Magnetic Beam Switching Tubes

Magnetic beam switching tubes are thermionic decimal counting devices used in high speed applications through the 1950's and 1960's. They feature counting speeds up to 10 MHz (versus 1 MHz for the fastest dekatron) and high electrical efficiency. They also produce output signals which can be coupled directly to a Nixie tube with minimal intermediate components.

Like the Nixie tube, the magnetic beam switching tube was developed into an extensive product line by Burroughs. Several European companies also offered clones and near-clones of early Haydu/Burroughs models, but Burroughs stood alone in innovation, developing faster and more compact models over the span of only a few years.

Magnetic beam switching tubes can be found in two basic configurations. Early models have a single external magnet encircling the glass envelope; later versions feature 10 internal magnets, and were sold by Burroughs under the 'Beam-X Switch' trademark.

Notes: HB-101 is a Haydu part number, not a Burroughs part number as mis-stated in the video. Additionally, there is a fourth MBST pinout not mentioned in the video, a 20-pin configuration used by only the MO-10R and BD-309. Some prototype MBSTs also have alternate pinouts.

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Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• burroughs
• magnetic
• beam
• switching
• tube
• trochotron
• dekatron
• nixie

[jenniferlovehewitts]

bx1000s are so sessy in their nakedness