What is this component ?

B

Bloodninja

New Member

• Jul 15, 2010

• #1

Hello everyone,

While I was disassembling a circuit I found the component shown in the attachments, is it a vaccum tube ? its a modern device so I find it strange to see those around these days.

 

Attachments

• Img0360.jpg

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N

Neal

Member

• Jul 15, 2010

• #2

Looks like a NE2 neon lamp

 

Reloadron

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Jul 15, 2010

• #3

Don't know that it a NE2 neon lamp but it is a neon lamp. Looks a tad short to be a NE2?

Ron

 

crutschow

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Jul 15, 2010

• #4

Yes, it's a neon lamp or some other type of gas discharge device. If it's not being used for its light, then it may be used as a transient suppressor or high voltage regulator (neon breaks down and conducts with a low impedance, similar to a zener diode, at about 60 to 80V for example).

 

Reloadron

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Jul 15, 2010

• #5

This is a good read on them. Note under applications the Nixie Tube. They also were used for voltage regulator circuits.

Ron

 

Attachments

• NE2 Lamp.jpg

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M

MrAl

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Jul 15, 2010

• #6

Hi there,


Interestingly, the turn on characteristic of these devices means they can also be used in low frequency oscillator circuits where they actually cause the oscillation.