3GX20,OOOA

TECHNICAL
DATA
HIGH-MU
POWERTRIODE

The ElMAC 3CX20,OOOA7is a ceramic/metal power triode intended for

use as a zero-bias Class B rf amplifier or Class C power amplifier or
oscillator. Class B operation with zero grid bias offers circuit simplicity
by eliminating the bias supply. In addition, grounded-grid operation is
attractive since a power gain as high as twenty times can be obtained
with the 3CX20,OOOA7.

GENERALCHARACTERISTICSI
ELECTRICAL

Filament: Thoriated Tungsten

Voltage ............................... 6.3 1 0.3 V
Current,at 6.3 volts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 A
Amplification Factor (Average): ................. 200
Direct Interelectrode Capacitance (grounded cathode) 2
Cin .................................. 61.0 pF
Cout ................................. 0.2 pF
Cgp ... .. .. ... . .. . ... . . .. . . 36 pF
Direct Interelectrode Capacitance (grounded grid) 2
Cin .................................................. 61.0 pF
Cout .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 pF
Cpk.. ... ... . . .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. ... . .. . .. . 0.2 pF
Frequencyof Maximum
Rating:
CW . 110 MHz

1. Characteristics and operating values are based upon performance tests. These figures may change withOUt notice
as the result of additional data or product refinement. EIMACDivision of varian should be consulted before using
this information for final equipment desi"".
2. Capacitance values are for a cold tube as rreasured in a special shielded fixture in accordance with Electronic In-
dUStries Association Standard RS-191.

MECHANICAL

Overall Dimensions:
Length. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.50 in; 215.9 mm
Diameter.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.25in; 209.6 mm
Net Weight .............................. 13.5lb; 6.15kg
Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Vertical base up or down
Maximum
OperatingTemperature:
Ceramic/Metal Seals. . . .. .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AnodeCore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(Effective 7-1-73) (j) 1972 by Varian Printed in U.S.A.

.. - --- ---- - --
EIMAC division of varian / 301 industrial way / san carlos / california 94070
3CX20.000A7

Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Forced air

Base .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Coaxial
Recommended Air System Socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. SK-1300 or SK-1320

RADIOFREQUENCY
LINEAR AMPLIFIER TYPICAL OPERATION (Frequencies to 110 MHz)
CATHODE DRIVEN Class A82
Class AB
Plate Voltage ............ 7000 7000 Vdc
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS GridVoltage . . . . . . . . . . . .. . o o Vdc
Zero--Signal Plate Current 1. . . . . .6 .6 Adc
DC PLATE VOLTAGE. . . . . . . . .. 8000 VOLTS Single-TonePlate Current2. . . . . 5.92 5.0 Adc
DC PLATECURRENT 6.0 AMPERES Single-aToneGrid Current1. . . . . 1.22 1.0 Adc
PLATE DISSIPATION 20.000 WATTS Driving Power 1, . . . . . . . . . . . 1750 1540 W
GRID DISSIPATION 500 WATTS Plate Dissipation . . . . . ..... 13.4 10.8 kW
Single-Tone Plate Output Power. 29.6 24.2 kW
1. Approximatevalues. Resonant load Impedance. . . . . 693 745 11

2. Adjust to obtain specified value. DriveImpedance

........... 27 3211

RADIO FREQUENCY POWER AMPLIFIER OR TYPICAL OPERATION (Frequencies to 110 MHz)

OSCILlATOR Class C Telegraphy or FM
Grid Driven Plate Voltage ................ 7000 Vdc
Grid Voltage ... .. .. .. .. ... ... -230 Vdc
Plate . . . . . . .. . . .. . .. .
Current. 4.0 Adc
ABSOLUTEMAXIMUM RATINGS Grid Current 1. .. . .. . .. .. .. . ... 775 mAdc
Peakrf Grid Voltage1. . . . . . . . . . . . 555 v
DC PLATE VOLTAGE. . . . . . . . . . 8000 VOLTS Calculated DrivingPower1.. . . . . . . . 430 W
Plate Input Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 kW
DCGRIDVOLTAGE.......... -500 VOLTS
6.7 kW
DCPLATECURRENT .......... 5.0 AMPERES
Plate Dissipation. ... ..........
Plate Output Power . .. .. .. . ... .. 21.3 kW
PLATEDISSIPATION
.......... 20.000 WATTS load Impedance.. . . . . . . .
Resonant 963 11
GRIDDISSIPATION.......... 500 WATTS 1. Approximatevalue.

