generator solid-state devices, many of them, like the transistor, requiring
comparatively low currents and voltages for operation.
Some of the characteristics that make the miniature neon
CHAPTER 8 lamp particularly appealing to the hobbyist-experimenter are
its low cost, long life, dependability, and the ease with which i t
REFERENCESECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 can be made to work in extremely simple circuits. At the same
Light Output - Shunt Capacitance and Internal Resist- time, but probably unknown to the majority of persons who
ance - Dri-Film Coating and Leakage - Aging Proce-
dures - Aging Equipment - Neon-Lamp Specification work with electronics, the neon lamp can be used in some cir-
C h a r t and Numbering Systems - Using the Specification cuits and applications that are quite sophisticated, complex, or
C h a r t - Testing Guidelines - Specifying Guidelines - exacting.
Pricing Guidelines - Mounting Considerations - T1 and This book is offered to present the student, hobbyist, techni-
Ball-End Lamps - T I % Crater-Electrode Lamps cian, and engineer with a more complete account of the prop-
erties of neon lamps and to acquaint them with some of the
APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 many ways in which neon lamps can be utilized.
Using t h e Nomograms.
 The Neon Lamp

The neon lamp is basically a glass envelope filled with gas

and containing two or more electrodes. I t is also referred to as
a gas tube, gas diode, glow tube, and glow lamp.
It might be interesting to note that the neon lamp does not
always contain neon alone, but may contain a mixture of
gases. Some gas lamps have no neon at all, but are included in
this discussion because the design considerations for all types
are similar. Long term reliability, low cost, and small power
and space requirements help account for its increased popu-
larity.

BASIC OPERATION
The miniature neon lamp is a cold-cathode device and re-
quires no heater. The electrodes are separated by an average
distance of Ys inch inside the gas-filled envelope.
Under initial conditions, the gas acts as an insulator with
a resistance of about 1000 megohms. If a variable voltage is
applied across the electrodes (Fig. 1 ) and increased to ap-
proximately 50 volts, there will be essentially no current flow,
due to the high insulation resistance of the gas.
Actually the gas atoms are constantly being bombarded and
ionized by external forces such as light. The positive ions thus
generated are attracted to the cathode, which has a negative
charge. The electrons that are liberated in the generation of
positive ions are accelerated to the positive anode, striking
other atoms as they travel, but they rarely attain enough ve-
locity to dislodge more electrons and create new ions.
This velocity can be attained if an external voltage of suffi-
cient amplitude is applied. When an electron dislodges addi-
tional electrons, which in turn create even more ions, the
process is referred to as "run-away" or "avalanche," and con-
stitutes current flow. Run-away can be self destructive if un-
controlled, so a series current-limiting resistor (R,), must be
included. The exact value of voltage needed to start the ioniz-
ing action is called the breakdown voltage.

0
1L4JA .llJA 1lJA 20mA 80 mA 10A
CURRENT THROUGH LAMP
Fig. 1-2. Characteristic curve of a neon lamp.
POWER
SUPPLY v$ Fig. 1-1. Voltage and current in a neon- region is reached. Note that the current scale is not linear,
0-150 lamp circuit.
VDC but compressed for convenience.

COROTRONS
Corotron is the name given by the manufacturer to a line of
gas-filled diodes that are used to regulate voltages between
When breakdown voltage is applied to the circuit in Fig. 1-1 860 and 30,000 volts. Unlike the conventional regulator, they
there will be a sharp deflection of the ammeter, and the volt- do not glow, but operate on the slightly positive slope prior
meter reading will drop to a value known as the maintaining to breakdown.
voltage of the lamp. The maintaining voltage of a lamp re- This is called the "corona mode" of operation and closely
mains relatively constant over a wide current range. resembles the action of a Zener diode.
The actual values of breakdown and maintaining voltage Corotrons are free of voltage jumps, oscillations, and photo-
will vary from one gas tube to another. They depend on many sensitivity. Current capability is, however, quite small. The
factors, such as physical design, external radiation, and circuit maximum figure for T2 types is 100 pA and 3 mA is the limit
design. for even the largest type. Care must be taken never to exceed
The curve in Fig. 1-2 illustrates the characteristics of a the peak current rating or breakdown will occur and perma-
typical gas discharge device (glow lamp). I t can be seen that nent component damage may result.
dynamic current does not begin to flow until the voltage
reaches point A. Breakdown occurs at point B, or 110 volts, PROGRESSIVE EXPLANATION OF TERMS
and the maintaining voltage is approximately 85 volts (point
D). When breakdown occurs, the current flow is said to be Ion-An atom with an excess or deficiency of electrons.
self-sustaining. This means that the applied voltage can be Ionization-In glow lamps, the process of separating an
lowered to some value above the maintaining voltage and cur- electron from an atom, creating a positive charge and a free
rent flow will still continue to increase until the normal glow electron.
 This may be caused by collisions between atomic particles, The first definition is used for most circuit applications, but
the application of a voltage, a n electrostatic field, X rays, ultra- if higher frequency oscillators and counters are being consid-
violet rays, cosmic rays, and radioactivity. ered, the latter definition would be more useful.
Corona-The visible glow of an ionized gas surrounding the Deionization time is affected by tube construction, the mag-
cathode. nitude of the conduction current, and most of all by the ampli-
Breakdown Voltage-Also called ionization voltage, strik- tude of the extinguishing voltage.
ing voltage, and firing potential. I t is the voltage needed to Dark EfSect-The effect that light has on breakdown volt-
make a lamp glow. This is determined mainly by the type of age. Higher ambient light levels produce lower breakdown volt-
gas, electrode spacing, pressure, and external ionizing forces, ages. If a lamp is to be operated in total darkness, it is usually
such as light. necessary to simulate ambient light by the addition of a small
Static Breakdown Voltage-The breakdown voltage under amount of radioactivity.
controlled conditions, which include: freedom from electro- Standing Rise-The rise in breakdown voltage that some
static fields, 5 to 50 foot candles of ambient light, and a 24- lamps incur after extended periods of storage. This is mainly
hour period in a non-conducting state. caused by the glass and other internal solids releasing gas
Townsend Discharge-An avalanche type of electron flow molecules.
that occurs just before breakdown voltage is reached. I t is not Negative Resistance-An increase in current caused by a
a self-sustained current flow. decrease in voltage. This can be noted on the characteristic
Maintaining Voltage-Also called holding voltage. It is the curve of most lamps. In Fig. 1-2 this corresponds to that part
voltage across the lamp after breakdown. This voltage is a t its of the curve between points C and D.
minimum in the normal glow region (Fig. 1-2, point D to E ) . Design Current-The value of operating current upon which
Normal Glow-The mode of operation that allows maximum the end-of-life figures are based.
current variation with minimum change in voltage. Transmission Time-The time required for an input level
Abnormal Glow-A region of operation that is arrived a t change to appear on the output of a lamp already in the con-
by increasing the lamp current beyond the normal glow re- ducting state. This is usually less than 8 psec and is a func-
gion (Point E , Fig. 1-2). tion of the conducting current.
Extinguishing Voltage-The voltage a t which a lamp will End-of-Life-A glow lamp that is used for its light output
cease to glow. ia said to have reached its end-of-life when the light output
Differential Voltage-The difference between the breakdown falls to 50 percent of its original value. If a lamp is used as a
voltage and maintaining voltage. eircuit component, the end-of-life occurs when the character-
Ionization Time-The time required for a lamp to enter nor- iatics fall out of specifications. Lamps operated on ac have
mal glow after application of a voltage that is in excess of the longer life figures due to shorter duty cycle.
breakdown voltage. Aging-The process of operating a new lamp a t an increased
This time may be well under 50 psec if the applied voltage is current level for periods in excess of 24 hours in order to stabi-
30 percent greater than the breakdown voltage. lize its characteristics.
Deionization Time-Definition 1: The time it take a lamp The aging process varies for different lamps and is usually
to return to its static breakdown voltage after current ceases done in the factory. However, aging is not required for all
to flow. lamp applications.
Definition 2 : In a dc circuit, if a lamp is extinguished by a Sputtering-A phenomena that occurs when lamps are op-
rectangular pulse, i t is the time which must elapse before 90 orated a t higher currents. Certain quantities of the metal cath-
percent of the original breakdown voltage can be reapplied and ode material will vaporize, and when the vapor comes in con-
still not cause breakdown. tact with the cooler glass envelope, i t solidifies. This thin film
of sputtered metal is opaque and restricts light output, but it Spacing-Increased spacing between the electrodes increases
also increases electrical stability. breakdown voltage but has little effect on the maintaining
Polarization-A lamp is said to be polarized when its char- voltage.
acteristics change with a reversal of polarity. Lamps that are Coating-Emissive materials such as barium and strontium
aged or operated on dc exhibit this effect. Lamps that are aged are used to coat the electrodes and allow the cathode to give
on dc are coded to designate the anode or positive terminal. up electrons more freely. This results in lower breakdown volt-
Work Function--A measure of the ability of a material to ages and higher, more uniform light output. Gas tubes that
give up electrons. Molybdenum is said to have a lower work use emissive material will change their characteristics with
function than nickel because i t releases more electrons for a time. NE2 lamps are in this class.
given voltage. Size-The size of an electrode will determine its light ra-
diating area and current carrying ability.
PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS Pressure
Gases Increasing the internal gas pressure will raise the break-
Gases-The inert or "rare" gases are used in the manufac- down voltage of the lamp without major changes in the main-
ture of glow lamps. Neon is the basic gas, but other gases may taining voltage. Lamps with a high differential between break-
be used in mixtures to achieve special results. down and maintaining voltage are useful as counters, high
Neon-The basic glow-lamp gas, noted for its high light out- power oscillators, and energy transfer diodes.
put, and low breakdown and maintaining voltage. The charac- In general, high-pressure gas tubes will exhibit poor light
teristic color of the neon glow is red-orange. output and an unstable corona that results in voltage jumps
Helium-A low breakdown, low light-output gas that may and noise.
be mixed with neon to produce a specific value of breakdown
or maintaining voltage. Temperature
Argon-This gas has a higher breakdown voltage, but if as Gas tubes have a negative temperature coefficient. Most in-
little as 0.1 percent is added to neon, the breakdown voltage dicator types will drop 50 mV in maintaining voltage for each
for the mixture is lower than f o r either gas alone. Pure argon Celsius (centigrade) degree of increase. Circuit component
is used a s an ultraviolet light source. types and regulators may have a figure as low as -2 mV per
Xenon-A high-breakdown gas that is used to produce a degree C.
brilliant white light and is also used as a noise source. This
gas has not found much application in miniature gas tubes. Radiation
Krypton-A gas with qualities similar to argon. I t is added The electrical characteristics, the electrodes, and the gas are
to neon to raise the breakdown and maintaining voltages, and relatively unaffected by gamma radiation. The glass, however,
is an excellent source of ultraviolet light. will darken and become brittle.
Krypton 85-A radioactive isotope of krypton that is added Rf radiation or a strong ac field will ionize the gas directly.
to neon or other gases to provide partial ionization and stabil-
ity to compensate for the dark effect.
Electrodes
MuteriaZ-Nickel and molybdenum are the two common elec-
trode metals. Molybdenum tends to lower the breakdown and
maintaining voltage and can carry higher currents.
 Indicators

The miniature glow lamp has found widespread use as an

indicator in electronic, commercial, and industrial equipment.
A brief comparison to the incandescent type is offered to help
axplain both their popularity and their limitations.

INCANDESCENT VERSUS NEON

A specific lamp must be indicated if the ratings are going to
be based on such items as temperature, vibration, shock, or
humidity. Both types have indicators that perform well in
&ese areas.
+. The tungsten filament is basically a low-voltage, high-cur-
rnnt device, while the neon requires higher voltages and smal-
br currents. The efficiency figures of each vary widely, but in
aomparing the NE2H with CM8-806, which is a Chicago Min-
Wure, 100,000 hour, tungsten-filament lamp, the efficiencies
-re found to be equal at 2.2 lumens per watt. If life expec-
b n c y is plotted against cost, the neon lamp is unparalleled.
w e n the most economical glow lamps have a life of 20,000
hours.
As a result of efforts to improve the tungsten life figures,
wveral lines of miniature incandescents have appeared on the
m r k e t with life expectancies of 20, 50, and 100 thousand
hours. These lamps are relatively expensive and the life fig-
Wres are based on "burnout." Since neons do not burn out,
their life is calculated on other factors, such as tube darken- )teakdown rises to a point that is higher than the peak line
ing. (Envelope darkening can occur with both types.) Wtage (160V), and the lamp will no longer ignite.
When a high-brightness neon is operated at half its design The high-brightness lamp has 10 times the light output of
current, it will give over a million hours of use before darken- & standard brightness unit and can carry more current. I t
ing restricts its light output by 50 percent. mintains a fairly steady characteristic until it reaches its
Neon lamps perform poorly a t altitudes higher than 70,000 @nd of life. The maintaining voltage of this type of lamp is
feet, where the lower atmospheric pressures encourage ex- unstable. "Voltage jumps" and high noise levels are not un-
ternal corona and arcing. mmmon, so this restricts its use as a circuit element.
The tungsten-filament lamp can produce high light intensi- As in the case of the standard-brightness lamp, if the design
ties over a wide range of light frequencies. Filters of paint, current is doubled or halved, the light output will also be dou-
plastic, etc., can be used to "color" the incandescent light, but bled or halved, but the life figures will have to be multiplied
this cannot be done to any usable degree with neon. Colors or divided by 64 instead of 8.
such as green, seen in outdoor neon signs, are the result of
phosphors or a combination of helium and mercury vapor used
with noviol or uranium glass. Helium and mercury vapor are ULTRAVIOLET
usually considered unsuitable for use in miniature lamps. Gas tubes filled with argon fall into this category. They emit
As a result of the preceding comparison, it would be reason- a deep blue light, and are used primarily for their color. Very
able to assume that cost and life expectancy are the main rea- Uttle true ultraviolet radiation is able to penetrate the glass
sons for selecting a neon as an indicator. Actually, all but a envelope so they are relatively safe to work with. The AR9 is
very few glow lamps can be called indicators because they emit an example of this type.
light. There are, however, three basic types that are designed
specifically for their light radiating ability.
CONSTRUCTION
American and foreign companies have made efforts in re-
STANDARD BRIGHTNESS cent years to change the physical design of the lamps, either
for esthetic and space requirements or to increase the light
The NE2 is in this category and is the most popular of all output.
the lamps. I t has the lowest current requirements and exhibits General Electric has a complete line of lamps that have
a gradual change in characteristics with extended operation. formed tips instead of the standard drawn tip. These lamps
The light output falls off a t a uniform rate, due to sputtering, not only look better but increase the light output when viewed
and the breakdown voltage rises slightly. end-on.
If you double the design current, you will double the light Tech-Neon, Signalite and GE all offer acid-frost lamps,
output, but its life expectancy should be divided by 8. The in- which give a pleasing, uniform light output.
verse holds true if design current is halved. Light output will The British, French, Belgian, and Italian companies offer
be halved, but life figures can be multiplied by 8. rome lamps that are exotic by American standards. Most of
these companies manufacture a line of lamps with a lens that
HIGH BRIGHTNESS is an integral part of the envelope. They also produce lamps
with axial leads, One European manufacturer even produces
The NE2H is a lamp of this type and differs from the stan- a lamp that glows green. This is done by coating the inside
dard-brightness variety in several ways. I t has a higher ini- with green phosphor and filling the envelope with argon. All
tial breakdown voltage, and when it reaches its end of life, the of these lamps are expensive, and for that reason the Ameri-
can companies hesitate to produce them. There is also a ma- 8olution for I1 :
jor glow-lamp manufacturer in Canada that offers essentially
the same products as the American companies.
The recent trend by many equipment manufacturers has
been to use lamps that have been encapsulated in plastic along Solution for I2 :
with the ballast or series resistor. This improves the appear- 410 - 55
ance and greatly simplifies mounting. Many domestic and for- Rss = .0005
eign companies, including Japanese, offer this type of indi-
cator. R,, = 680k
Resistors are to the
closest 10 $ EIA value.
PRACTICAL INDICATORS
Some lamps come with a series or current-limiting resistor Mnce I1 is in an ac circuit, rms values were used. Location B
attached, but, if not, its value may be calculated. The glow will provide a positive indication of B+ but only one electrode
lamp specification sheet will recommend a particular value will glow. The total measured light output from both lamps
for standard line voltages, but the designer may have a wide b approximately equal.
range of voltages to contend with. The indicator in Fig. 2-2 will ionize only when E,,, or sup-
Example: I t is necessary to have a visual indication that 1)1Y voltage has reached 150 Vdc. The value of R, is solved in
power has been supplied to the circuit in Fig. 2-1. For illustra- @e usual manner and forms part of a voltage divider with Rd.
&was selected to provide the maximum rated breakdown volt-
(90) at point A, when the supply reaches 150 volts. Greater
pcuracy can be had if the exact value of breakdown is known.
I1 in Fig. 2-3 will give a visible indication of voltages
b oughout the range shown. The circuit functions in the usual
w n n e r down to about 500V at which point C, 11, and R, will
h i t c h to relaxation oscillations and the lamp will flash
wghtly.
0
, l 5 R 2 ~ N - ~ ~
Fig. 2-1. Neon indicators in a power supply.
Fig. 2-2. Voltage level indicator.
270K NE51
tion, we chose point A and B a s possible locations. The formula
for both resistors is the same, but they are handled differently.
The formula is:
4WN

In other words the resistor has to drop the difference between

the applied voltage and the maintaining voltage of the lamp R, - 4-500K12W RESISTORS I N SERIES - T

a t the design current. Fig. 2-3. Wide-range indicator.

