suppressor grid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical
Quick answer
What does “suppressor grid” mean?
A third electrode in a thermionic valve (vacuum tube) placed between the screen grid and the anode to suppress secondary emission.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A third electrode in a thermionic valve (vacuum tube) placed between the screen grid and the anode to suppress secondary emission.
In electronics, a grid electrode used to prevent unwanted electron flow or oscillation in vacuum tubes, particularly in pentodes and beam tetrodes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in both varieties, though 'thermionic valve' (UK) vs. 'vacuum tube' (US) may appear in explanatory contexts.
Connotations
Strongly technical/historical in both regions; evokes mid-20th century electronics engineering.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse; used only in specialized electronics, vintage radio restoration, and historical technical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “suppressor grid” in a Sentence
The suppressor grid is connected to [cathode/ground].A suppressor grid prevents [secondary emission/oscillation].The function of the suppressor grid is to [repel electrons/improve characteristics].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suppressor grid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The suppressor-grid connection was faulty.
- A suppressor-grid voltage of zero volts is typical.
American English
- The suppressor-grid pin on the tube socket.
- Check the suppressor-grid bias resistor.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical electronics engineering papers and textbooks discussing vacuum tube design.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise term in valve/tube datasheets, circuit schematics, and restoration manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “suppressor grid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “suppressor grid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suppressor grid”
- Confusing it with the control grid or screen grid.
- Misspelling as 'supressor grid'.
- Assuming it's always at anode potential (it's usually at cathode potential).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is specific to pentodes, beam tetrodes, and some other multi-grid tubes designed to mitigate the effects of secondary emission.
No, its purpose is purely corrective and protective; it is not used as a control electrode for signal amplification.
For simplicity and to ensure it remains at cathode potential, which is the most effective bias for repelling secondary electrons back to the anode.
Secondary emission may cause negative resistance effects, distortion, and instability in the tube's operation, particularly at higher anode voltages.
A third electrode in a thermionic valve (vacuum tube) placed between the screen grid and the anode to suppress secondary emission.
Suppressor grid is usually technical in register.
Suppressor grid: in British English it is pronounced /səˈprɛsə ɡrɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈprɛsər ɡrɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUPPRESSOR GRID: SUPPRESSes unwanted electron flow like a GRIDiron fence stops players.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TRAFFIC COP directing electron flow, stopping wrong-way (secondary) electrons.
Practice
Quiz
What is the typical electrical potential of a suppressor grid in a standard audio pentode?