RADIO FREQUENCY POWER AMPliFIER TYPICAL OPERATION

Class C Cathode Driven
Plate Voltage ......... 7200 7800 Vdc
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS: Grid to CathodeVoltage. . . -200 -200 Vdc
Plate Current. . . . . . . . . . 3.7 4.2 Adc
Grid Current1. . . . . . . . . . 92 98 mAdc
DCPLATEVOLTAGE.. . . . . . . .. 8000 VOLTS 480
Peak rf CathodeVOltage.1. . 500 v
DC GRIDVOLTAGE.. . . . . . . . .. -500 VOLTS
Cathode Driving Power 1 .. . 1900 2300 W
DC PLATECURRENT. . . . . . . . . . 5.0 AMPERES PI ate Dissipation ... . .. . 4500 5000 kW
PLATEDISSIPATION 20.000 WATTS Plate load Resistance. .. . 1080 102011
GRIDDISSIPATION 500 WATTS Plate Output Power ...... 22.0 27.5 kW
1. Approximate value.

POWER
RADIOFREQUENCY AMPLIFIER Grid Voltage . .. . . .. . . . . . .. . .. . o Vdc
Class B Television Service. Cathode Driven Zero Signal Plate Current 1. . . . ... . .. 1.2 Adc
Effective rf load Resistance ........ 605 11
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS Plate Current: Blanking Level ....... 4.8 Adc
Sync.Peaklevel . . . . . . 5.8 Adc
DC PLATE VOLTAGE. . . ...... . 8000 VOLTS Grid Current: Blanking Level 1 . .. ... . 0.47 Adc
DC PLATE CURRENT .......... 6.0 AMPERES Sync. Peak Levell. ..... 1.14 Adc
PLATEDISSIPATION .......... 20.000 WATTS rf Cathode Voltage Peak:
GRIDDISSIPATION .......... 500 WATTS Blanking Levell . . . .. . . 230 v
Sync. PeakLevel 1. . .. . . 300 v
TYPICAL OPERATION (Frequencies to 216 MHz) Driving Power: Blanking Level 1 . . . . . . 690 w
Class B Sync.Peak Level 1.. . . . 1700 w
Plate PowerOutput: BlankingLevel. . . . 16.5 kw
Plate Voltage 7200 Vdc Sync. Peak Level 27.5 kw
1. Approximate value.

2
 3CX20,OOOA7

NOTE: TYPICAL OPERATION data are obtained by measurement or calculation from published charaCteristic
curves. Adjustment of the rf grid voltage to obtain the specified plate current at the specified bias. and
plate voltages is assumed. If this procedure is followed. there will be little variation in output power
Yklen the tube is changed. even though there may be some variation in grid current. The grid current
which results when the desired plate current is obtained is incidental and varies from tube to tube.
These current variations cause no difficulty so long as the circuit maintains the correct voltage in the
presence of the variations in current. If grid bias is obtained principally by means of a grid resistor,
the resistor must be adjustable to obtain the required bias voltage en the correct rf grid voltage is
applied.

RANGE VALUESFOR EQUIPMENT DESIGN Min. Max.

Heater: Current at 6.3 volts ................................ 152 168 A
Cathode Wannup Time . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.0 sec.
Interelectrode Capacitances (grounded grid) 1
Cin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55.0 67.0 pF
Cout .......................... . 32.0 40.0 pF
Cpk . . 0.3 pF
InterelectrodeCapacitances(groundedcathode)1
Cin ................... . 55.0 67.0 pF
Cout ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.3 pF
Cgp . . . 32.0 40.0 pF
1. Capacitance values are for a cold tube liS measured in a shielded fixture in accordance with Electronic Industries
Association StandardAS-191.