 will be felt a t the cathode of the lamp through the 10k resistor.
This voltage which is added to the zener voltage should ex-
m d the lamp's maximum rated firing voltage. The lamp is
axtinguished 60 times a second by the ac input so there is no
$?2-27- lRlW Fig. 2-4. Nonlatching indicator. need for a separate turn-off circuit.
The power supply voltages in Fig. 2-6 are selected to be
b w e r than the minimum rated breakdown voltage and higher
than the maximum rated maintaining voltage. The input pulse
b added to E,,,, to cause breakdown and the supply will sup-
port ionization a t the maintaining voltage. Fig. 2-6B illus-
trates how the same principle may be used to extinguish
The simple nonlatching circuit in Fig. 2-4 is useful when the lamp.
operation is required from a low voltage source (24V), such
a s a transistor collector. The value of the supply voltage is
less than the lamp's lowest rated extinguishing voltage. A
negative 24-volt pulse is added algebraically to the supply
voltage to total 74 volts, which equals the highest rated break-
down voltage for the lamp. The lamp can remain on only when
the negative pulse is present on the cathode.
Fig. 2-5 shows another nonlatching circuit that features use
of low voltage transistors (18V) and even lower control volt-
ages ( + l V ) . Q1 is normally saturated so the 62V developed
by the zener diode is not enough to ionize the 5AGA. When Q1
is cut off by a +1V pulse o r by grounding the base, the -18V
(A) ON action only. (6)ON-OFF action.
TO ADDITIONAL
115 VAC INDICATORS Fig. 2-6. Latching indicators, low-voltage drive.
IN1763 3-3K TW 160 MAX)
Availability of high-quality, low-leakage transistors a t
prices considerably less than a dollar has made direct opera-
tion of neon lamps economically practical.
The transistor selected for the type of circuit shown in Fig.
2-7 must be able to withstand voltages that are equal to E,,,,
minus the lowest rated maintaining voltage of the neon lamp.
The 1.2K resistor prevents false starting by minimizing leak-
age effects.
In computer technology and other related fields, i t is some-
times necessary to have a visual indication of a very short
pulse. Since pulses shorter than 50 p s rarely can cause ioniza-
tion, special circuits are required. The circuit in Fig. 2-8 will
3K mspond to pulses shorter than 1 p s and cause the neon lamp
Fig. 2-5. Nonlatching indicators using low-voltage transistors. to glow. The incoming pulse charges C through the dynamic
 +!iV n(x/ MAX) I POSITIONS
1 - OFF
S1
1%
L;b b 3
MOTOROLA 2 - RIGHT ELECTRODE
MPS 2924 3 - LEFT ELECTRODE

4
5 0 ~ MIN
s 4 - FLASHING
5 - BOTH
v1
SIG LT2-32-1 - - -
-I
-

Fig. 2-7. Direct transistor operation. Fig. 2-9. Five-state indicator.

impedance (50R) of the 1N38. This switches the 2N337 on

and fires the neon lamp. Since C cannot discharge through
the diode, the transistor will remain on until C discharges
through R, and Q1. Increasing the value of C will allow the
lamp to remain on longer but will decrease the input sensi-
tivity.
Five different conditions may be represented by a single
lamp as shown in Fig. 2-9. In position 4, R, is too large to
support ionization so RC oscillations will result from the
charging and discharging of the .O1 pF capacitor. Fig. 2-10A
shows a circuit t h a t will indicate a blown line fuse and Fig.
2-10B will indicate a good fuse.

COM 0 0 CO M

- TECH-NEON
A079
(A) Blown-fuse indicator. (B) Good-fuse indicator.
Fig. 2-10. Fuse indicators.

FROM AMP lPzT+NE2

ALLIED RADIO
NO. 5481404 OR EOU IVALENT
Fig. 2-8. Short-pulse indicator. Fig. 2-11. Speaker operation indicator.
 TEFLON COVERED W I R E

Fig. 2-12. Pilot flame monitor.

In remote or multiple speaker installations, it is sometimes

desirable to have a visible indication of operation. A small Voltage Regulators
audio output transformer, with the low impedance side con-
nected to the speaker terminals as in Fig. 2-11, will step up
and References
the small audio voltage to a value that will operate the neon
lamp. The transformer is not critical, but the brightness of
the lamp will be affected by the Z or turns ratio, as well as the
amplifier output.
DESCRIPTION
Recent technology and manufacturing techniques have pro-
duced a miniature voltage regulator that has the physical di-
Fig. 2-13. High-etficiency one-million mensions of other neon lamps, but is capable of current
hour circuit.
variation over ranges as wide as 15 mA. Its maintaining volt-
1ge will change less than one volt, and life figures are in excess
Df 20,000 hours. These gas diodes can replace the older 7- and
&pin "tube" type regulators in all but a few applications. They
Ore ideally suited for printed circuit boards, encapsulation, and
The novel circuit in Fig. 2-12 utilizes the flame as a high Z other modern fabrication methods.
conductor to keep the neon lamp lit. When the pilot light goes
out, the random concentrations of cold gas will act as an open
circuit. APPLICATION
When extremely long life and low power dissipation are In many cases, the same gas tube may be used both as a
required, the circuit in Fig. 2-13 might be considered. Instead regulator and as a reference. The GE 5AB lamp, for instance,
of resistance, X, is used to limit the current to the desired i s used extensively as a voltage reference, but also provides
value. In this example the C2A (NE2H) is operated a t half bxcellent regulation of vacuum-tube screen-grid voltages. This
its design current, so its life figures are increased by a factor lamp is simply an aged NE2 with a small amount of radio-
of 64. activity added for the reduction of the "dark effect." The
electrodes have an oxide coating and accordingly the lamp's
characteristics will change slightly with use. This effect can
be disregarded in many applications such as the reference
voltage in series-regulated vacuum-tube power supplies, where mther than mathematically. Selection of resistors was done
gradual change over a period of months can be tolerated. bp choosing the standard EIA value that was closest to the
On the other hand, applications such as voltage calibrators Wlculated value.
and unmanned communication sites may require not only good
regulation, but a specific voltage value over extended periods PRACTICAL REGULATOR AND
of time. REFERENCE CIRCUITS
The circuit in Fig. 3-1 is the basic and most widely used
REGULATOR CONSTRUCTION qmethod of obtaining a reference voltage. The supply voltage
The high-current regulators achieve their characteristics @,,), must exceed the rated breakdown voltage and is
by several means. The electrodes are made longer and larger plied to V1 through the current-limiting resistor R,. This
in diameter to increase the current carrying ability. European muses the lamp to ionize and its characteristic maintaining
manufacturers use an anode that is somewhat smaller than the wltage (E,,,,,,,) will appear a t point A. Once the correct tube
cathode. American firms favor identical electrodes and there )gs been selected, only the value of series resistance must be
appears to be some controversy as to which one produces the wlculated.
best results.
Both designs utilize electrodes that can carry current loads
in excess of 60 mA. The limiting factors are the bulb tempera-
ture and the point a t which the tube will arc. The maintaining voltage and the design current can readily
The electrodes of a high-current regulator are pure metal )O obtained from the specifications sheet.
and contain no oxide coatings. This is a necessary condition The foregoing formula will hold true as long as R, remains
for a wide current range and long-term stability. They also ~ h t i v e l yhigh. It can be seen that R, forms a voltage divider
are aged at higher currents for longer periods than the refer- plth R,, and under initial conditions breakdown or "firing"
ence type diode. W a g e must appear at point A or V1 will not ionize. Once
Extended aging is needed to sputter or vaporize the cathode #b gas tube conducts, the value of R, must remain high
surface metal that may have trapped gas atoms during manu- Wough to sustain ionization. Voltage-divider action is still
facture. This process, sometimes referred to as "cleaning up," ent a t point A and if this voltage drops below the main-
is essential for reliable operation. These gas tubes can be ng voltage the lamp will be extinguished. In other words,
recognized by their characteristic black or silver appearance, e circuit in Fig. 3-1 is used, the load current cannot exceed
which is caused by the deposit of sputtered cathode material e design current.
on the wall of the lamp. SI. Fig. 3-2 illustrates a circuit that compensates for unusually
pide variations of input voltage. V1 is rated to regulate over
15 mA range. R, was chosen to cause 1mA to flow at +I40 V.
CIRCUIT DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS e minimum load resistance is calculated by determining
Since it is not the purpose of this book to present an exact-
ing mathematical analysis of neon-lamp circuits, certain as-
sumptions have been made that are not necessarily so.
The formulas, for instance, have omitted resistor tolerances, &#. 3-1. Basic voltage-reference circuit.
temperature coefficients, and the dynamic impedance of the
conducting gas tube. All formulas have been reduced to the
simplest possible form and, in some cases, expressed literally
 + 14W enough to sustain ionization, but can be considerably smaller
TO than the .5 mA arbitrarily chosen in Fig. 3-5.
REGULATED Fig. 3.2. Voltage regulator for A stable higher voltage reference is achieved in Fig. 3-6 by
HI-Z LOAD input variations. operating two gas tubes in series. The reference voltage is the
NU 162182 (330K MIN) sum of the two maintaining voltages and E,,,,,must exceed the
sum of the two breakdown voltages.
Fig. 3-7 illustrates a useful circuit that produces a high
what value R, in series with R,, is necessary to cause the reference voltage with relatively small supply voltage. In this
maximum rated EbkdIVn (118V) to appear a t point A when the instance, the series breakdown voltages exceed E,,,,. E,,,,, may
minimum voltage (+140V) is applied. drop as low as t130V and still deliver a precise 124-volt refer-
I t can be seen in Fig. 3-3 that the same gas tube can be used ence. This is done by diode isolation and shunt starting as in
to compensate for changing load conditions. If the NU 162/82 Fig. 3-5. Rf fires V2 and Rff fires V1. R, is calculated as in
regulator is operated a t its maximum rated current, a regu- previous circuits.
lated 0-5.5 mA output is realized. Actually this circuit would The 300-volt regulator shown in Fig. 3-8 can be contained in
be capable of a regulated 15 mA output, except that under a space the size of a 20-watt resistor and can deliver 3.6 watts
initial conditions the value of R, would be so low a s to prevent of power to the load. Since the total breakdown of the three
breakdown voltage from appearing a t point A. gas tubes in series equals 450 volts, Rf and Rff must be used to
The simple circuit in Fig. 3-4 compensates for both input initiate ionization. Rf fires V3 and Rff fires V1. V2 will then
and output voltage variations. I t represents a compromise of ionize because of the potential difference between points B
the circuits shown in Figs. 3-2 and 3-3. and C .
Parallel starting can be used for any number of tubes. Fig.
8-9 shows two methods for a n identical 4-tube supply. In
Fig. 3-9A, the use of a single resistor, Rf, enables the minimum
applied voltage to be reduced from 600V to 500V. Two addi-
REGULATED REGULATED
0-3.5 rnA
tional resistors, Rf and Rff in Fig. 3-9B, further reduce the
'0-5.5 rnA NU162182 voltage requirements to 450V. Fig. 3-9B is usually the pre-
-
- - ferred method, a s the starting resistors are Y4-watt 20-percent
Fig. 3 3 . Voltage regulator for Fig. 3-4. General-purpose components, and the main savings are realized in applied
load variations. voltage regulator. power and the power dissipated by R,.

The voltage divider limitations of Figs. 3-2, 3-3, and 3-4

are overcome by the addition of a replacement-grade silicon t 8 2 . N +1V
diode XI, and a "firing" resistor (R,), as shown in Fig. 3-5. I.n
REGULATED
Under initial conditions, the load may draw 15 mA and the 0-15 rnA
voltage a t point A will never reach breakdown. This "low"
voltage is isolated from the gas tube by diode XI, so that V1 SELECTED FOR A
may be ionized by the current through Rf. After ionization SPEC IF IC VOLTAGE
point A will be positive with respect to point B, so X I will VALUE
conduct and operation will be the same as in previous circuits.
The value of Rf is calculated in the same manner a s R, except Fig. 3-5. Shunt starting regulator with Fig. 3-6. Series starting, series operation
t h a t the value of I is small. Current through Rf must be large diode isolation. voltage reference.
 A cascaded reference is used when an extreme degree of
b104.N regulation is required. In Fig. 3-10 a change of lOOV a t the
TO + 124V aource will produce a change of less than 1 part in 10,000 a t
(HAND SELECTED
VALUES) the output. The maintaining voltage (EInaint)of V1 must ex-
ceed the E,,,,,.,, of V2. R, and R,, a r e found by the formulas:

R, = En,,(min) - E m u i n , ( V l )
I (Vlmin) I (V2) +

V1 may be a more economical lamp and still provide a reliable

circuit.
+14W Rs Rss + 5%
TO-
Fig. 3-7. Shunt starting, series operation
voltage reference.
Fig. 3-8. Shunt starting, series operation
high-voltage regulator.

Small capacitors may also be used in place of the firing

#g. 3-10. High-stability cascaded reference.
+35w 33K
"1
Z91R7
-

9; 9
1

-
-
72K
*TO
+ 7W
.O~%(:TTED
SELECTED
resistors. "Capacitive starting" is usually more expensive and I f VALUES)
requires more space, but these circuits dissipate less heat and The maintaining voltages of V1 and V2 in Fig. 3-11 are
require less current. close enough t o make parallel operation practical. Diodes X1
and X2 isolate the load from Rf and Rii for initial ionization
and also serve t o isolate V1 from V2. The value of R, is found
by treating V1 and 2 as one gas diode with twice the current
rating. X1 and X2 are replacement-grade silicon diodes.
+ 4 m f4V + 40W ?4V
1% REGULATED 1% REGULATED
The novel circuit shown in Fig. 3-12 may be used to estab-
v1
0-lOmA
v1
0-lOmA lish precise low-voltage references. The output voltage is the

ALL LAMPS
Z100R12

+ 16W t82.N i 1 V
Hg. 3-11. High-current parallel regulator.
2.7K 3W 1.290 REGULATED
0-25 mA

(A) Using one shunt resistor. (0) Using three shunt resistors.

Fig. 3-9. Shunt starting, series operation four-tube regulators.

 portant limitation of this circuit is that there is a minimum
+ 1 N MAX current the load must draw. Fuse F1 is included to protect
6V ADJUST V1, if the load is reduced or removed.
Design procedure for Fig. 3-13:
-0
OUT
1. Select regulator tube after determining the maintaining
voltage required and range of regulation.

Fig. 3-12. Differential low-voltage reference.

p-
2. Let R, be 120K unless the supply voltage is over 200
volts, then double or triple this value. (Not critical.)
3. Let X1 be any 400-PIV, 200-mA diode or better.
+
4. Find I, = I, I ( V l )
difference between the maintaining voltages a t points A and Ell,,,,
Find Rt = -
B. It
The high-current regulator in Fig. 3-13 appears to be a Find R - Enmint
conventional shunt starting circuit, but a closer look a t the x--
Is
values and performance figures will indicate a different mode Solution :
of operation.
Most circuit designers will agree that the load current
should rarely exceed the rated tube current and this premise is where,
true if you do not place any limitation on the minimum amount E,,,,,
is the supply voltage,
of current t h a t may be drawn by the load. If the "zener diode" I, is the minimum current required by load,
approach is used, the load current may be many times the I(V1) is the maximum rated lamp current,
tube's maximum rated value.
R, is the load resistance,
Rt is the total circuit resistance,
This is possible if we consider that when a gas diode regu- I, is the total circuit current,
lator is rated a t 12 mA, that means i t will stay within specifi- R, is the series limiting resistor,
cation over this range. It does not mean that 12 mA will be En,,,,, is the maintaining voltage.
delivered to the load. Tube V 1 is still regulating lOOV 1V * Fig. 3-14 is one variation of a popular circuit. The wide
over a 12-mA range, but a t a 110-mA level. If the supply
voltage is held a t a constant 160V, the load may vary between variety of screen-grid voltages and currents makes a standard
100 to 120 mA and still be within 2 percent of 100V. The im- circuit impractical. The voltage needed a t point A is usually
high enough to require two o r more lamps in series. R,, V1,
and V2 comprise the regulator system, but any of the systems
+low +1v previously discussed may be used. Idesigl,is the maximum
4300 IW 2% REGULATED
100-120rnA mreen-grid current.
Algebraic addition can provide a regulated low-voltage,
120K Fig. 3-13. High-current, high-
wide-temperature-range supply as shown in Fig. 3-15. The
voltage regulator. negative 100 volts developed by V1 is added to the positive
82 volts of V2 a t point A and the result i s a negative 18 volts.
V1 is rated a t 10 mA but R, had to be increased to 18K in
order to sustain ionization of V2. C1 is an example of capaci-
tive starting and is included to ensure that point A will reach
 UNREG
B+

Fig. 3-16. Series-pass regulated reference. I I

choice. The maintaining voltage of V1 will determine the low-

the breakdown voltage of V2. The filter capacitors may be voltage limits of the regulator. V2 can be any miniature dual-
lower in value and if 220 Vac is used, C1 may be omitted, R. triode that meets voltage and current requirements.
and R,, may be calculated for full tube current, and regula- High voltage and high current are both available from the
tion will occur over a 10 mA range. circuit illustrated in Fig. 3-17. This circuit can be constructed
The circuit in Fig. 3-15 has one advantage over other low- for less than $2.00 a t present list prices and is physically small.
voltage types in that it has a common ground. In all differ- U better regulation for input variations is required, the
ential or algebraic circuits, the tolerances will add, so the final T2-32-1 lamps should be pre-aged a t 10 mA for 24 hours. The
performance figures will be half that for a single tube. rum of the two maintaining voltages minus the junction drop
V1 in Fig. 3-16 is a voltage reference for V2. In this series- (0.6V) will determine the exact output voltage.
pass voltage regulator, current carrying ability and regulation
are the prime considerations-an A057B would be a suitable

Rs
- - , +18V +2V
2% REGULATED
7 + llN TO +122V
1% REGULATED 0-100mA
0-4rnA 5% REGULATED 60-100mA
200 PIV
? 4 b

115 VAC
C2 &*
1OvF
2Dw
-(
Rss
82K
10vF
C3 r = q 2 D W
- 41

("
TECH-NFON
T2-32-1
I I V 1 AND V2 HAND SELECTED
FOR EXACT VOLTAGE

b - - j,

-
&

Fig. 3-15. Algebraic low-voltage regulator.

