High voltage glow discharge regulator

A new type of 25 KV glow regulator suitable for color television receiver applications has been developed. The output voltage varies less than 2% over a current range of 50 µa to 2 ma. The device also provides a novel fail-safe feature and a regulated focus voltage output. Glow discharge devices have been used extensively in the past as voltage regulators. They are characterized by simplicity, low cost, long life, stable characteristics and low dynamic impedance. Single tubes typically operate at 100 or 150 volts. Regulation of potentials in the kilovolt range has been performed by employing series chains of glow regulators, by corona discharge devices or by vacuum tube or transistor regulator circuits. In many applications, these approaches have not satisfactorily met cost, size, regulation, noise or x-radiation requirements.