The calculation of accurate triode characteristics using a modern high-speed computer

The problem of space-current calculation is reviewed briefly to point out the inadequacy of the classic solution for modern close-spaced electron tubes. A more accurate solution for the space current is obtained by calculating the current distribution from the potential field in the grid-cathode space, corrected for space charge and initial electron velocities. A machine program set up on a large high-speed computer permits the calculation of complete voltage-current characteristics and their derivatives from basic input data. A brief account of the sequence of machine operations illustrates the large number of detailed steps and the flexibility of the program. The accuracy of the calculations is demonstrated by a comparison of the computed and measured characteristics of a nuvistor triode.