Fig. 3-17. Transistorized series voltage regulator.
 - E,,, - En,,,,,, (both tubes)
s- I v
lload
( p (transistor beta)
R, is the shunt-starting resistor and the value is not critical.
Shunt starting in this case is highly desirable a s it reduces the
value of E,,, that is needed. The closer the voltage at point A
is to E,,,, the less power Q1 will have to dissipate. I t also allows
lower transistor voltage ratings. The capacitors are for junc-
tion protection and are not critical.

Oscillators,
Pulse Generators,
and Flashers

Simple gas-tube relaxation oscillators are capable of pro-

ducing a wide variety of complex waveforms. Their main limi-
tation is the useful upper frequency limit. Pulses with rise
times of less than 1 ps a r e not unusual, but repetition rates
or operating frequencies of more than 10 kHz are difficult to
achieve.

SINGLE-LAMP OSCILLATORS
Fig. 4-1 illustrates a simple form of relaxation oscillator.
When S1 is closed, V1 cannot fire until the voltage across C
reaches the breakdown voltage. C is charged through R,, and
this time constant is a major factor in determining the fre-
quency. When C charges to the breakdown value, V1 will ionize
and C will discharge through the gas tube to a value referred
b as the dynamic extinguishing voltage E,,,. V1 then turns off
and the cycle repeats. R, must be high enough in value to in-
hibit ionization or V1 will continue to stay "On" after C has
reached E,,,,,.
Note t h a t only on the first cycle does the sawtooth begin
from zero volts, and thereafter it varies from Ebkd,,.,,to Eext.
Since T represents only a portion of the RC time constant
 (R, x C), the actual frequency of operation will be higher For a more thorough mathematical approach to neon-
than the calculated, (l/R, x C) . lamp oscillators, the reader should refer to the GE glow-lamp
Power supply voltages are equally as important as R, and manual.
C in determining frequency. If the supply voltage E,,, is One of the main objections to gas-tube oscillators has been
raised, the breakdown voltage will be shifted to a steeper por- the wide variation in tube parameters and changing electrical
tion of the charging curve and V1 will fire sooner, thereby characteristics. Tolerances as close as 1 percent for 20,000
raising the frequency. This, of course, will also improve the hours are now available, and even tighter specifications may be
linearity of the sawtooth. If the supply voltage is too close to had, but the life expectancy figures on all these types are not
E,,,,,.,,, erratic operation will result. Small tube variations can yet complete.
produce large frequency changes when operation is on the In the following discussion it can be noted that NE2 and
upper part of the RC curve. other indicator-type lamps are used frequently. This is done
- because the circuit designer and experimenter usually have
these types available. Other lamps with closer specifications and
no emissive coating on the electrodes would certainly be a
better choice for long-term reliability.
Fig. 4-2 demonstrates two variations of the same basic
oscillator. The 600-Hz sawtooth a t 4-2A would be useful in a
noncritical audio application such as a utility signal generator
modulator. 'A simple change in circuit configuration produces

+ I 0 volts
the waveform in Fig. 4-2B. R, was reduced in value to in-
crease the frequency to 900 Hz. The steep wavefront of the
inverted and reversed sawtooth might find applications in trig-
gering circuits.

Fig. 4-1. Relaxation oscillator.

1 W PK-PK
The dynamic impedance of the neon tube, the differential
between E,,,,,, and E,,,, as well as the value of C, will determine
M I 900 Hz
LOV PK-PK
T, or the capacitor discharge time. At lower frequencies this
value is negligible, but it is a major factor over 1 kHz. The
formula for the approximate frequency of oscillation is:

f= 1 (A) Standard waveform. (6) Inverted and reversed waveform.

2.3 RC log Eepp - Ebkdno Fig. 4-2. Variations in a sawtooth oscillator.

En111) - Eext
Precise frequencies are best obtained by trial and error. An improved triggering circuit is shown in Fig. 4-3. When
Sawtooth amplitude is basically a function of the neon tube the NE2 ionizes, current flow through the 10K resistor reaches
differential voltage or Edif, which is E,,,,, - EeXt.This also maximum in less than 10 ps. I t then decays a t an exponential
changes with frequency and the value of series resistance. rate determined by the RC time constants.
Large values of series resistance tend to lower the dynamic The amplitude of the trigger pulse is dependent on the value
extinguishing voltage. of cathode resistance R,. The exact value of R, is not critical
 Rs
TRIGGER
+16W 0 WA
4.7 meg FREQUENCY
2.2 meg GENERATOR
CONTROL
2400 Hz ss
N PK-PK 1meg
w
SYNC INPUT C2 1.a015FI
K
-I-
-
Fig. 4-3. Waveform generator with regulated supply. -
-

Fig. 4.5. Synchronized I-kHz oscillator.

and may be varied over a wide range to suit circuit require-
ments. 60 p s wide, but it can be considerably less than the 10 V
A regulated supply may be combined with Fig. 4-3 to produce illustrated.
the waveform generator in Fig. 4-4. The regulated supply A definite rounding of the sawtooth occurs a s the frequency
voltage is furnished by R,, V 1 and V2. R,,, R ,,,, C1, and V3 increases. This effect is noted because the ionization time, the
are the major frequency-determining elements, while Rk is deionization time, and the avalanche time now represent a
used to develop the trigger voltage that appears a t point B. larger portion of the total period. If the frequency continues
Differentiating network, C2, X I , and R,, provides a 1-ps posi- fo increase, the gas tube will eventually develop sine wave oscil-
tive pulse a t point C. $ations. The frequency a t which this happens varies for dif-
gerent gas mixtures and pressures, but all occur over 10 kHz.
w These oscillations are quite unreliable and depend on critical
pircuit values.
:? The experimental circuit in Fig. 4-6 was developed in a n
bternpt to increase high-frequency reliability. A power supply
t
2.2 rneg klerance of 10 percent is required but all other values are 20
percent. The LPA 27 has a gas mixture with the fastest avail-
v1
NEZH

v2
NEZH 9 Fig. 4-4. Stable VFO, 40-180 Hz with multiple outputs.
Fig. 4-6. High-frequency sine-wave oscil-
lator, 30-40 kHz.
10meq

Sometimes i t is desirable t o have the oscillator synchronized +-+ TO 1 rneg

a s in Fig. 4-5. Normally R,, is adjusted to a frequency that is Rk 27K 1pF LOAD
slightly lower than 1 kHz, and the wiper of Rk is advanced
until the oscillator "locks in." The sync pulse should be a t least
able deionization time, and is the best choice for high-frequency maintaining voltage. These high pressure types (large dif-
oscillators and waveform generators. ferential), are best suited for "one-shot" operations, such as
Deionization time is the limiting factor in reaching higher timers, relay energizers, and counters.
frequencies. I t might be said that anything encouraging ioniza-
tion will inhibit deionization. The use of lamps having radio- TWO-LAMP MULTIVIBRATORS
active additives and emissive materials on the electrodes should
then be avoided in attempting to get stable high-frequency Two neon lamps are frequently used to form a multivibrator
operation. circuit. Fig. 4-8 illustrates the basic astable type which has a
Actually frequencies up to 90 kHz have been achieved but peak-to-peak output voltage that is twice that of a single tube.
the circuit parameters are too critical to be of any value. The A quick analysis shows that if we assume V1 to be "On" C
amplitude of the sinusoidal wave is difficult to predict. It will, will attempt to charge to the supply voltage through R,,. When
however, be quite small, ranging in value from 1 to 14 volts. point A reaches the breakdown voltage of V2, the lamp will fire
and the voltage at point A will be the maintaining voltage of
V2. The negative pulse generated by the drop in potential is
coupled through C to 8,where it extinguishes V1. Now point
RS
C 4.7 rneg
B begins to charge up while point A remains a t the maintaining
voltage of V2. When V1 fires, the process repeats, coupling a
negative pulse that is equal to the differential voltage of V1 to
point A.
Since multivibrator circuits use two gas diodes, the upper
frequency limit is about 8 kHz. This is because the deionization
time limitations of both tubes are additive. Manufacturers
rarely incorporate gas tube multivibrators that operate over
2 kHz.
(A) Using two lamps.
At very low frequencies, they are sometimes called flashers
(0) Using one lamp.
and may be used for their visual effect. The amount of light
Fig. 47. High-amplitude sawtooth generators.
given off by the flash of a neon oscillator is determined by the
If a high-amplitude sawtooth is required, the modes used in capacitor and the tube differential voltage. An increase in the
Fig. 4-7 can be tried. When two lamps are connected in series value of either one will raise the light output.
as in Fig. 4-7A the differential voltages will add to produce a
double-amplitude sawtooth. As many lamps as desired may be
connected in series, but since breakdown voltages also add, the
circuit has certain practical limitations. This type of oscillator
has found applications in electrostatic deflection systems and
relay energizers.
Fig. 4-7B uses a single lamp that has a considerably larger
differential, and is satisfactory in most cases, but the inherent
instabilities of high pressure gas exclude it from many critical
timing circuits. The T2-27-1WR500 will exhibit "voltage
jumps" that are visible to the eye. The corona will jump from 8 &
Fig. 48. Basic astable multivibrator.
one part of the cathode to another, causing variations in the
 When the multivibrator is not being used as a flasher, R,
and R,, should be as low in value as possible. This not only
lowers the output impedance but prevents parasitic oscillations.
If capacitances as small as 1 p F exist across the lamp, oscilla-
tions are possible with resistor values over 2 megohms, assum-
ing that rectified line voltage is used (+I60 Vdc).
Lower value supply voltages allow for the use of smaller
resistances and a larger C. An ideal supply voltage is considered
by some to be one that exceeds the maximum rated EhkdWn by
30 percent. If the supply voltage in Fig. 4-8 were reduced to
100 V and the two 2.2 meg resistors were changed to 510K,
the circuit would oscillate dependably at approximately 2 kHz,
and would be free of parasitics.
General Electric recommends that R, and R,, be below 1
megohm. This is not possible if high-frequency (over 500 Hz) Fig. 4-9. Modified astable multivibrator.
operation from a high voltage supply is required. An effective
alternative is to operate the oscillator from a regulated supply Diode IN38 has a positive bias of approximately 5 volts on
as in Fig. 4-4. This calls for two more lamps and a resistor, or a its cathode so it will not conduct until the square wave across
single neon regulator such as the Z100R12 and resistor. Rkk exceeds this value. When the diode conducts, clipping
The results that are pictured in this book using any of the occurs and the amplitude of the pulse is clamped to this 5-volt
"NE" lamps were achieved by selecting lamps having average level. The 1-meg linearity control is used to adjust the pulse
characteristics. Pre-aged and selected versions, such as the width.
5AB series, would be a better choice, but tubes without emis-
sive coating, such as the 55ST2A, would be recommended if
long term reliability is needed.
If we assume that both lamps are identical, and the series
w

R I LINEARITY CONTROL
resistors have the same value, the formula for frequency is:

where,
In is the natural logarithm.

The modified multivibrator in Fig. 4-9 has two cathode re-

sistors and produces three symmetrical waveshapes. A triangu-
lar wave is available between points A and B and has found
use as the sweep voltage in some X-Y recorders. The nearly
square wave found a t point B has a rise time well under 10
ps, and the sloping top may be made flat by using the diode f
clipper shown in Fig. 4-10. Fig. 410. Square-wave generator.
 Perhaps the simplest way of producing a high multivibrator
frequency is to use a common-cathode resistor. Fig. 4-11 shows
the waveshapes available from this type of circuit. The dis-
charges of both V1 and V2 are felt across Rk and a reversed
sawtooth occurring at twice the multivibrator frequency is
developed. Note that only on alternate cycles is the amplitude
equal. This is the result of the differences between the differen-
tial voltages of V1 and V2. Varying the frequency control Rk, POSITION 2 - 4Hz
will also affect the amplitude.

POSITION 3-40Hz 220K

u
Fig. 4-12. Multirange, triangular-wave generator.

f = 600Hz

CONTROL

Fig. 411. Frequency-doubled, cathode-coupled, astable multivibrator.

The 3-range triangular-wave generator in Fig. 4-12 may be

used as a time base for any slow-scan device that needs equal
trace and retrace time. It is an astable multivibrator with the Fig. 413. Sequential flasher. Flashing order 1:2:3 or 3:2:1.

components on the ground side of the neon lamps. The output

is taken from the 220k resistors, which aid in lowering the
output impedance. R, and Rk, also provide a minimum amount
of resistance when R,, and R, are at zero ohms. The 500k po-
tentiometers may be ganged together as a frequency control,
or isolated so the linearity may also be adjusted.

FLASHERS
Neon-lamp oscillators are sometimes used as "flashers,"
which are on/of light sources that are found in signs, toys,
and advertising displays. The flasher circuits shown in this Fig. 4-14. Sequential tlasher. Flashing order 1:2:2:2:1:2:2:2.
 Fig. 4-15. Random flasher.
Computer Circuits

II 1 I1 Neon lamps are currently finding use in low-speed logic cir-

cuitry. They are particularly useful in high-level applications
ALL LAMPS where the larger voltages are used to control thyratrons, relays,
NEZH etc. I n addition, the neon provides a visible indication of state,
which in many cases eliminates the need for a separate visual
readout device.
* +
Fig. 4-16. Random flasher.
BISTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR
book only touch on the possible configurations. A little experi- The bistable multivibrator or flip-flop is considered the basic
mentation will provide the user with endless variations. binary computer circuit. Fig. 5-1A shows a gas-tube version of
Fig. 4-13 shows a flasher t h a t will establish a regular se- this multivibrator with set and reset functions.
quence, but initially the director of rotation cannot be pre- Initially, a zero potential is applied to the reset input. This
dicted. Once the pattern is established, it will not change unless ground potential is coupled through the .2-pF capacitor to point
the power is removed and reapplied. B and if V2 is conducting, it is extinguished. Since there is
Another type of sequential flasher is illustrated in Fig. 4-14. nothing to inhibit V1 from ionizing, i t will fire, causing a volt-
The sequence can be changed by varying C1 o r C2. This flasher age drop t o be developed across R,. When V2 was extinguished,
is quite bright, as large values of capacitance are used. point B increased to the full 75 volts, which would again cause
The random flashers shown in Figs. 4-15 and 4-16 provide a n ignition if i t were not for the positive voltage a t point C devel-
interesting pattern of blinking lights. The behavior of these oped by the common cathode resistor.
circuits is unpredictable. Even though each lamp is related to The voltage a t point C is determined by the dividing action
each other lamp mathematically, the end result defies explana- of series circuit Rk,V1, and R,. V1 drops its characteristic
tion. Fig. 4-16 may be considered an improvement over Fig. maintaining voltage (50-60V) and the remaining potential will
4-15, in that it uses fewer p a r t s and has the same number of be divided by Rk and R,. Increasing the value of Rk will place
lights. V2 further into cut-off and allow the use of 20-percent resistors
 but the input pulse amplitude must also be increased to over- Attempts to arrange flip-flops in counting chains without
come this bias. &heuse of diodes or buffer amplifiers have for the most part
The multivibrator is now in a steady state and the T side is been unsuccessful. Careful design and a regulated power sup-
lit. T is pronounced "not one" and indicates t h a t no counts a r e ply can produce a two-stage binary counter, but additional
recorded in this circuit. Similarly Zand r a r e pronounced, "not atages will almost certainly call for solid-state components.
two" and "not four," respectively. Flip-flops that are driven by
the primary one can register these higher value counts. A 24-
MONOSTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR
volt positive pulse applied to the input will cause the flip-flop
to switch and the (1) side will be lit indicating a count of 1. The bistable circuit can be converted to monostable opera-
The (1) side will be lit once f o r every two input pulses which tion by a change in resistance ratios. In Fig. 5-lB, V1 is nor-
means that the circuit counts by two (binary). mally on and V2 is held off by the voltage drop across Rh. A
$4-volt positive pulse will extinguish V1 and ignite V2 in the
usual manner, but R,,, which is the anode resistor for V2 is
large compared to Rk, SO the voltage developed at point C is
not large enough to hold V1 in cut-off. V1 will again fire and
the circuit will return to its stable state. The time that V2 re-
mains on is determined mainly by the time constant of C, R,,
and R,,.

THREE-INPUT OR GATE
The circuit in Fig. 5-2 is useful in converting high level logic
(+70V), to a value that is useful in solid state circuits
(+10V). X is normally a t zero volts but will rise to 10 volts
if either A or B o r C is +70 volts.
V1, V2, V3, and V4 are normally on and the voltage a t point
N is lower than the lowest extinguishing voltage of the 5AB-B
1-0
R E S ~ - ALL LAMPS 5AB -B
.2W INPUT +70V +360V
OUTPUT +lOV
(A) Bistable multivibrator. (8) Monostable multivibrator.
Fig. 5-1. Multivibrator circuits.

