A ceramic-metal voltage reference tube

A glow discharge voltage reference tube of ceramic-metal construction has been developed. Minimum size (T2), extreme ruggedness, and unusual electrical stability characterize the tube. The operating voltage is 85 volts. The ceramic-metal construction affords simplicity of design and capacity for higher temperature processing. These contribute to a rigid structure with improved operating voltage stability. Performance of the reference tube under conditions of shock, vibration, high temperature, and high altitude is described. Operating voltage stability over extended periods, temperature coefficient, ionization voltage, and the slope and smoothness of the voltage-current characteristic are discussed.