6E6-R
AI

The **6E6-R** refers to a high-frequency, power-amplifying vacuum tube (specifically a tetrode) primarily of Soviet/Russian origin. It is designed for wideband amplification and power stages in radio-electronic equipment.
---
### 1. Key Technical Specifications
The following table summarizes the primary electrical characteristics of the 6E6-R:
| Parameter | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| **Heater Voltage (Vf)** | 6.3 V |
| **Heater Current (If)** | ~600 mA |
| **Anode Voltage (Va)** | 150 V (Nominal) |
| **Anode Current (Ia)** | 35 mA |
| **Transconductance (gm)** | 20 - 35 mA/V |
| **Input Capacitance** | ~15.5 pF |
| **Output Capacitance** | ~4.3 pF |
| **Socket Type** | Noval (9-pin) |
---
### 2. Functional Characteristics
The 6E6-R is highly regarded in the audiophile and radio frequency (RF) communities due to several specific design traits:
* **High Transconductance:** With a transconductance ($G_m$) reaching up to 35 mA/V, this tube is exceptionally sensitive. This makes it ideal for weak signal amplification.
* **Secondary Emission:** The tube is often categorized as a "secondary emission" tube, designed to provide high gain even at very high frequencies (VHF range).
* **Low Noise:** Its construction allows for low-noise operation in wideband amplifiers, which is why it was historically used in radar and television relay equipment.
---
### 3. Pinout Diagram (Typical)
To integrate a 6E6-R into a circuit, the pin configuration is essential:
```text
Pin 1: Grid 2 (Screen Grid)
Pin 2: Internal Connection / No Connection
Pin 3: Grid 1 (Control Grid)
Pin 4: Heater
Pin 5: Heater
Pin 6: Cathode
Pin 7: Grid 3 (Suppressor Grid)
Pin 8: Anode (Plate)
Pin 9: Cathode
```
---
### 4. Common Applications
* **RF Amplification:** Used in the output stages of low-power transmitters or as a driver in high-power RF systems.
* **Audio Pre-amplifiers:** Due to its high gain, some boutique audio designers use it as a driver tube for power triodes (like the 300B), though it requires careful circuit design to prevent oscillation.
* **Video Amplifiers:** Its wide bandwidth makes it suitable for analog video signal processing.
- ⤷
What are the best equivalents or substitutes for the 6E6-R tube?
- ⤷ How do you calculate the bias resistor for a 6E6-R in a Class A amplifier?
- ⤷ What are the common failure modes of high-transconductance tubes like the 6E6-R?