A 24-volt positive pulse a t point C will extinguish the con-

ducting lamp and, since the nonconducting lamp has the high-
est anode voltage, i t will fire first when the 24-volt pulse is re-
moved. The duration of the input pulse is determined by the
time constant of Rk and the .2-pF input capacitor. Switching
action is further ensured by the discharging action of the .5-pF
capacitor. This capacitor prevents the anode of the extinguished
tube from reaching a high positive voltage before the opposing
lamp can fire. Fig. 5-2. OR aato circuit.
 (50 volts). If any of the input lamps are extinguished, the
voltage a t point M will increase. This will increase the conduc-
tion of V4, and the voltage drop across the 680k resistor will
reach the maximum rated breakdown value. V5 then fires, and
the 10-volt output is taken from the 27k resistor. Removal of A 0
the input voltage will cause V5 to extinguish. 0 x
I3 0
THREE-INPUT AND GATE
ALL LAMPS
An examination of the circuit in Fig. 5-3 shows that it is 5AB-B
basically the OR gate, but with a change in the resistance c0
ratios. The resistance values a r e so chosen that V1 and V2 and -
-
V3 must be extinguished before the voltages a t points M and Fig. 5-4. Modified AND gate circuit.
N rise to a value high enough to ignite V5. If any one of the
+70 volt inputs is removed, V5 will extinguish. The glow-lamp version in Fig. 5-5 is again the same basic
If the 72k resistor is removed and the resistor values are "gate" circuit previously discussed. The resistance values are
again changed, the AND gate can have full dc restoration. Fig. so chosen as to cause the breakdown voltage of V5 to appear a t
5-4 illustrates this. The modified gate has a 70-volt output and point N whenever +70 volts appears at any two of the three
can be used to operate additional high-level gates. Circuit de- inputs.
sign is more critical with this type of circuit because the volt-
age a t point M must vary over a range wide enough to break
INPUT +70V
down and extinguish V4 and V5 which are operated in series. OUTPUT +10V

INPUT +70V
OUTPUT + 1OV "" 4O
- 200K z&x 1 WATT

1 WATT

ALL LAMPS
C 0

-
- &
v3
72K ALL5ALAMPS
B-.B

Fig. 5-5. MAJORIN gate circuit.

I 2..
-

5AB-B
-
& &-
Fig. 5-3. AND gate circuit.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
THREE-INPUT MAJORITY GATE
Speed is perhaps the most important limiting factor in neon-
Recent concepts in computer logic are making use of the lamp logic circuits. Flip-flops, monostables, and gates rarely
majority gate, which will provide an output whenever the operate over 30 Hz, and delay time for some gates may be as
m a j o r i t y of the inputs are satisfied. long as 3 milliseconds.
 Low series resistances should be used to prevent parasitic
oscillations and low supply voltages will prevent free running A reaches 110 volts. This action occurs because C1, which has
operation of cathode-coupled multivibrators. a 30-volt charge, cannot discharge through X2 when VO goes
A relay coil is sometimes substituted for one of the series out. Instead it makes the cathode of V1 30 volts more negative
resistances in the flip-flop or monostable circuits, If this is than the remaining lamps, which assures earlier breakdown.
done, lamps with a high differential voltage should be used. When V1 fires, the process is repeated and C2 becomes charged
If a circuit is to use off-the-shelf lamps that require no ad- to fire the next stage.
ditional testing, consideration should be given to the minimum + 164V
and maximum voltage rating as given on the specification
chart. The 5AB-B was chosen in many circuits because it has
a 10-volt breakdown and 10-volt maintaining voltage range.
P ALL LAMPS T2-27-WR500

Cx
A voltage range this narrow is usually quite easy to work DIODES:
with. The ranges do not overlap and an extinguishing voltage
4 1 IN1763
.I16
test is included in the manufacture. The 5AB-B is also one of Xl !L 47K X3
the lowest cost circuit components available. C2
0 II 0

,0216
RING COUNTER "l v2
@ @
Perhaps the most useful of all the glow-lamp logic circuits
C1
is the Manley-Buckley ring counter. It uses the decimal count- " "
ing system and can easily count to 999 without a buffer ampli- @ FO!.
fier. Counting rates of 500 Hz a r e possible and since there are 47K
10 lamps for each decade, the lamps themselves can be used
for visual readout.
The basic circuit is illustrated in Fig. 5-6 and represents the
first three stages of a decade. When the reset button is de-
pressed, the ground return path is removed from all stages but
Fig. 5-6. Manley-Buckley ring counter.
the first, and VO will fire, indicating a count of zero. Current
flow is now through R,, VO, D l , and R1. VO will drop its char-
The T2-27-WR500 lamps were chosen for this circuit be-
acteristic maintaining voltage (60-70V), and the remaining
cause they have a large differential, which allows the use of
voltage is dropped by R 1 and R,. This means that the poten-
tial a t point A can be anything from 92 to 100 volts, which is 10-percent resistors and a non-critical power supply. The lamps
well below the firing voltage of the T2-27-WR500, so V1 and ln the illustration are operated a t lower currents in order to
the lamps that follow are held in a non-conducting state. When decrease their deionization time.
the reset button is released, point B, which varies from +29 to Gas tubes with a smaller differential, such as the 5AB series,
+33 volts, will charge C1 to this value through X2. If an input NE2, etc. are capable of faster counting rates, but the lamps
pulse of zero volts is applied to point A through the .1 pF ca- must be electrically matched and the circuit calls for tighter
pacitor, VO, which was conducting, will now be extinguished. resistor specifications. The 5AB type does, however, have
The voltage a t point A will again begin to go positive as C, greater light output, which can be important if the lamps are
attempts to charge to the supply voltage through R1. V1 will going to light numerals on a display panel.
be the next lamp to fire and will reach breakdown before point Point A must be held below the rated extinguishing voltage
for a period long enough to allow for complete deionization.
The time i t takes point A to reach any given value is deter- Gas tube V1 is operated under its minimum breakdown value
mined by the time constant of C, and R1. and is triggered on by a positive pulse a t point B. This causes
Deionization time can be decreased if point A is not brought a drop in potential a t point C of a t least 60 volts. The negative
all the way to zero volts but to some point more positive. This pulse is felt a t point A through C, and the conducting tube in
value varies for different lamp types, so it is found experi- the ring circuit is extinguished. C, and R1 of Fig. 5-6 must
mentally. now have a longer time constant since the voltage a t A does
not drop as low a s it did with switched capacitor operation.
Point A again starts to rise in voltage and continues until
TRIGGER CIRCUITS
the next tube in the ring fires. This new ignition causes a drop
The ring counter in Fig. 5-6 was triggered by applying zero in potential a t point A that is coupled back through C, to point
volts to the .l-pF input capacitor. When the circuit is stabi- C of Fig. 5-7B. This negative depression should be enough to
lized, the voltage a t point A is approximately 100 volts and extinguish trigger tube V1 and reset the entire circuit for an-
the input capacitor is charged. C, must be discharged before other count. This type of circuit can be used for inter-decade
another count will be recorded; Fig. 5-7A shows one basic triggering, thereby eliminating the need for buffer amplifiers.
method for accomplishing this. A practical circuit that is operated by switch closures is
The form C contacts of K 1 allow C, to be connected to point shown in Fig. 5-8 and was designed for the complete ring
A of Fig. 5-6 when the relay is operated. The sensor circuit, counter shown in Fig. 5-9.
which may be simply a switch, will operate the relay whenever The .001 p F capacitor is charged to about 45 volts by volt-
a count is to be recorded. When K 1 is released, C, will dis- age-divider action and when the count button is depressed, the
charge through the 10k resistor and the circuit is ready for rapid drop in potential a t point B will cause C to attempt to
another cycle. The 10k resistor is for contact protection and discharge. Since X1 blocks one discharge path, the -45 volts
should be small enough in value to allow for complete capaci- is felt on the cathode of V1 and causes ionization. R1 in the
tor discharge. The speed of this circuit is restricted mainly by counter and C, were both increased to the values shown, to
the operate and release times of K1. It is not practical to op- lengthen the time constant.
erate most relays over 50 Hz so the circuit in Fig. 5-7B can be
tried for higher counting speeds.
+1 3 w
TO SENSOR
CIRCUIT

+ TO POINT
FIG. 5-6 FIG. 5-6
lN1763

Cx

-7 TO SWITCH
CONTACTS

(A) Switched capacitor. (8) Gas tube.

Fig. 5-7. Basic decade ring triggers. Fig. 5-8. Neon trigger for switch contacts.
 COMPLETE DECADE RING
The decade illustrated in Fig. 5-9 has ten identical stages,
as discussed earlier. I t also has a carry function that permits
the decade to be reset to zero and operate the trigger stage of
the following decade.
When V9 is extinguished by the tenth pulse, the rise in po-
tential a t point (T) is coupled through C, to the anode of VO
and through C, and Ct to the trigger stage of the next decade.
Two Z82R10 miniature neon regulators operated in series
will provide a regulated 164 volts a 2 volts for the counter and
trigger circuits. An eight-decade counter can be operated from
these two tubes, thereby eliminating complex circuitry. The
power supply potential is not critical, but i t must always ex-
ceed the lamp maximum-rated breakdown voltage.

I
Fig. 5-9. Complete decade ring.

58
 Miscellaneous Circuits

SCR CONTROL
Silicon controlled rectifiers or thyristors are best controlled
when they are provided with a discrete trigger pulse. The gate-
to-cathode circuit of the SCR in Fig. 6-1 is in series with V1
and the turn-on pulse will be generated when the lamp fires.
V1, together with C and R1, forms a one-shot relaxation os-
cillator that is operated at some point on the positive portion
of the 60-Hz sine wave. The exact operating point is deter-
mined by the setting of R1, sometimes called the "Speed Con-
trol." The value of C is made large enough to supply ample
gate current and the neon tube was selected for its 60-mA peak-
current capability. Most manufacturers recommend the l k
resistor (R2) for predictable gate turn-on characteristics. The
effect of R2 on the oscillator circuit can be ignored.
With the HI-LO switch in the HI position, the negative half
of the sine wave is allowed to conduct through the load a t
socket M1 and the MR990 diode XI. The positive half is con-
trolled by the SCR and oscillator circuit, and since the break-
down voltage of the neon tube represents approximately 30
degrees of the sine wave, the load can never be turned com-
pletely on (360 degrees). This 30-degree loss represents little
power, so the effects are negligible.
When the HI-LO switch is in the LO position, 30-180 degrees
of the ac cycle may be applied to the load. Diode X1 is con-
nected in the reverse direction across the socket, so the con-
ductive path for the negative alternation has been removed. +140 MINIMUM
Diode X1 now becomes a "free-wheeling" diode and helps
reduce the "cog-wheel" effect common to motors that are
pulsed-on with short bursts of current. This is done by pro-
9
viding a discharge path for the magnetic field that exists in ALL LAMPS
LT2-32-1 OR D2A
the motor windings when the SCR shuts off. The collapsing
magnetic field induces a current through the diode and motor
windings that is in the same direction as the original, thereby
minimizing abrupt changes in power. X1 also provides the
SCR with protection from transient voltages in both positions
of the switch.

-
CAPACITY
8A

(A) Single tube. (B) Multiple tube.

R1 Fig. 6-2. Threshold relay energizers.

MOTOROLA MR990

This is approximately 75 volts, enough to operate the relay.

b effect, the relay is operated by the differential voltage of the
tube, unless the power supply is going to increase to some
eater value. The relay will release whenever the dropout
F urrent is reached, or when the lamp extinguishes.
Neon lamps may be operated in series to reach higher volt-
bge levels as shown in Fig. 6-2B. Long-cathode indicator types
Fig. 6-1. Economy 330-degree SCR control. were used in this case because of their lower cost and higher
current ratings. Since differential voltages as well as break-
down and maintaining voltages add in a series circuit, a relay
RELAY CIRCUITS was chosen that would operate on the lowest differential and
Gas tubes have been used to energize relays since the early not be damaged by the highest. The Automatic Electric Type E
1930's, but originally this was limited to thyratrons because of satisfies both requirements and may be used with two form C
their higher current capabilities. Miniaturization and the mass contacts. The bifurcated contacts are rated a t 4 amperes.
production of sensitive relays in later years allowed the use Fig. 6-3 illustrates a circuit that uses a sensitive, balanced-
of T2 neon lamps. armature relay that will operate on less than 2 mA. K1 is in
Most neon-operated relays constitute some part of a thresh- aeries with V1 and connected across part of a voltage-divider
old circuit. In Fig. 6-2A the minimum rated breakdown of V1 network. The position of the SET control dictates what poten-
is 140 volts so K1 cannot operate until this potential is reached. tial must be applied to point B before point A reaches the lamp
When V1 does ionize, it will drop its characteristic maintain- breakdown voltage, R, and the resistance of the coil are low
ing voltage and the remaining voltage is dropped across K1. enough to allow pull-in current to flow after breakdown.
 To find If, use the formula :
Relay current
I, =
Transistor beta
To find R, use 'the formula :

4250K
SET CONTROL
R=
Neon differential
I, x 2
Diode X I is included to protect the transistor from the
SIGMA counter emf generated by the relay. Time delays can be incor-
1 5 0 K EFlm r' porated in the circuit by connecting a capacitor between point
A and ground.
+ 16W MERCURY RELAY
-
-L

Fig. 6-3. Variable-threshold circuit.

Larger relays may have pull-in currents as high as .5 am-

pere. If threshold operation of these types is needed, the cir-
cuit in Fig. 6-4 can be tried.

v1 V2 4 CAPACITY: 2A
LAMPS: HPN-27-1

Fig. 6.5. Power flasher, 3 PPS.

A mercury relay is used in the multivibrator circuit of Fig.

6-5 for extended life (over 1 billion operations). The high re-
sistance coil is used for increased sensitivity and is operated
by V2. The ratio of R, to R,,, and the relay coil resistance
Fig. 6-4. Transistor-drive threshold relay.
(3300 ohms), were chosen to keep the relay de-energized five
times longer than it is energized.
A transistor should be chosen that can furnish the relay op- Fig. 6-6 shows one variation of a memory or latching cir-
erating current and withstand the power supply voltage E,. cuit. V1 is held below its minimum breakdown voltage and
Low-leakage silicon types would be a good choice for the cir- cannot ionize until a negative pulse of sufficient amplitude is
cuit shown, since the base of Q is not returned to ground. felt on the cathode. The potential difference between this pulse
E, can be any value above the rated relay voltage but exces- and the supply voltage must equal the maximum rated break-
sive voltages will increase the amount of power dissipated down voltage of the tube.
by Q. The circuit will "remember" a switch closure when the
.001-pF capacitor discharges through the 56k resistor, the
 $he photocell before the sealer is applied. Since this makes a
boisture-proof, light-proof module, lamps are used that have
been compensated for dark-effect.
Clairex Photomods and Raytheon Razjsisto~shave similar

$:
mounting schemes providing over 1000 megohms of isolation
between the lamp and photocell.
S1
+45,, $
SWITCH
500R CLOSED
CLOSURE
500K OPEN
INPUT 0 I v1
-
1= C2A
Fig. 6-6. Relay memory.

switch contacts, and the tube t o produce breakdown. Diode (A) Schematic.
X1 prevents the capacitor from discharging through the coil ALUMINUM
of the reed relay, which would inhibit firing by providing a LAMP TUBING
shunt path. X1 can be any commercial-grade component with a
200-PIV rating. The supply voltage is high enough to sustain
ionization, so the current flow through V1, X I , and K1 will
(B) Typical mounting.
keep the relay energized until the +135-volt supply is removed.
SILICONE
RUBBE+,R--
PHOTOCELL CIRCUITS
PHOTOCELL LEADS
Photoconductive cells that operate on the bulk effect are Fig. 6-7. Isolation photoswitch.
usually made of cadmium selenide (CdSe), or cadmium sulfide
(CdS). Both materials can be considered as a pure resistance Fig. 6-7A is a n isolation switch that has a contact resistance
whose ohmic value depends on the amount of light falling on of 500 ohms. It is operated by the light from V 1 when S1 i s
its surface. closed. The noise and transients associated with mechanical
CdSe and CdS cells can each be operated by glow lamps, but switches are minimized since there is no contact bounce and
CdSe has a peaked response in the 7000-angstrom region, so it the photoconductive material does not change state rapidly.
is more sensitive to the light radiated by the ionized neon gas. This latter feature is useful in interrupting inductive loads.
Greater efficiency i s obtained by using high brightness lamps The lamp-photocell module has also been used as a voltage-
t h a t produce more lumens per milliampere. controlled resistor. In Fig. 6-8 a 2.3 to 1 voltage change can
Most of the lamp-photocell combinations discussed in this produce a 5 t o 1 resistance change. A more popular version of
chapter are mounted end-to-end a s in Fig. 6-7B. The cell is this circuit is the current-controlled resistor o r "isolation po-
placed in the tube and the end is sealed with silicon rubber. tentiometer." R, is replaced with a 250k potentiometer and the
The neon lamp is then put in the other end and should touch current of V 1 is varied to produce the desired output value.
 Whopper-stabilized power supplies. Low noise and long life are
again the features of this type of circuit. Photochopper fre-
quency is presently limited to 1 kHz maximum. This is due
mainly to the response time of the photocell.
CLA IREX A more efficient circuit would eliminate V2 and V4 so the
603A
remaining photocells could be mounted in a manner that would
have V1 and V3 driving two cells each. The 1-pF capacitor can
be removed for 110 Vac operation if diodes are placed in series
with the lamps. The diode in series with V1 should have a

Fig. 6-8. Voltage-controlled resistor. LIGHT SOURCE

CLAIREX
Resistance ratios of 10,000 to 1a r e possible, using this method,

1 wcs
without the inherent noise of the slider arm.
Photochoppers a r e similar to relay choppers in that they
offer a number of contacts t h a t open and close a t some prede-
termined frequency. The circuit in Fig. 6-9 shows four mod-
ules connected to form a 20-Hz astable multivibrator. I t can
~ONTROL 4
SENSITIVITY
Vl $ LT2-32-1

be used to provide synchronous spdt service in voltmeters and LAFAYETTE

5K
I -O LAMPS: LT2-21-1

PHOTOCELLS: f
.. C L A l R M CL603A

Fig. 6-10. Light threshold circuit.

polarity that is opposite to the one in series with V3. One lamp
will conduct when the line goes positive and the other will con-
duct during the negative alternation. Commercial versions of
the ac driven chopper are Clairex CM-2, Leeds and Northrup
864256, and Airpax 5510.
Photocells can be made to operate neon lamps if both are
part of a voltage-divider network. In Fig. 6-10 the SENS
control will determine how much light must strike the photo-
Fig. 6-9. 20-Hz square-wave photochopper.
cell before its resistance is low enough to cause the breakdown
voltage of V1 to appear a t point A. A useful variation of this
circuit is to interchange the s E N s control with the photocell so PHOTOCONDUCTIVE JUNCTION DEVICES
the relay will be activated by darkness instead of light. The Most solid-state component manufacturers now offer a va-
two 5k resistors are protective devices for the photocell. riety of junction devices that can be operated by a gas lamp.
The circuit in Fig. 6-11 is classified as experimental because The list includes diodes, SCR's, FET's, and transistors. In each
i t has not been fully developed nor has it found popular use. case a pn junction is "switched on" by an external light source.
It demonstrates the little known principle that sine-wave am- The response time of these types is very fast, but higher input-
plification is possible using a wide range photocell in conjunc- light levels are needed since the junction area is relatively
tion with a neon lamp. small. Many of these photojunctions have a spectral response
peaked in the 8000-angstrom region, so an argon-filled lamp
can be used.

TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY SENSORS

u The light threshold circuit in Fig. 6-10 can be modified to
56V pk-pk operate on some chosen temperature or relative-humidity level.
120 Hz The photocell is replaced with a thermistor or humidity sensor
and the value of the SENS control is selected to match the range
of the new device.

TIMER CIRCUITS
Gas-tube timing o r delay circuits can be regarded as varia-
tions of the basic oscillator circuit. The difference is that the
Fig. 6-11. Experimental amplifier/doubler. series resistance must be made small enough to keep the lamp
ionized after the capacitor reaches striking voltage. Fig. 6-12
V1 is mounted in a light-proof enclosure a t right angles to illustrates the basic circuit. R, was chosen to provide the op-
the cell, in order to expose a s much electrode to the CdSe as erating current for the relay and t o sustain ionization. Under
possible. The incoming 60-Hz sine wave is coupled to the 15k these conditions a delay of over 20 s would call for a 1000-pF,
resistor through the 2-pF capacitor. This varies the lamp cur- 200V capacitor. A component of this size would be both expen-
rent, causing a modulated light output. The resistance of the sive and bulky, so the approach used in Fig. 6-13 might be
photocell varies over a wider ratio than the lamp current, so more practical.
amplification is possible. V1, K1, V2, and X1 form a circuit that is similar in many
The output is taken from the voltage divider a t point A. For ways to a thyratron or even to a unijunction transistor. The
maximum amplification, this point is adjusted by the 50k con- ground side would be the cathode, or base 1, and the high side
trol to half the supply voltage. V 1 is operated a t very high cur- would be the anode, or base 2. Point A would then be the grid,
rent, so a short life will result. Perhaps different mounting o r gate.
schemes, such as a cluster of four cells connected in a series/ The breakdown voltage of both tubes in series is higher than
parallel arrangement around the lamp, would result in lower t h e supply voltage, so the lamps initially are in a nonconduct-
operating currents. Changes in photocell geometry and lens ing state and X1 prevents V 1 from ionizing through C. When
arrangements also might improve the response. S 1 is put in the START position, the voltage a t point A will rise
 Unlike the case of the unijunction transistor, the applied
power must be removed before K1 will release. This is done by
putting S1 in the RESET position and simultaneously discharg-
ing C through the 10k resistor.
Fig. 6-14 shows another method of isolating the timing cir-
cuit from the operating circuit. Point A is held slightly below
the lamp's rated breakdown potential and the tube remains
extinguished. When S1 is switched to START,the voltage a t
Fig. 6-12. Basic timer circuit.
point B will begin increasing in value a t a rate determined by
C and the programmable resistor input. V1 will conduct
through isolation diode X1 when point B reaches breakdown.
Ionization will be sustained by current flow through isolation
diode X2 and Rd.

exponentially until V2 fires. The maintaining voltage of V2

plus the breakdown voltage of V1 is well under the +160V sup-
ply so V1 will also ionize and energize K1. The resistance of
K1 is 10k, and no additional current-limiting resistor is needed.

0 ---- - -
\
\
' SET

OUTPUT

Fig. 6-14. Programmable timer, 100,000 ohms per second.

If the breakdown voltage of V1 is 63 percent of the supply

voltage, then it can be said that the tube will fire in one time
constant. A 90ST2S was used in this example, but greater ac-
curacy can be had by hand-selecting a pre-aged high-brightness
lamp for a 100.8-volt breakdown. The capacitor and resistor
Fig. 6-13. Variable .1 s to 25 s timer.
values should have a close tolerance and the diodes can be any
replacement-grade component rated for 200 PIV at 100 mA
or better.

TOUCH CONTROL
Body capacity can be used t o operate the circuit in Fig. 6-15
GATE "I r-7
by briefly providing a conductive path to ground. The circuit
consists of a bistable multivibrator that is triggered by bring-
ing the hand in contact with the touch points. X1 is rated a t
200 PIV, 100 mA. Fig. 6-16. Audio switch.

the output. A +72V level a t the gate input will fire V1, and the
ionized gas will now act as a low-impedance path for the ac
signal.
Miniature neon lamps are cold-cathode devices, so the cur-
rent flow will change rapidly with voltage variations. The
V 1, V3 - T2-27- WR500 lower frequency response is determined by the value of the
"2, V4-5AB-B goupling capacitors, and the high end is a function of the gas
v1 and the current through the lamp. The circuit shown works
OFF
through most of the audible spectrum, so smaller capacitors
can be used for communications channels (300-3000 Hz.).

VARIABLE DELAY CIRCUIT

Transmission time in a gas tube is a function of tube oper-
ating current, so changing the value of the series resistance
+ will also change the delay. The ganged controls in Fig. 6-17
Fig. 6-15. Touch control.

The circuit works well under most conditions, but enough

body capacity must exist between the touch point and circuit
ground. The earth side of the power line should be connected
to the circuit ground if an ac/dc supply is used. If an isolated
or battery supply is used, the touch point might have to be
made physically larger and the circuit ground should be an
actual metal chassis, not a circuit board or terminal strip.

AUDIO SWITCH n INPUT

*t+
10pF
O
lOV
v1

5AB-B
+I-
10llF
2N
DELAYED
OUTPUT

V1 in Fig. 6-16 acts as a high resistance in the nonconduct-

ing state and prevents the audio from being transmitted to Fig. 6-17. Variable pulse delay.
can be adjusted to give delays over the range shown. Two po- lamps is exceeded. Since no performance data are available,
tentiometers are used in this case to provide an output pulse and it is doubtful whether the circuit would provide complete
of constant amplitude. protection against a direct strike, it should only be used in
conjunction with a conventional lightning arrester. One appli-
OVERVOLTAGE CIRCUITS cation of this device is the protection of TV or radio front ends
from nearby transmitters.
Arc suppression is usually necessary to protect the device
that controls an inductive load. If the current to an inductor
is interrupted by switch contacts, the coil will generate a

-
counter emf that may exceed several thousand volts. The exact
value of the generated voltage depends on the inductance of
the coil and the magnitude of the current. This inductive "kick- Eb O T k J

back" causes arcing a t the contacts and leads to a shorter TO SCR

switch life. OR
SWITCH
High amplitude voltages can, of course, permanently dam-
age semiconductors, so if the switching component is a junc-
tion device, the voltage problems still exist. An arc suppression
EARTH
GROUND YENN
(8) Three-lamp lightning arrester.
(A) Single lamp with relay
circuit for solid-state components is usually referred to as an
overvoltage circuit.
Fig. 6-18A uses a neon lamp to limit to a safe value the emf
generated by relay K1. The breakdown and maintaining volt-
age is chosen to be above El, so the lamp is normally exting-
uished until the current to K1 is interrupted. The high back-
ward voltage generated by K1 ionizes V1 and the potential is
held to the maintaining voltage of the neon lamp. If a mechani-
cal switch is used to operate K1, then almost any neon lamp
will protect the contacts, but again the maintaining voltage in
a dc circuit must be above Eb or the lamp will be destroyed
after ionization. (C) Overvoltage protection in a power supply.
High-current relays such a s solenoids require special lamps Fig. 6-18. Overvoltage circuits.
because the collapsing magnetic field in these types can gen-
erate enough energy to destroy a simple A1A lamp. Under Overvoltage protection for a typical power supply is con-
these conditions, the tube's energy-transfer rating should be sidered in Fig. 6-18C. V7 is used to protect the diodes from
considered. In general, the lamp types that can transfer the the counter emf generated by L1 when S2 is opened. This lim-
most energy a r e the ones with the highest voltage differential. its the use of V7 to power supplies under 50 volts.
Sometimes, a s in dc power supplies, the switch contacts are V6 a t point B is across the secondary of the transformer
of little concern and the attention is focused on the solid state and sees only ac, so the maximum rated potential at point B
components. Silicon and germanium devices have strict volt- should be around 40 Vac. Point B is a preferred location since
age ratings that should not be exceeded. it provides overvoltage protection for diodes with a PIV rat-
The novel lightning arrester in Fig. 6-18B acts as an open ing as low as 75 volts. The output voltage can be any value
circuit until the breakdown voltage of any one of the three under 50 volts. V6 suppresses the high-voltage peaks generated
when S1 is opened and also suppresses high-voltage line trans-
sients.
Probably the most popular suppresser location is point A,
which is directly across the primary. The A051 and HPN-27-1
were manufactured specifically for line-voltage service but
other types can be used, such as the T2-27-1WR760 or even
two high-brightness indicators in series. The basic require-
ment is that the breakdown voltage must be higher than the
peak line voltage (165V). V5 is effective against transients
and lengthens the life of S1, but it does not give the same de-
gree of diode protection from transformer voltages as V6.
Power Supplies and
Instruments

UNREGULATED 160-VOLT SUPPLIES

Fig. 7-1 shows two power supplies that can be used to oper-
ate most of the circuits discussed in this book. The full-wave
version is, of course, the preferred circuit, since it has a lower
ripple content and offers isolation from the power line. Some-
times a 1:1 isolation transformer is available and full-wave
rectification can be had by using a bridge across the untapped
secondary. This latter solution is popular for load currents in
excess of 100 mA.

REGULATED POWER SUPPLIES

The regulated power source in Fig. 7-2 is made from a half-
wave voltage doubler, a neon regulator, and a Zener diode. This
supply can be used for neon oscillators, timers, ring counters,
and other devices that need a stable 160/164 volts.
Vacuum-tube regulators operate by changing their internal
resistance when the bias is varied. In Fig. 7-3 both circuits
use the maintaining voltage of the neon lamp as a reference for
one of the control electrodes, while the other control electrode
is connected to a point that reflects voltage changes in output.
Series tube V2 can furnish more power a t greater efficiency
than shunt regulator V4, since the current through V4 is lim-
 110 - 120 157-172V fa lOmA
V AC O' K 153- 168V 8 30mA
I 1 I -
(A) Half-wave.
--
OUT

110 - 120
VAC
P DIODES: lN1763
T1: 25OVCT 1325mA v2 OR
A1A
150K
(KNIGHT 54E2008 OR EQUIVALENT) T2-32-1
0
Fig. 7-4. Series-regulated supply.

Fig. 7-1. Unregulated supplies.

ited by the ratings of V3 (15 mA max) and the value of R..
In spite of this the series circuit is rarely used by itself
ZENER: ALLIED 2439358 ( 3 . W because it is not as sensitive to voltage changes. The shunt cir-
REGULATED cuit, however, has better regulating action and is used ex-
X1 a lOmA
tensively to regulate high voltages a t low currents. The main-
0 +160v
REGULATED
taining voltage of the lamp, or lamps, plus the maximum rated
& lOmA plate voltage of the tube will determine the maximum voltage
that can be regulated. A scheme similar to this is used to regu-
late the high-voltage supply of color television receivers.
Both types of regulators can be combined as shown in Fig.
0COMMON 7-4. Voltage changes in the load are sensed by the shunt pen-
Fig. 7-2. Neon-regulated supply. tode, which amplifies the error and drives the series-pass tri-

(A) Shunt regulation. (B) Series regulation.

"
Fig. 7-3. Basic vacuum-tube regulators.
Fig. 7-5. Series-regulated variable supply.
 I ode. Current to V2 is supplied through R,, which improves
regulation by making the voltage drop across V2 independent
of the cathode current of the pentode.
Higher current and a wider voltage range are available from
the circuit in Fig. 7-5. Screen-grid regulation has been added
t o the shunt tube, and ripple control is provided by Rf and C.
Fig. 7-6 is a complete low-cost power supply intended for
the shop or for testing glow lamps. It uses a small transformer
and two miniature tubes. One-half of the 6GH8 is connected as
a diode and used to develop a rectified negative voltage for the
cascaded neon lamps. V3 keeps the cathode of the shunt tube a t
-60 V or more so the output voltage can be adjusted all the
way down to zero. V4 is ionized by the 220k resistor and can
be brought out to the front panel as an indicator. T2-32-1
lamps were chosen for V3 and V5 because of their higher cur-
rent capability but any standard-brightness indicator can be
used that has low breakdown and maintaining voltages. The
ZERO control is used to adjust the output to zero volts when
the VOLTS control is in the extreme ccw position. If the lamps
have not been pre-aged the output will drift slightly, so the
power supply should be left on f o r a t least 72 hours before this
adjustment is made.
Fig. 7-7 is a set of regulation curves for the power supply
shown in Fig. 7-6.

VOLTAGE CALIBRATORS
Miniature neon regulators can be particularly useful as a
source of precision voltages. The calibrators shown in the
illustrations offer a few of the possibilities, and were designed
with economy as the prime consideration.
Fig. 7-8 is a simple dc calibrator that offers 1 percent accu-
racy when the potentiometer a r m is in the extreme cw posi-
tion (100V). A pointer knob on the shaft selects the desired
voltage from a calibrated dial, which in this case is a trans-
fer letter switch pattern. Ten of the twelve switch positions
are used since this corresponds t o the standard 294/300-degree
potentiometer such as the Mallory MlOMPK. As the pointer is
moved
--. in a ccw direction the accuracy is derated by the dial
Fig. 7-6. Regulated supply, variable from 0 to 275 volts, @ 40 MA. 1 markings, the linearity of the control, and the impedance of
the load, which now forms a voltage divider with the poten-
 0 .1v

Fig. 7-9. High-precision, fixed-voltage calibrator.

using a fixed voltage divider, and since the 100 volts is adjusted
precisely by the CAL control, the accuracy of this source is de-
termined mainly by the tolerance of the resistors used in the
divider and by the external loading. The cascaded section pro-
vides increased stability and it should be noted that while
I there is a current of 10 mA through the divider there is a cur-
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 rent of only 2 mA through the A1A lamps.
LOAD CURRENT mA Digital readout is the feature of the reference supply shown
Fig. 7-7. Regulation curve for 0- to 275-volt supply.
in Fig. 7-10. A turns-counting dial and a 10-turn potentiometer
tiometer. Diode X2 is included to null out the voltage drop combine to give a precise source of continuously-variable volt-
caused by shunt-starting diode XI. ages. The value of R was set a t 50k since many high-voltage
Higher accuracy is available from the instrument shown in circuits can be made inoperative by a low impedance. The
Fig. 7-9. Linearity and dial-marking errors are eliminated by value of R can be increased to any desired value without fur-
ther circuit changes, but if the instrument is to be used strictly
for calibration purposes and a lower resistance is needed, then
R, will have to be decreased in value and the SET control re-
adjusted. Actually the SET control would be unnecessary if
pre-aged circuit component lamps with guaranteed voltage
LINEAR
characteristics were used in place of the seven A1A neons.
DIODES: 1N1763 These lamps were used as a matter of convenience, but their
TRANSFORMER: I l N A C Q M mA wide range of voltage characteristics makes the 25k adjust-
KELVIN 1W-17 ment necessary. Initially the circuit should be interrupted a t
OR EQUIVALENT - point A and a milliammeter inserted while the SET control is
Fig. 7-8. Utility dc calibrator, 0 to 100 volts.
adjusted for a meter reading of 2 mA. The procedure is re-
84
 move the base line to the opposite peak of the waveform. The
difference between the latter reading and the first reading is
the peak-to-peak voltage of the waveform. If the oscilloscope
has an algebraic addition circuit, it can be used with the cali-
brator to measure differences as small as 100 mV on a 250V
pk-pk waveform.
Fig. 7-11 shows a high-stability ac calibrator with a vernier-
dial readout. When the dial is attached to the potentiometer the
control can be varied for only 180 degrees of the possible 300.
This means that the shaft should be in the extreme ccw posi-
tion and the vernier dial set at zero when the two components
are secured to each other. The dial is then rotated to 10 and
the CAL control is adjusted for a 10-volt pk-pk output.

