6an8 Tube Datasheet
The 6AN8 Tube Datasheet is an essential document for anyone looking to understand, repair, or build with this versatile dual triode vacuum tube. This datasheet is the key to unlocking the technical specifications and operational parameters that make the 6AN8 a staple in many audio and electronic circuits.

What is the 6AN8 Tube Datasheet and Why is it Important?

The 6AN8 tube itself is a compact dual triode, meaning it contains two independent triode sections within a single glass envelope. This design makes it incredibly useful for various applications where amplification or oscillation is required. The 6AN8 Tube Datasheet provides a comprehensive blueprint for its behavior. It details crucial information such as:
  • Electrical characteristics: This includes things like plate voltage, grid voltage, plate current, and transconductance for each triode section.
  • Pin connections: Clearly illustrating which pin corresponds to which part of the tube (e.g., cathode, plate, grid).
  • Maximum ratings: Defining the absolute limits the tube can withstand without being damaged.
  • Typical operating conditions: Suggesting ideal settings for common applications.
The primary use of the 6AN8 is in audio amplifiers, particularly in preamplifier stages and driver stages where its gain and low noise characteristics are highly valued. It's also found in some radio frequency (RF) circuits and various signal processing applications. Understanding the 6AN8 Tube Datasheet allows designers and hobbyists to predict how the tube will perform in their specific circuit. This knowledge is absolutely vital for achieving optimal performance and avoiding circuit damage. To illustrate its versatility, consider these common configurations:
  1. Preamplifier Stage : Using one triode section to amplify a weak audio signal before it reaches the power amplifier.
  2. Driver Stage : Employing both triode sections to provide sufficient drive for a power output tube.
  3. Phase Splitter : A specific circuit configuration where the two triode sections can be used to create an inverted and non-inverted signal, essential for certain amplifier designs.
Here’s a simplified look at some key parameters you might find in a 6AN8 Tube Datasheet for one triode section:
Parameter Typical Value
Plate Voltage (Ep) 250V
Grid Voltage (Eg) -10V
Plate Current (Ip) 12mA
Amplification Factor (µ) 100
This table, derived directly from datasheet information, gives a snapshot of how the tube is designed to operate. Without this kind of detail, building or troubleshooting circuits involving the 6AN8 would be guesswork. The datasheet provides the definitive answers. Now that you have a foundational understanding of the 6AN8 Tube Datasheet, you can delve deeper into its specifics. Refer to the detailed documentation available in the next section to explore the full range of its capabilities and discover how it can empower your electronic projects.

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