A diode is an electronic component that allows current to flow in one direction
while blocking it in the opposite direction.
A vacuum tube diode consists of two components:
- Cathode: Heated by a filament to emit electrons (thermionic emission).
- Anode (Plate): Collects electrons emitted by the cathode when a positive voltage is applied.
A triode is a type of vacuum tube that amplifies an electrical signal by using a small
voltage change at its control grid to cause a larger change in current flow between the
cathode and anode (plate).
It consists of three components:
- Cathode: Emits electrons when heated.
- Anode (Plate): Collects electrons, allowing current flow when positively charged.
- Control Grid: A wire mesh placed between the cathode and anode to control the flow of electrons.
A tetrode is a type of vacuum tube that amplifies electronic signals by controlling the flow of electrons between its
cathode and anode using a control grid while reducing unwanted feedback or capacitance through
its screen grid.
It consists of four components:
- Cathode: Emits electrons when heated.
- Control Grid: Modulates the flow of electrons.
- Screen Grid: Reduces the capacitance between the control grid and the anode, improving high-frequency performance.
- Anode (Plate): Collects electrons to form the output current.
A pentode is a type of vacuum tube that amplifies electronic signals by controlling the flow of electrons
between its cathode and anode through three grids. It's designed to amplify electronic signals with higher
gain and reduced distortion by suppressing secondary electron emissions with its three grids.
It consists of five components:
- Cathode: Emits electrons when heated.
- Control Grid: Modulates the electron flow to the anode.
- Screen Grid: Reduces capacitance between the control grid and anode for stable, high-frequency performance.
- Suppressor Grid: Positioned between the screen grid and anode to prevent secondary electron emission from the anode.
- Anode (Plate): Collects electrons, generating the output signal.