DIGITAL READOUT
0-3000 VDC REFERENCE
RANGE I.O-100V
51 2. 100-200v
3. 200-3GUV

Fig. 7-10. 0- to 300-Vdc reference with digital readout.

peated after 72 hours of operation. BNC connectors are used

Fig. 7-11. Ac calibrator, 0- to 10-volt range with vernier readout.
in the output but binding posts or a combination of both may
be more suitable. The BNC connectors must be insulated from
the chassis by a fiber washer or similar device. The positive half of the ac sine wave is applied to point A
One interesting use for the digital calibrator is the precise through a diode and the 6k resistor. Normally this point could
measurement of peak-to-peak waveforms. If the waveform to reach 160 volts, which is the peak value of one half of a line-
be measured is applied to one vertical input of a dual-trace dc voltage alternation, but voltage-divider action with the two
oscilloscope, and the calibrator output is applied to input num- potentiometers and the 8.2k resistor limits the maximum possi-
ber two, the calibrator can be adjusted to cause a base line to ble voltage at this point to 115 volts. Under the conditions
touch one peak of the waveform. The voltage reading is re- shown in the illustration, point B is a t 82 volts and diode XI
corded from the digital dial and the calibrator is adjusted to will conduct when point A exceeds this value. In effect, point
A can never exceed 82 volts because of the clamping action of
diode XI. Point A then, has an 82-volt square wave that is
divided down to a usable ten volts for the decade dial. An isola- ponents with inductors, as, for example, a circuit using re-
tion transformer similar to the one shown in Fig. 7-8 should lays and diodes. If the voltmeter input is connected across the
be used a t the input. relay coil, the calibrated knob can be rotated until the de-
The calibration circuit of Fig. 7-12 can be used to adjust energization of the relay causes the A083 to light. Calibration
the output of precision voltage sources such as the one shown marks on the knob skirt will give the approximate value of
in Fig. 7-9. R1 is inserted and the voltage to be calibrated is the transient generated by the relay and the engineer can now
adjusted for a meter reading of zero. Any nulling device, determine the voltage ratings for the diodes. Initially the
bridge, or VTVM with a zero-center feature can be used in VOLTS control is put in the extreme ccw position and the 0-10
place of meter M1. R1 is found by the following formula: knob-skirt markings are positioned in such a manner as to
place the numeral 1opposite the chassis indexing mark or dot.
1100 volts will read off-scale.
Where,
E is the desired voltage in volts.
The 0.3-percent accuracy is based on the use of a 0.1-percent
tolerance multiplier. CALIBRATED KNOB A083
MILLEN HRS 3
Fig. 7-13.Transient voltmeter, range 100 $0 OR EQUIVALENT
MULTIPLIER RESISTOR 1 loo volts.
INPUT lOOK

I 12.100R
VOLTAGE
RESISTORS ARE 1%

1
TO BE 1.357V ELECTRICIAN'S FRIEND
CALIBRATED IRCTYPE CEAT-o
MERCURY
CELL A simple and useful service tool is shown in Fig. 7-14. I t can
be connected to any power main or junction box and will tell
the user at a glance what the line voltage is and whether it is
Fig. 7-12.Voltage calibration circuit with bpercent accuracy.
ac or dc. The ac lamp will light only on ac and the dc lamp will
light only on dc. The LO lamp will come on a t 70 Vdc or 50 Vac
TRANSIENT VOLTMETER - 220
and the 110 and . lamps will Tcome on a t Ttheir rated voltages,
1

Neon-lamp voltmeters appear in many forms on the market,

but their major use has been limited to handymen and hobby-
ists since the accuracy of these types is usually quite poor. Dif-
ficulty in stabilizing the breakdown voltage is perhaps the TEST LEADS - =;
I
main reason, but there are many others. The circuit in Fig. -- #
,,.33 .035
Wf
7-13 is included because it can perform a function that digital ZMK
and D'Arsonval meters cannot. As the name implies, it can be n
used to measure transients that last for less than 100ps. This C2A A083 5AB-B 5AB-B 5AB-B
AC DC LOW 11W 2261
is particularly useful in circuits that combine solid-state com-
Fig. 7-14.Circuit for the Electrician's Friend.

89
ac o r dc. Actually the 220 lamp will come on a t 210 volts since markings on it can be used as the dial for C2. C1 is a trimmer
this is usually considered acceptable. and C3 can be switched in for 455 kHz. The radio can be sev-
eral feet from the generator and the output will still be ample
HIGH-ENERGY DETECTOR for alignment purposes. Several ferrite antenna types were
tried and all worked equally well. The frequency of the audio
Fig. 7-15 shows a homemade version of several commercially oscillator should be over 1 kHz for reliable operation. With S1
available high-voltage probes. High-voltage or high-energy rf closed, and C2 set for maximum capacity, C3 is adjusted from
fields will ionize the NE51 directly and cause the gas to glow, minimum capacity until a tone is heard in a radio that is cor-
making it useful for many go/no-go applications. I t can be rectly aligned. C3 is now set for 455 kHz and the output should
brought close to the output circuit of a transmitter and the easily penetrate the input stages of 5-tube radios and most
tank circuit can then be adjusted for maximum brightness of transistor types, so no direct connection is necessary in align-
the lamp. When the probe is held near a television flyback ing the i-f's.
transformer i t will give the repairman a quick indication of
the presence of high voltage, and positioning the lamp near a
spark plug wire will indicate whether the plug is firing or not.

NE51 s
USES: SPARK PLUG CHECKER
ANTENNA TOOL
SOCKET: LEECRAFT 3-05

FLYBACK CHECKER 18" x 114" DOWEL

TRANSMITTER TOOL
Fig. 7-15. High-energy detector.

A-M SIGNAL GENERATOR

An af relaxation oscillator is used to shock excite the tank
circuit in Fig. 7-16. Any a-m radio knob that has frequency

I N1763 T2-27-WR3H)
XI IOOR 2 m ~ V1 8 TURNS OF HOOKUP WIRE

FERRITE 10-365 pF 9-180 pF

ANTENNA
Fig. 7-16. Junk box a-rn signal generator, range 455 to 1650 kHz.
 Reference Section

LIGHT OUTPUT
Standard-brightness lamps radiate energy in the 5200-5400,
6700-7500, and 8200-8800 Angstrom bands with an average
overall efficiency of .06 lumen per milliampere.
High-brightness lamps operate in the 5700-7500 and 8200-
8800 Angstrom bands with an overall efficiency of .15 lumen
per milliampere.
Argon lamps radiate in the 300-4700 (near ultra-violet) and
5500-9500 Angstrom bands.
Helium-argon lamps have three minor radiation bands be-
tween 3400-6400Angstroms and a major energy output be-
tween 7000-9000 Angstroms.

SHUNT CAPACITANCE AND

INTERNAL RESISTANCE
The shunt capacitance for an extinguished glow lamp varies
from 0.5 to 1.5 pF, depending on the size of the electrodes and
the pressure of the gas.
Dynamic internal resistance figures vary widely and de-
pend on four main parameters : the type of gas, the gas pres-
oure, the electrode material, and the operating current. Of
these, the operating current is of the most concern. A lamp
operating a t under 1 mA will usually have a dynamic resist-
ance of over 4000 ohms, whereas a lamp operated at 10 mA
may have a resistance of 500 ohms. As a general rule, lamps
of the same designation will have internal resistances that are Large-diferential (high-pressure types)-Four hours a t 3
within 1 percent of each other. times the design current, followed by 24 hours under typical
Internal resistance figures are not included on specification circuit conditions.
sheets because in most cases the values are insignificant. The High-current types-Twenty-four hours a t 15 mA, followed
AlA, for instance, has a characteristic resistance of 5500 by 24 hours under typical operating conditions.
ohms a t design current, and when it is operated at line volt- The foregoing procedures have found wide acceptance by
ages, it uses a 220k series resistor. Since 5.5k is less than 3 the electronic industry and are recommended in most cases.
percent of 220k, and the series resistor is usually a 20-percent They are designed to stabilize the lamp in the shortest possible
type, the internal resistance can be ignored. time with a minimum amount of sputtering (darkening). Ac-
I t is for this reason that the formulas in the preceding chap- tually most lamps will stabilize after 100 hours of operation at
ters do not include internal resistance. If, however, the supply their design current, but since time is usually a factor, acceler-
voltages are close to the maintaining voltages, then the inter- ated aging may be used.
nal resistance can represent an important part of the whole. If regulation as well as improved stabilization is required,
In this case, the internal resistance should be subtracted from then higher aging currents for longer periods of time are
the calculated value to arrive a t the correct value of series recommended. The sputtering can be disregarded since appear-
resistance. ance and light output are usually not important in circuit com-
ponent types. High-current aging also produces higher break-
DRI-FILM COATING AND LEAKAGE down and maintaining voltages, which may exclude it from
some applications.
All neon lamps have a leakage resistance in the 1000-meg- No formula for aging has yet been worked out to include all
ohm region under ideal conditions, but when the relative hu- the variables, such as gas type, gas pressure, electrode mate-
midity increases and moisture condenses on the lamp, an ex- rial, etc., so the user as well as the manufacturer must some-
ternal conductive path is provided. times experiment to produce a desired result.
A commercial coating that is furnished on some lamps and The electrode size and internal gas pressure will determine
referred to as Dri-film by G E causes the moisture to collect the limits of the experimental aging current. High-pressure
in little puddles in a manner similar to rain puddles on a gas and 12-mm electrodes indicate higher possible currents.
freshly waxed car. Since these small puddles do not touch each Some commercial types are aged at currents over 30 mA for
other, the resistance remains high. extended periods of time, but controlled conditions such as
The recommended method for measuring leakage resistance forced air cooling are required.
is to apply 40 volts to a lamp in series with a microammeter. The higher-pressure tubes are usually easy to identify a s
The resulting current will indicate the leakage under dynamic they have a higher breakdown voltage, and the corona has a
conditions. A reading of 0.4 microampere would indicate a leak- tendency to concentrate in one spot. Low-pressure tubes, on
age resistance of 100 megohms, which is a standard figure in the other hand, produce low breakdown voltages and a "soft"
the industry. corona that covers the entire electrode.
AGING PROCEDURES In looking over the specification chart for T-2 neons, it can
be seen that precise maintaining voltages can be had for over
Standard-brightness lamps-Twenty-four hours at 2 times 30,000 hours, but breakdown voltages are more difficult to
the design current, followed by 24 hours under typical circuit stabilize, especially with pure neon (high brightness), so a
operating conditions. maximum figure is usually given. A guaranteed breakdown
High-brightness lamps-Fifteen minutes at 15-17 mA, fol- voltage 2 1 volt would have to include the ambient lighting
lowed by 24 hours under typical operating conditions. conditions to be valid. A tube of this type would almost cer-
 tainly be a low-pressure neon-argon mixture with a radioactive
the higher breakdown types, and the variable autotransformer
additive.
may be used to adjust the peak dc current.
For lamps that are aged a t currents greater than 4 mA, i t
AGING EQUIPMENT is recommended that at the end of the aging cycle the current
It has been found experimentally that lamps aged on pulsat- be reduced over a period of several minutes. This prevents a
ing dc exhibit superior qualities to those stabilized on pure or rapid temperature change from making the glass brittle.
filtered dc. One explanation that has been offered is that while A period of 24 hours in the nonconducting state is then ad-
both methods use the same average current to stabilize the gas, vised before the aged lamps are tested to their electrical speci-
the pulsating dc has a higher peak current, which aids in the fications. This is particularly important for breakdown volt-
cathode "cleaning up" process. age tests which may produce as much as a 5-volt rise in 24
The circuit in Fig. 8-1 is a general-purpose device that will hours after accelerated aging.
satisfy most aging requirements. The 220 Vac is needed for
NEON-LAMP SPECIFICATION CHART AND
NUMBERING SYSTEMS
The following chart represents nearly all of the neon lamps
available in the United States as stock items. Many other types
have been manufactured to meet individual customer needs and
are usually assigned a number that is preceded by the letter
"A." This "Application" numbering system is necessary when
CAPACITY 300 LAMPS it is realized that any change in the manufacturing process
RANGE .3-15mA
will indicate a change in the alpha-numeric designation. If,
for instance, an equipment manufacturer wants a 5AG lamp
with guaranteed ionization time specifications, it will be as-
signed an "A" number, even though it originally was a 5AG.
X 1 = 5A, 400 P l V Sometimes these special lamps become popular enough to be
XZ5.1A, 200PIV
L1 = 22 TURNS, made available as stock items, as, for example, the A057B,
12 GAUGE W IRE A016, etc.
RANDOM WOUND
ON 114" IRON
The oldest and usually most familiar system of classifying
ROD OF ANY glow lamps is the "NEWmethod and for this reason they are
I I I
II CONVENIENT listed in the left hand column.
AC I
DC PEAK I I Ern DC AVERAGE I SCR
\
I
LENGTH
The shortcomings of the "NE" system were noted by the
industry and as a result the American Standards Association
(ASA) offered a new system for lamp identification that in-
cluded clearly defined standards. The ASA has been renamed

C
I I STACO
PF
1 , A057B USAS (United States American Standard) and this designa-
tion is the one recommended for current use. The system ap-
VAC 20 T.Z+
r plies only to neons that are primarily used as indicators. There
is no USAS numbering system for circuit component types.
Fig. 8-1. Universal ac-dc aging circuit.
General Electric identifies circuit component lamps with a
set of alpha-numeric characters that is similar to and com-
96
patible with the USAS method. The GE system always begins Typ R, Ohms is the value of resistance, *20 percent, that
with a number and is followed by two or three letters. would usually be used in series with the indicator on a 115
Tech-Neon and Signalite use an industrial system for high Vac line.
volume types that is designed to .minimize confusion by coding Pre-Aged indicates whether or not the lamp has been fac-
the characteristics into the identification number. A T2-27-2T, tory aged, and footnotes explain how the anode is identified.
for instance, will indicate to the user that this is a T2 bulb, Bulb Length Max In. is self-explanatory.
27/32" long, filled with standard brightness gas, and has 2" Base describes the method used to terminate the lamp.
tinned wire leads. Footnotes indicate special conditions and are listed a t the
A quick glance at the chart will show that in many cases the end of the chart.
difference between one lamp and another is slight, such as the The T4M to S14 chart is essentially the same as the T2 chart
type of tip, length of bulb, length of lead, extinguishing volt- and uses the same footnotes. There are a few additions.
test, etc. For many types, this simplifies replacement and sub- Bulb Type is indicated by the same system as the T2. G is
stitution problems. globe-shaped and S is straight-sided. The numbers show the
maximum diameter in eighths of an inch.
MOL In. is the maximum overall length in inches, including
USING THE SPECIFICATION CHART khe base.
The listings are divided into 3 groups: T2 miniature neon
lamps, T4M to S14 gas lamps, and T2 miniature voltage regu-
lators. The T4M to S14 group is included for reference, and,
with the exception of the NE51 types, their circuit component
use is limited.
The "T"in T2 describes the shape of the glass, tubular, and
the "2" refers to the approximate diameter in eighths of an
inch. For all new types, this represents a maximum diameter
of .250 in., but for some older types it is .275 in.
The first three columns provide a cross-reference and show
the lamp designation under any of the systems discussed. Thus
an A7A, T2-24-1, and NE2B a r e all the same lamp.
B'kdwn Volts is self-explanatory and footnotes are included
for special conditions.
Maint Volts figures are based on the listed design current.
Exting Volts shows the guaranteed extinguishing voltage
and indicates that each lamp is tested to this specification.
Des I mA lists the design current which is the basis of the
life and maintaining voltage figures. The design current is not
the maximum operating current.
Life Avg Hours figures for standarh brightness indicators
are based on a 50-percent decrease in light output. The life of
high-brightness indicators is based on the point at which stan-
dard line voltages (115 Vac) will fail to ionize the lamp. Cir-
cuit component figures are explained by footnotes.
 T2 Miniature Neon Lamvs
I Desienation
Other
Life
Avg.
Hours
S TYP. pre. , S
Bulb
R\ Aged IT Length 1
Ohms I $ Max. In.
Base 1 Notes

6,000 2 -- NO 1'116 1" Wire 15

2,500 2 - - NO 27132 2" Wire
25,000 7 220K NO 27132 1" Wire
2,500 2 - - NO 1 27/32 2" Wire Tlnned 3
25,000 7 220K NO 27132 2" Wire Tinned
25,000 7 lOOK NO 24/32 1" Wlre
25,000 7 lOOK NO I 24/32 2" Wire
25,000 7 lOOK NO I 2! S.C. Mid. Flange 4
25,000
25,000
7
7
lOOK NO
IOOK NO
1 24/32
2%2
2" Wire
1" Wire
4
4
25,000 7 lOOK NO 24131 1" Wire Tinned 4
25,000 7 lOOK NO 2 41~ ~ 7/16" Wire 4
25,000 7 lOOK NO 24/32 9132-'/2" Wire 4
25,000 7 lOOK NO 24/32 2" Wire 4, 26
25.000 7 lOOK NO 24/32 3" Wire 4
25,000 7 lOOK NO 24/az 2" Wire Tinned 4
25,000 7 lOOK NO 27/32 2" Wire
25,000 7 30K NO 24/32 2" W~re 8, 4, 6
25,000 7 30K NO '=4/32 1" W~re 8, 4, 6
25,000 7 30K NO 24/32 7/16" Wire 8, 4, 6
25,000 7 30K NO 24132 3 1 ~ "W~re 8, 4, 6
25,000 7 30K NO 2 4 1 ~ ~ 31/4-23/s" Wire 8, 4, 6
7 30K NO 57/~6"Wire 8, 4, 6
7 30K NO '4/32 %" Wire 8, 4, 6
7 30K NO 24/32 13/16" Wire 8, 4, 6
7 30K NO 24/32 1'12-2" Wire 8, 4, 6
7 30K NO 24/az 2" Wire Tinned 8, 4, 6
7 30K NO 25 S.C. Mid. Flange 8, 4, 6

