Western electric 359 a brochure

Page 1

BELL SYSTEM PRACTICES SECTION AB46.359A
Transmission Engineering and Data Issue 3, June 1962

Electron Tube Data A.T.& T. Co. Standard

ELECTRON TUBE DATA SHEET
WESTERN ELECTRIC 359A ELECTRON TUBE

DESCRIPTION

The 359A is a three-electrode, inert-gas-filled, cold cathode tube for use
primarily as a relay in communication circuits. It is also suitable for use in
control circuits such as in triggering, counting or switching apparatus and as a
visual indicator. This tube, by reason of small size and provision for wiring
directly into the circuits, may be used to advantage in equipment having limited-J
space for components.

CHARACTERISTICS

Peak Anode Voltage, Maximum . . . . - - - . - . 165 165 volts
Average Cathode Current- - - - - . - - - - - - 4 40 milliamperes
Average Life, Approximate . - - ~ - - . . . . . 10000 10 hours

FILE: COLD CATHODE SECTION

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© American Telephone and Telegraph Company 1962

359A

Page 2

359A-PIGE 2

MAXIMUM RATINGS, Absolute System (Note 1)

F.Teak Anode Voltage (Note 2)

Forward . 165 volts .
Inverse . . . 165 volts
Forward Cathode Current .(Note 3)
Peak - 40 milliamperes
Average . . . 15 milliamperes
Averaging Time . - 1 second
Peak Inverse Current, Anode or Starter (Note 3)- - - 1 milliamrere
Ambient Temperature Limits . - -55° to +85° centigrade
ELECTRICAL DATA (Throughout Life) Min. Bogey Max. .
Starter Breakdown Voltage (Notes 2 & 4) 67 80 89 volts
starter Voltage Drop at 10 Milliamperes - 52 65 74 volts
Anode Voltage Drop at 10 Milliamperes . 66 80 90 volts
Transfer Current . - . . - ~See curve, Figure 1 ?
Required Transfer Current at 130 Anode Volts - 50 - - microamperes
Deionization Time, Main Gap . . . . - 1 - millisecond ;
L_Ionization Time, Starter Gap (Note 5) - 0.05 - millisecond
MECHANICAL DATA
Mounting Position . Any .
New Weight, Approximate. 0 4 ounce

Dimensions and lead connections shown in outline drawings on page 4.

HANDLING

This tube contains a small amount of krypton-85 gas which is a by-product
radioactive material. The amount of krypton-85 is less than five microcuries, which
is too small an amount to require any special care in use.

Atomic Energy Commission regulations require that the individual tube carton

for tubes containing by-product radioactive material be appropriately marked. The
marking includes the statement that tube disposal should be in approved manner.

Approved instructions for disposal of tubes containing krypton-85 are as
follows;

-).

Tubes to be disposed of should be broken or crushed in a well
ventilated place releasing any resulting vapors to the outside
atmosphere. The residual broken or crushed tubes should be dis-
posed of in a normal public trash disposal system. Tubes should be
disposed of at a rate of not more than 100 each week from any one
location. Avoid breathing vapors from broken tubes.

In the "Absolute System" the maximum ratings specified are limiting values above which the
serviceability of the device may be impaired from the viewpoint of life and satisfactory
performance. Maximum ratings, as such, do not constitute a set of operating conditions and
all values may not. therefore, be attained simultaneously.

Note 1:

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