APPLlCA TIOH

MOUNTING & SOCKETING -

The 3CX20,000A7 tube base is not directly in the anode cooling
must be operatedvertically, base up or down, air stream, provision should be made to direct an
and should be protected from severe shock and air stream of at least 50 CFM at the base from a
vibration. The use of an ElMAC air-system soc- 1-1/2 inch nozzle, or make other provision to
ket is recommended. For gridodriven applica- conduct heat from the filament and grid terminals.
tions, the SK-1300 is used; for cathodeodriven
circuits, the SK-1320 should be used, as the Anode Sea level 10.000 Feet Alt.
grid is grounded to the socket frame in this unit.
.
Dissipation
kW
Air Row
CFM
Pressure
Drop
AirFlow
CFM
Pressure
Drop
COOUNG - The maximum temperature rating
In. Water In.Water
.45
for the external surfaces of the 3CX20,OOOA7is 7.5 122 .25 203
250°C. Sufficient forced-air cooling must be 10.0 241 .70 350 1.00
provided to maintain the temperature of the 12.5 400 1.40 580 2.25
anode core and the ceramic/metal seals below 15.0 590 2.45 940 3.90
the maximum rating. Air flow should be applied 17.5 840 4.25 1320 6.70
before or simultaneously with the application of 20.0 1180 6.90 1710 10.00
electrode voltages (including the filament) and
should normally be maintained for a short period
. Since the power dissipated by the filament is about
1000 watts. and since the gid dissipation can re-
of time after all voltages are removed to allow present another 500 watts, allowance has been made
for tube coolodown. in preparingthis tabulation foran additional 1500
watts of dissipation.
Minimum air flow requirements (for air flowing FILAMENT OPERATION - The rated filament
in a base to anode direction) to maintain core voltage for the 3CX20,OOOA7is 6.3 volts. Fila-
and seal temperatures below 225°C with an inlet ment voltage, as measured at the socket, should
temperature of 50°C are tabulated here. Pres- be maintained at this value to obtain maximum
sure drop for this tabulation is measured across tube life. In no case should it be allowed to
the anode cooler and does not include drop deviate from tbe rated value by more than plus
across a socket or chimney. In cases where the or minus five percent. 3
3CX20,OOOA7

INPUT CIRCUIT - When the 3CX20,OOOA7is capacitance in this way normally assures good
operated as a grounded-grid rf amplifier, the use interchangeability of tubes over a period of
of a resonant tank in the cathode circuit is re- time, even when the tube may be made by dif-
commended in order to obtain greatest linearity ferent manufacturers. The capacitance values
and power output. For best results with a single- shown in the manufacturer'stechnical data, or
ended amplifier, it is suggested that the cathode test specifications, normally are taken in ac-
tank circuit operate at a "Q" of two or more. cordance with Standard R5-191.
The equipment designer is therefore cau-
CLASS-C OPERATION - Although specifically tioned to make allowance for the actual capaci-
designed for Class-B service, the 3CX20,OOOA7 tance values which will exist in any normal ap-
may be operated as a Class.c power amplifier or plication. Measurements should be taken with
oscillator. The zero-bias characteristic of the the socket and mounting which represent approxi-
3CX20,OOOA7 can be used to advantage in mate final layout if capacitance values are
Class.c amplifiers by employing only grid-leak highly significant in the design.
bias. If driving power fails, plate dissipation is
then kept to a low value because the;tU'be will be
operating at the normal static zero-bias condi-
HIGH VOLTAGE -
The 3CX20,OOOA7operates
at voltages which can be deadly, and the equip-
tions.
ment must be designed properly and operating
precautions must be followed. Equipment must
INTERELECTRODE CAPACITANCE - The be designedso that no one can comein contact
actual internal interelectrode capacitance of a with high voltages. All equipment must include
tube is influenced by many variables in most safety enclosures for high-voltage circuits and
applications, such as stray capacitance to the terminals, with interlock switches to open the
chassis, capacitance added by the socket used, primary circuits of the power supplies and to
stray capacitance between tube terminals, and discharge high-voltage condensers whenever
wiring effects. To control the actual capacitance access doors are opened. Interlock switches
values within the tube, as the key component must not be bypassed to allow
or "cheated"
involved, the industry and the Military Services operation with access doors open. Always re-
use a standard test pr~edure as described in member that HIGH VOLTAGE CAN KILL.
Electronic Industries Association Standard
RS-191. This requires the use of specially con- SPECIAL APPUCATlONS -
If it is desired
structed test fixtures which effectively shield to operate this tube under conditions widely
all external tube leads from each other and different from those given here, write to Power
eliminates any capacitance reading to U ground". Grid Tube Division, EIMAC Division of Varian,
The test is performed on a cold tube. Other 301 Industrial Way, San Carlos, CA 94070, for
factors being equal, controlling internal tube information and recommendations.

4
 3CX20.000A7

DIM MIN. REF.

A .10
B
C 0.720
D 1.96
E 3.133 -
f 3.792
H olea -- --
J - - - -
M 4.125 43
1
--
- -
--
. 11I.12

1°r
P 6250 6.750 209. 22225
. R 0966 1.050 - - 2504 26.67
S 3.450 3.750 - 67.63 95.25
T D.375 - - - 9.52
NOTES'
f /? I. REf DIMENSIOOS ARE fOR INFO.
ONLY a ARE NOT REOUIRED fOR
INSPECTION PURPOSES.
2.(*1CONTACT SURfACES

AIR

DONOT
CONTACT

GRiD

FLA~

NOT CONTACT

5
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CHARACTERISTICS
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