65-85 >50 ------ 2 - - NO 2" Wire 4, 5, 6

90 Max. ------ 7 150K
NO 1" Wire 23
90 Max. ------ 7 150K
NO 1" Wire Tinned 23
135 Max. ------ 7 30K
NO 1" Wire 8, 23
60- 90 44- 74 50 Min. 2 NO
250K 1" Wire Tinned 3, 5, 6
75-135 60-105 ------ 7 30K
NO 2" Wire 4. 6, 8. 28
75-135 60-105 ------ 7 30K
NO 2" Wire Tinned 4, 6, 8, 28
60- 90 46- 78 ------ 7 lOOK
NO 2" Wire 4, 6
60- 90 46- 78 ------ 7 lOOK
NO 1" W~re 4, 6
60- 90 46- 78 ------ 7 NO
lOOK 2" Wire Tinned 4, 6
90 Max. ------ 7 lOOK
NO 1" Wire
90 Max. ------ 7 NO
lOOK S.C. Mid. Flange 4, 6
8AA 55- 90 >55 50 Min. 9 - - NO # 1 Tel. Slide 11, 15, 22
8AB 60- 90 44- 74 ------ 2 - - NO # 1 Tel. Slide 15. 22
8AC 120-150 60- 80 ------ 12 - - NO #1 Tel. Slide 6, 15, 22
5AB 60- 90 59 Avg. ------ 2 - - NO 1" Wire 6
90 Max. ------ 7 150K NO I"Wire Tinned 15
5AC 60- 90 52- 65 50 Mln. 2 - - YES 1" Wire Tinned 6, 5, 15
60- 90 16 52- 65 50 Min. 2 - - YES 1" Wire Tinned 6, 5, 15
60- 90 >55 50 Min. 9 - - NO 1" Wire 4
SAG-A 68- 76 50- 60 50 Min. 18 - - YES 1"-11/2" Wire Tin. 6, 5, 15
60- 80 50- 58 50 Min. 9 - - YES 1" Wire Tinned 6, 5. 15
5AG 64- 80 50- 60 50 Min. 18 - - YES 1" Wire Tinned 6, 5, 15
63- 76 13 50. 60 ------ 35 - - YES 1" Wire
5AH 60- 100 65 Avg. ------ 2 - - NO 1" Wire Tinned 4, 6, 5
135 Max. ------ 7 30K NO #5 Tel. Slide 8, 4, 6, 22
5AJ 55- 90 55 Avg. ------ 2 - - NO 1" Wire Tinned 4. 6, 15
4AB 120-150 60- 80 ------ 12 - - NO 1" Wire 6, 15
4AC 110-140 60- 80 ------ 12 - - NO 1" Wire 6, 15
3AD 65- 80 >50 50 Min. 2 - - NO 2" Wire Tinned 4, 6, 5
2AA 65- 80 48- 58 ------ 2 - - NO 1" Wire 4, 6
115 Max. --- ------ 30 200K NO 1" Wire 32
 T2 Miniature Neon Lamps

:1 - 1
Designation
- B'kdown
DC Voltage Ratings De. 11 Life gNT TYP. pre
NE USAS Other
8 Maint. Exting. I
ml 5
AV~. R\
Ohms Age
Max. In. 5
Volts i Volts Volts - Hollrs
HA6 K5A 125 Max. --- ------ .3 1,000 31 220K NO 1" Wire 33
AlA-A 90 Max. 27 ------ .5 25,000 7 150K NO Z*/I~" Wlre
A1B 90 Max. 27 ------ .3 25,000 7 220K NO 1" W~re 4
A1C 135 Max. 24 ------ 1.2 25,000 7 47K NO 1" Wire 4, 8, 6
AlC-A 135 Max. 24 ------ 1.2 25,000 7 47K NO 2" W~re 4, 8, 6
AlC-T 135 Max. 24 ------ 1.2 25,000 7 47K NO 1" Wire Tinned 4, 8, 6
A10 90 Max. 27 ------ .3 25.000 7 220K NO 1" Wire 4, 6
AID-T 90 Max. 27 ------ .3 25,000 7 220K NO 1" Wlre Tinned 4, 6
A1G 90 Max. 27 ------ .3 25,000 7 220K NO S.C. Mid Flange 4
AlH 135 Max. 24 ------ 1.2 25,000 7 47K NO S.C. Mid Flange 4, 8, 6
AlK 135 Max. 24 ------ 1.2 25,000 7 47K NO 1" Wire 4, 8, 6
A2B-D 90 Max. 27 ------ .7 25.000 7 lOOK NO 518-ll/o"Wlre 4,6
A6A 12-32-1 90 Max. 27 ------ 1. 25,000 7 - - NO 1" Wire 46
A9A-G 90 Max. 27 ------ .7 25.000 7 lOOK NO 2" Wire 4, 5
C2A-B 135 Max. 24 ------ 1.9 25,000 7 30K NO 2" Wire 4, 8. 6
C2A-CT 135 Max. 24 ------ 1.9 25,000 7 30K NO 1" Wire Tinned 4, 8, 6
C2B 135 Max. 24 ------ 1.9 25,000 7 30K NO Mid. Grooved 4. 8, 6
C3A LT2-24-1 135 Max. 24 ------ 1.5 25.000 7 - - NO 1" Wire 8
C4A LT2-27-1 135 Max. 24 ------ 1.5 25,000 7 - - NO 1" Wire 8
C5A LT2-27-2 135 Max. 24 ------ 1.5 25,000 7 -- NO 2" Wire 8
C6A LT2-32-2 135 Max. 24 ------ 1.5 25,000 7 - - NO 2" Wire 8
02A 135 Max. 24 ------ 2.6 25,000 7 22K NO 1" Wire 4, 8, 6, 34
KlBl 135 Max. 24 ------ 1.2 25,000 7 47K NO # 1 Tel. Slide 8, 6, 22, 2
KlC5 90 Max. 27 ------ .7 25.000 7 lOOK NO #5 Tel. Slide 4. 22
KID5 135 Max. 24 ------ 1.9 25,000 7 30K NO #5 Tel. Slide 8. 6, 22, 2
K2A-D 90 Max. 27 ------ .5 25,000 7 150K NO 2%" Wire 23
K3A-A 135 Max. 24 ------ 1.9 25,000 7 30K NO 1" W~re 8, 23, 6

135 Max 24 ------ 30K NO 23/3~ 1" Wire Tinned 8, 23, 6

65- 80 Avg.>50 50 Min. -- NO 24/32 4" Wire 4, 5, 6
65- 80 Avg.>50 50 Min. -,- NO 24/32 3" Wire 4. 5, 6
60. 75 --- ------ - - NO 24/3z 1" Wire 4, 6, 13, 4
60- 90 Avg.>58 ------ - - NO 24/32 2" Wire Tinned 4, 6
60- 80 50- 65 50 Min. - - YES 41 2 % ~ 1%-2" Wire Tin. 4, 6, 5
65- 73 52- 62 50 Min. - - YES 19 24/32 13/4-2" Wire Tin. 4, 6, 5
68. 76 52- 62 50 Min. -- YES 20 24/32 13/4-2 Wire Tin. 4, 6, 5
60- 90 Avg. >58 ------ -- NO 24/32 3" Wire 4. 6
65- 73 39 50 Min. -- YES 17 24/32 13/4-2" Wire Tin. 4, 6, 42
75-135 70 Avg. 13 - - - - - - -- NO 24/32 2" Wire 4, 5, 6
60-100 Avg.>59 ------ - - NO 24/32 1" Wire Tinned 4, 5. 6
60- 80 52- 72 ------ - - YES 41 24/32 1" Wire Tinned 4, 5, 6
75-100 55- 75 ------ - - YES 21 24/32 1" Wire Tinned 4, 5. 6
60- 80 50- 65 50 Min. - - YES 19 17/s" Wire 6, 5
62- 72 50- 60 50 Min. - - YES 41 I l l 1 6 l7/s" Wire 6, 5
68- 78 55- 65 50 Min. - - YES 21 ll/ls 17/a" Wire 6, 5
60- 90 59 Avg. 13 - - - - - - - - NO ]'/la 2" Wire 6
60- 90 59 Avg. 13 - - - - - - - - NO 11116 3" Wire 6
60- 90 59 Avg. 13 - - - - - - -- NO 11/16 2" Wire Tinned 6
60- 90 59 Avg. 13 - - - - - - -- NO 1'116 1" Wire Tinned 6
60- 85 52- 67 ------ -- YES 41 15/16 1" Wire Tinned 4, 5, 6, 34
75- 85 57- 68 -- YES 19 15/~e 1" Wire Tinned 4, 5, 6, 34
75-100 52- 67 -- YES 21 15/~a 1" Wire Tinned 4. 5, 6, 34
60- 85 50- 70 -- YES 20 '5/16 1-L3/~6"Wire Tin. 4, 5, 6, 34
55- 75 45- 65 -- YES 41 15/~s 1" Wire Tinned 4, 5, 6
70- 90 55- 75 -- YES 21 I5/1e 1" Wire Tinned 4. 5, 6
55- 90 Avg.>57 13 -- NO 15/16 3" Wire 4. 5, 6
60-100 Avg. 61 13 -- NO 10 # 1 Tel. Sllde 4, 6. 22. 3
90 Max. 27 -- NO 27/32 1" Wire
90 Max. 27 -- NO 27/3z 1" Wire Tinned
90 Max. 27 -- NO 27/32 1" Wire + Res. 45
 T2 Miniature Neon Lamps
- -

Designation DC Voltage Ratines

NE USAS Other
B'kdown N, Maint. I Exting. Base Notes
Volts ; Volts ;1 Volts ;
LT2-32-1 1 135 Max. 1 1 (24 / - - - - - - 1 1" Wire 8. 46, 47
LT2-27-1T 135 Max 1" Wire Tinned 8
LT2R-27-1 135 Max ------ 1" Wire + Res. 8, 45
RT2-27-1 66- 83 48 52- 59 50 Min. 49 1" Wire 6
RT2-32-1A 70- 90 48 50- 65 50 Min. 50 1"-314" Wire 6. 46
RLT2-27-1 ' 165-220 48 55- 80 55 Min. 50 1" Wire 6
RLT2-27-1A 105-140 48 61- 80 55 Min. 50 1" Wire 6
SLT2-32-1 95-130 61- 80 55 Mln. 50 1" W~re
T2-27-1R100 66- 74 48 52- 59 50 Min. 49 1" Wire 52
T2-27-lWR250 100-120 48 60- 70 55 Min. 50 1" Wire 52
T2-27-1WR350 115-140 48 60- 70 55 Min. 50 1" Wire 52
T2-27-1WR500 140-160 48 60- 70 55 Min. 50 1" Wire 52
T2-27-1WR760 170-200 48 60- 70 55 Min. 50 1" Wire 52
ST2-274 70- 78 55- 61 50 Min. 49 1" Wire 53
55ST2A 68- 75 56- 58 50 Min. 49 1" Wire 46. 53
55ST2S 66- 76 52- 60 50 Min. 49 1" Wire 46, 53
65ST2S 73- 78 61- 67 59 Min. 49 1" Wire 46
70ST2S 100-120 64- 73 62 Min. 49 1" Wire 46
90ST2S 94-106 77- 90 75 Min. 49 -- YES 19 1'116 1" Wire 54, 46
140ST2S 134-160 122-150 120 Min. 49 -- YES 19 1'116 1" Wire 46
A016 64- 80 59 - - - ------ - - YES 57 24/3a 1" W~re 5
A051 205-250 --- ------ - - NO 27/3a 1" Wire 58
A0570 85 Max. 48 Avg. 60 ------ - - YES 17 1 1" Wire 6
A059-2 65- 75 52- 53 - - YES 57 27/aa 1" Wire 6
A059-3 65- 75 53- 54 - - YES 57 27/32 1" Wire 6
A059-4 65- 75 54- 55 - - YES 57 27/3a 1" Wire 6
A069-5 65- 75 55- 56 - - YES 57 271aa 1" Wire 6

65- 75 56- 57 ------ YES 57 07/3z 1" Wire

65- 75 57- 58 ------ YES 57 27/3a 1" Wire
65- 75 58- 59 ------ YES 57 27/3a 1" Wire
65- 75 59- 60 ------ YES 57 a7/3a 1" Wire
85 Max. 48 50- 60 48 Min. YES 41 27/32 1" Wire
66- 74 50- 60 48 Min. YES 41 27/3a 1" Wire
70 Max. 58 Max. 47 Min. YES 17 27/32 1" Wire
105 Max. 48 60- 70 58 Min. YES 41 27/32 1" Wire
SEL.NE2E SEL.NE2E ------ NO 2V3a 2" Wire
SEL.NE23 SEL.NE23 ------ NO 1 l/1e 1" Wire
110 Max. 82- 86 ------ YES 19 1'116 1" Wire
140 Max. 115-121 ------ YES 19 1'116 1" Wire
140-160 48 60- 70 55 Min. YES 14 27/32 1" Wire
SEL.NE96 SEL.NE96 ------ NO 27/32 1" Wire
190 Max. 129-133 ------ YES /19 1'116 1" Wlre
135 Max. 106-112 ------ 1" Wire
100 Max. --- ------ 2" Wire
------ 1" Wire
175-220 <loo ------ YES 119 27/32 1" Wire
- .
 T2 Voltage Regulators

C --
Breakdown Initial Voltage Variation
Temperature
Indust.
Number
Other Max. DC
Volts
Maintaining
Volts DC mA
From Initial Value
Over Operating Ranee
Coefficient 1 Remarks
I
Z82R7 <l volt from 25- 7.0 mA. All regulators are
Z82R10 <l volt from .3 -10. mA. compensated for dark
282115 c l volt from .5 -15. mA. effect and come with
Z83R4 <l volt from .25- 4.2 mA. 1" wire leads.
Z84R2 <l volt from .l5- 2.0 mA. The M.O.L. is I1/rs"
Z91R2 <I volt from . l . 2.0 mA. for glass parts and
Z9 1R4 4 1 volt from .2 - 4.0 mA. all have 12mm elec-
Z91R7 <l volt from .25- 7.0 mA. trodes.
Z91R10 <l volt from .25-10. mA. The tight output
Z100R12 < 1 volt from .6 -12. mA. from regulators is not
Z103R2 <l volt from .2 - 2.0 mA. usable as heavy sput-
Z103R4 <I volt from .2 - 4.0 mA. tering is induced in
Z105R7 <I volt from .6 . 7.0 mA. the manufacturing
Zl lOR4 <l volt from .5 - 4.0 mA. process.
ZlllR3 <l volt from .5 - 3.3 mA. Life expectancy is
Z115R4 <I volt from .l5- 4.0 mA. 20,000 hours for 103
Z115R7 <l volt from .5 - 7.0 mA. volt regulators and up
Z116R2 <I volt from .l2- 2.0 mA. and 30,000 hours for
Z133R6 <I volt from .8 - 4.8 mA. the 82-100 V regula-
Z139R1.5 <I volt from .3 - 1.9 rnA. tors.
Z143R1.5 <I volt from .3 - 1.9 mA. Life expectancy is
V83R4 <2 volts from 25- 4.0 mA. based on original
V84R2 1 2 volts from .15- 2.0 mA. specifications.
V91R2 <2 volts from .1 - 2.0 mA.

135 10322 .8 mA. <2 volts from .2 - 2.0 mA. <I5 mVI% *These types have a
V103R2
170 11022 1.5 mA. <2 volts from .5 - 4.0 mA. <15 mVpC metal jacket and
Vl lOR4
155 11522 .8 mA. <2 volts from .15- 4.0 mA. <15 mV/"C s l ~ g h t l y different
VllSR4
150 11652 .6 mA. <2 volts from .12- 2.0 mA. <15 mVpC characterlstlcs.
V116R2
V139R1.9 190 13954 .5 mA. <2 volts from .3 - 1.9 mA. <15 mV/"C
V143R1.9 225 14354 .5 mA. <2 volts from .3 - 1.9 mA. <15 mVPC

Notes

250K or more series resistance. 17 Anode identified by green dot.

End of life is 5-volt change in breakdown or maintaining voltage. 18 Based on 5-volt change in maintaining voltage.
Bulb tip marked with red lacquer. 19 Anode identified by red dot.
Formed tip. 20 Anode identified by green dot.
Dri-film coating. 21 Anode identified by white dot.
Contains mild radioactive additive for the reduction of dark effect. 22 Lamp drops through .310" cylinder approximately 1" long.
Based on ac operation. 23 Flat end bulb.
High brightness. 24 Not specified, but more than 99% are initially between 60-80 volts.
Based on initial breakdown and maintaining voltages. 25 MOL 'Vie".
MOL lll/ls" 26 Outside acid frost.
Round end bulb. 27 Not specified. but more than 99% are initially between 50-75 volts.
End of life is 10-volt change in breakdown or maintaining voltage. 28 Maximum breakdown in total darkness is 100 Vat.
After 100 hours at design current. 29 MOL 1.030".
Anode identified by blue dot. 30 Based on 50% decrease in ultraviolet output.
Maximum diameter is .275". 31 Based on use as a film marker.
100-volt maximum in total darkness. 32 Argon filled.
 TESTING GUIDELINES
A preliminary visual inspection under operating conditions
can sometimes reveal useful information such as the type of
gas, length of electrodes, and whether or not it is a high pres-
sure type (small corona and widely-spaced electrodes).
I t can also reveal defective conditions such as excessive
sputtering, misaligned electrodes, arcing, and leaks. Normal
indicator types, all of which use lower pressures, may be con-
sidered defective if the corona "jumps," or if i t fails to cover
2/S of the electrode. I t may be worthwhile to note that even if
an indicator electrode is completely covered but the corona
is "soft" or "flowery," it is usually considered defective, be-
cause the life figures for these types are greatly reduced.
Electrical tests are, of course, performed by whatever in-
struments are available. Oscilloscopes, digital voltmeters, or
electrometers can all be used to perform the same test and get
nearly the same results, so rather than include detailed test
procedures, a few overall guidelines are listed.

1. Try to test the lamp in the actual circuit.

2. Test instruments having a high input impedance are
recommended. The l-megohm oscilloscopes are satisfac-
tory for static breakdown and maintaining voltage tests,
but can disable an oscillator or other high-resistance cir-
cuit.
3. Breakdown voltages are affected by radiation fields, am-
bient light, the length of time i t has been in the conduct-
ing state, and the speed with which the breakdown volt-
age is applied (ramp slope or rise time). The test condi-
tions must be specified to make the test valid.
4. Specify the circuit resistance used in any extinguishing
voltage test.
5. Shunt capacitance as small as 1 p F (scope probe), can
cause parasitic oscillations when observing the high-re-
sistance side of the lamp (over 1 megohm).
6. The dynamic differential voltage or peak-to-peak wave-
form of an oscillator is not the same a s the dc differen-
tial voltage, so each should be tested in a different man-
ner.
7. Ionization time tests should include risetime, or ramp
 characteristics, plus the-amplitude of the ionizing pulse.
PRICING GUIDELINES
8. High-pressure types are usually tested with, or monitored
by, an oscilloscope, as the inherent noise spikes and volt- Each specification requested will add to the price of the lamp
age jumps cannot be easily recognized by voltmeters or and if the specification is made tighter, the purchase price will
counters. be even higher.
Any additional steps in the manufacturing procedure will
When a quantity of neon lamps is to be tested, clip leads also increase costs. This includes welding, tinning, acid frost-
and soldered connections may, a t times, be considered too slow. ing, gauging, aging, encapsulating, and electrical testing.
One solution is to use a transistor test socket such as the Po- The net price for an average regulator is around $1.60, while
mona TS-187. Another solution is to make a test stand of plas- circuit components range from $ .I0 to $ .45. The average
tic or bakelite and drill two vertical holes l/s inch in diameter net cost of a T2 indicator type (unbased) is about $ .O8.
and 2 inches deep. Fill the holes with mercury and contact the
base of the mercury column with horizontal external screws.
MOUNTING CONSIDERATIONS
These screws are used for the electrical connections, and the
mercury pools serve as the test socket. Still another method is Tip shapes and base terminals have some bearing on mount-
to use two small magnets separated by a piece of plastic and se- ing methods used for neon lamps. Length of service and need
cured to a board. The magnets not only serve as the electrical for replacement are also factors to consider; that is, should it
connection but they will hold the Dumet lamp leads. be a clamp or socket, for easy replacement, or can the lamp
be cemented in a more permanent installation? Fig. 8-2 shows
SPECIFYING GUIDELINES
I t is usually not necessary to use any one designation when
ordering glow lamps from the manufacturer as he will fur-
nish the correct component under its proper listing. If, how-
ever, the lamp is ordered from an electronic parts or whole-
sale house, the designation a s listed in its catalog should be RANDOM FORMED ROUND FLAT
OR DRAWN
used.
Actually, specifications alone a r e all that are needed by most
manufacturers, even for orders as small as 100 lamps. The
user has only to keep in mind the b!i sic limitations of the neon
tube, such as the voltage and current capabilities. Maintain-
ing voltages less than 45 volts and breakdown voltages in ex-
cess of 250 volts, for instance, are unrealistic, even though
they are possible.
Perhaps the main reason that ordering by specification has
become popular is that the users can include special tests that S. C. 05
MIDGET FLANGE TELEPHONE SLIDE
are of particular importance. Some common "specials" are
wire leads several feet long, energy transfer test, lamp par-
tially painted with reflective material, silver plated leads, W tl
WIRE

guaranteed sawtooth amplitude a t a particular frequency, and TELEPHONE SLIDE

a guaranteed frequency of oscillation. Fig. 8-2. Neon-lamp tips and bases.
 ALUMINUM BAR FOR SHIELDING EPOXY CEMENT
tip shapes and basing construction of some miniature neon
lamps. Fig. 8-3 shows several methods of mounting to a printed
circuit board. Multiple mounting and panel mounting exam-
ples are shown in Fig. 8-4. One commercial neon lamp holder 118" BAKELITE 114" HOLES
(Fig. 8-5) is designed to mount in a slot in a panel and includes
a colored indicator lens.

S ILICONE RUBBER BLACK EPOXY NYLON CLAMP METAL CLAMP

SlLASTlC RTV 732 ECCOBOND 45 WALDON CCN33 NEWARK 3ff359

8
ECCOBOND 45 CLEAR
Y FLUSH LAMP

r:EcLIpg
LllTLEFUSE 101002
, ,
i : v
R ICHCO VlOOO
RUBBER GROMMET GC HO 32-F
VINYL GROMMET NEWARK 30F744
3/16'' x 112" SLOTS

4'i
\

TOP FRONT
\A

TOP FRONT
8
Fig. 8 3 . Printed circuit board mountings.
1116" PANEL

NOTE: ORIENT N E G A T ~ ~ELECTRODE

E
TO THE FRONT
T1 AND BALL-END LAMPS Fig. 8-4. Multiple and panel mountings.

Lamps Inc. manufactures three neon lamps with diameters

of .I25 in. All are the high-brightness type, pre-aged, and com-
pensated for dark-effect.
USAS Type A1K is .250 in. long with 1in. gold-plated leads.
USAS Type A I L has a sub-midget flange base with a MOL
of .360 in.
Manufactur r's type 95BE is a special lamp that has a ball-
/
shaped view'ng end on the .125-in. shaft. This permits the
lamp to be mounted directly in a panel hole and secured in the
rear with an O-ring. This type of mounting is shown in Fig.
8-6. Mounting with a rubber grommet is also shown in the
same figure. The 95BE has an MOL of .500 in. and comes with
1-in. gold-plated leads. Fig. 8-5. A commercial neon-lamp mounting.
 Fig. 8-6. Balland lamp mounting. Appendix
O-RING RUBBER
RETA INER GROMMET
USING THE NOMOGRAMS
Tl% CRATER-ELECTRODE LAMPS The frequency nomograms in Figs. A-1, A-2, and A-3 show
the relationship between the RC time constant, power supply
Alco Electronic Parts, Inc. offers two unbased lamps having voltages, and frequency.
0.172 in. diameters and round tips. The crater or "bullseye" If a straight line is connected between any two known val-
electrode is used in these types to increase the light output ues, the third or unknown value can be found along the same
from the viewing end. line.
Manufacturer's Type M N E d L comes with 10-inch insulated
leads and type MNE-4 has short, untinned leads. Example: A one-lamp oscillator using a 10-meg resistor
and a .001-pF capacitor is connected to a 175-
volt power supply.
The frequency can be determined by extend-
ing a straight line on Fig. A-2 from 175 volts
through time constant .O1 (10,000,000 ohms x
.000000001 farad), to the Hz scale.
(An RC time-constant nomogram is also in-
cluded in this section for convenience.)
Answer: 600 Hz.
When the oscillator nomograms are used to find the needed
time constant, then the chapter on oscillators should also be
consulted, since there are minimum and maximum resistance
values associated with each oscillator type.
The time constant for the astable multivibrator is calculated
by multiplying the value of C in farads by the SUM of R1 and
R2 in ohms. Equal values of resistance provide a symmetrical
output.
The fourth nomogram (Fig. A-4), is an RC time-constant
nomogram that is limited to the range and parts values nor-
mally encountered in gas tube oscillators.
Again, a straight line connected between any two known
values will reveal the third or unknown quantity along the
same line.
I SUPPLY
VOLTS
04
SUPPLY

C
WHERE (I I S A FUNCTION OF FREQUENCY
AND I S FOUND EXPERIMENTALLY

RxC
TIME
CONSTANT

175

200

225
250
275
300

V I S A STANDARD-BRIGHTNESS LAMP
WITH AVERAGE CHARACTERISTICS
AFTER 100 HOURS OPERATION

I
I
Fig. A-2. High-froquoncy ouillator nomograph.
 1
SUPPLY fo = Eapp + Ebkdwn - h a i n t
I R l t R 2 1 C lq,(
Eapp - Ebkdwn

V 1R1= fo I N H z
-
- =
(R1+ R2)xC - 2000
TIME
CONSTANT -- 1000
r
T -
-
-
SUPPLY
-
VOLTS -
=- 100

-r
- 10

225 -
250 -
275 -
300
325
350 -1
-
-
-
-
-
-
Wl -

z.1
-
-
-

V 1 AND V 2 ARE STANDARD- BRIGHTNESS LAMPS

W I T H AVERAGE CHARACTER ISTICS
AFTER 100 HOURS OPERATION

Fig. A-3. Astable-multivibrator frequency nomograph.

120
 Index

Brightness
high, 16,17
Abnormal glow, 10 standard, 16, 17
Ac calibrator, 87 Burn-out, 15
Aging
procedures, 94-96
process, 11
Algebraic addition of voltages, Cadmium selenide, 66
33,34 Cadmium sulfide, 66
Alignment, radio, 91 Calibrator
Altitude, effect of, 16 ac, 87
Amplifier, sine-wave, 70 digital, 86
A-m signal generator, 90, 91 voltage, 83-88
AND gate, 51-53 Capacitance of glow lamp, 93
Antileakage coating, 94 Capacitive starting, 30,33
Arc suppression, 76 Cascaded reference, 31
Argon, 12 Cathode
Arrester, lightning, 76,77 cold, 7
Astable multivibrator, 43, 45, 68, 69 sputtering, 26
Audio Characteristic curve,
output indicator, 24 of neon lamp, 9
switch, 74, 75 Coating
Avalanche antileakage, 94
current, 8,10 of electrodes, 13
time, 41 Cog-wheel effect, 62
Cold cathode, 7
Color of lamps, 16
Compensation for dark effect, 12
Ball-end lamps, 114 Construction of lamps, 17
Barium, 13 Control
Binary counter, 51 SCR, 62
Bistable multivibrator, 49, 50, 74 touch, 74
Breakdown voltage, 8,10 Corona, 10
static, 10 jump, 42
Corona--cont'd Flasher Indicator Mounting neon lamps, 113,114
mode, 9 neon, 43,46,47 audio output, 24 Multivibrator
unstable, 13 random, 48 fuse, 22,23 astable, 43, 45, 68,69
Corotron, 9 sequential, 47,48 nonlatching, 20 bistable, 49, 50, 74
Counter Flip-flop multivibrator, 49,50 Ion, 9 flip-flop, 49,50
binary, 51 Foreign lamps, 17,18 Ionization, 7-9 frequency of, 44
ring, 54, 55 Frequency causes of, 10,13 monostable, 50, 51
Crater electrode, 116 doubling, with multivibrator, 46 time, 10, 41 two-lamp, 43
Current limit of oscillator, 37,42 Isolation, by diode, 29
avalanche, 8, 10 of light radiated by gas lamps, 93
design, 11 of multivibrator, 44
run-away, 8 Fuse indicators, 22,23 Negative
self-sustaining, 8 Junction devices, resistance, 11
photoconductive, 71 temperature coefficient, 13
Neon
Gamma radiation, 13 flasher, 43,46, 47
Dark effect, 11 Gas glow, color of, 12
compensation, 12 lamp resistance, 7, 93,94 Krypton, 12 Neon lamp, 15
Darkening, 16 pressure, 13,42 Krypton 85,12 characteristic curve, 9
Decade ring counter, 56,58 tubes, series operation of, 29 defined, 7
Deionization time, 10,11, 55, 56 Gate other names, 7
effect on oscillator frequency, 42 AND, 51-53 specification chart, 100-110
Delay MAJORITY, 52, 53 Lamp Neon lamps
pulse, 75 OR,51, 52 colors, 16 ball-end, 114
time, 53 Generator construction, 17 mounting, 113,114
Design a-m signal, 90, 91 efficiencies, 15 testing, 111
current, 11 high-amplitude sawtooth, 42 incandescent, 15 Neon-operated relay, 62,63
of regulator, 33 square-wave, 45 neon, 15 Neon-regulated supply, 80
Differential voltage, 10,54 Glow defined, 15 Nickel, 12
reference, 32 abnormal, 10 Lamps, indicating, 18-24 Nonlatehing indicator, 20
Digital calibrator, 86 normal, 10 Lamp, tungsten, l 5 , 1 6 Normal glow, 10
Diode isolation, 29 Life of lamps, 17 Numbering systems, 97
Light, frequency radiated by gas
lamps, 93
Helium, 12, 16 Lightning arrester, 76, 77
Efficiency of lamps, 15 High Light-operated threshold circuit, 69 OR gate, 51, 52
Electrode brightness, 16,17 Limiting resistor, 18 Oscillation, relaxation, 19,38
coating, 13 current regulator, 26,31,32 Oscillations, parasitic, 44, 54
crater, 116 energy detection, 90 Oscillator
materials, 12 pressure gas, 42 frequency limit, 37
size, 13,26 Holding voltage, 10 Maintaining voltage, 8 sawtooth, 38,39
spacing, 13 Humidity sensor, 71 MAJORITY gate, 52,53 single lamp, 37
End-of-life, 11 Manley-Buckley ring counter, synchronized, 40,41
Extinguishing voltage, 10 54,55 triggering, 39
Memory circuit, 65, 66 Overvoltage protection, 76-78
F Incandescent lamp, 15 Mercury vapor, 16
Firing miniature, 15 Miniature incandescent lamp, 15
potential, 10 Indicating lamps, 18-24 Molybdenum, 12
resistor, 28 Indication, short-pulse, 21, 22 Monostable multivibrator, 50, 51 Parallel starting, 29
Parasitic oscillations, 44, 54 Resistance Sputtering, 11 Two-lamp multivibrator, 43
Photocell, 66, 67 negative, 11 cathode, 26
Photochopper, 68,69 of gas lamps, 7,93, 94 Square-wave generator, 45
Photoconductive junction series, calculation of, 27,31, 36 Stabilization of gas lamps, 95
devices, 71 Resistor Standard brightness, 16,17 Ultraviolet light, 12,17
Polarization, 12 firing, 28 Standing rise, 11 Unregulated power supply, 79,80
Power line tester, 89 limiting, 18 Starting Unstable corona, 13
Power supply voltage-controlled, 68 capacitive, 30, 33
neon regulated, 80 Rf radiation, 13 parallel, 29
regulated, 79-83 Ring counter series, 29
unregulated, 79,80 decade, 56,58 shunt, 29,30 Vacuum-tube regulators, 79, 80
Pressure of gas, 13 Manley-Buckley, 54, 55 Static breakdown voltage, 10 Voltage
Pulse Run-away current, 8 Striking voltage, 10 algebraic addition of, 33, 34
delay, variable, 75 Strontium, 13 breakdown, 8,10
trigger, 39 Switch, audio, 74, 75 calibrators, 83-88
Synchronized oscillator, 40,41 differential, 10, 54
extinguishing, 10
Sawtooth holding, 10
generator, high-amplitude, 42 jump, 17,42
Radiation, 13 oscillator, 38, 39 Temperature maintaining, 8
gamma, 13 SCR, 61 effect of, 13 reference circuit, 27
rf, 13 control, 62 sensor, 71 reference, differential, 32
Radio alignment, 91 Screen-grid regulator, 34 Tester, power line, 89 regulator
Random flasher, 48 Self-sustaining current, 8 Tests for neon lamps, 111 general purpose, 28
Rectifiers, silicon controlled, 61 Sensor Threshold input, 28
Reference humidity, 77 circuit, light-operated, 69 load, 28
cascaded, 31 temperature, 71 relay, 63, 64 striking, 10
circuit, voltage, 27 Sequential flasher, 47,48 Thyristor, 61 Voltage-controlled resistor, 68
regulated, series-pass, 34, 35 Series Timer circuits, 71-73 Voltmeter, transient, 88,89
Regulated operation of gas tubes, 29 Touch control, 74
power supplies, 79-83 regulation, 81 Townsend discharge, 10
reference, series-pass, 34, 35 resistance, calculation of, Transient voltmeter, 88, 89
Regulation 27, 31,36 Transistor driven relay, 64 Work function, 12
curve, 84 starting, 29 Trigger
series, 81 Series-pass regulated reference, circuit, 39, 56, 57
Regulator 34,35 pulse, 39
design, 33 Short-pulse indication, 21,22 Tungsten lamp, 15,16 Xenon, 12
high-current, 26,31, 32 Shunt
input voltage, 28 regulation, 81,83
load voltage, 28 starting, 29, 30
screen-grid, 34 Silicon controlled rectifiers
vacuum-tube, 79,80 (see SCR)
voltage, general purpose, 28 Sine-wave
Relaxation oscillation, 19, 38 amplifier, 70
Relay oscillator, 41
memory, 65,66 Single lamp oscillator, 37
neon-lamp operation of, 62, 63 Spacing of electrodes, 13
threshold, 63,64 Specification chart, neon lamps,
transistor driven, 64 100-110