Overview
The GE 5642 electronic tube rectifier is a vintage directly-heated high-voltage rectifier vacuum tube engineered for precise rectification in oscilloscope and test equipment power supplies. This New Old Stock (NOS) lot contains 5 units in original condition, making it ideal for vintage electronics restoration, laboratory equipment repair, and collector applications. The 5642 is a proven, reliable rectifier with a robust design suited for demanding high-voltage applications.
Key Features
- Directly-heated high-voltage rectifier design
- Three flexible lead connections for soldered circuit mounting
- New Old Stock (NOS) condition – original, unused stock
- Designed for oscilloscope CRT power supply and E.H.T. applications
- Low forward voltage drop and fast response characteristics
- Glass envelope construction with top cap design for durability
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: 5642
- Manufacturer: General Electric
- Tube Type: Directly-heated high-voltage rectifier
- Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV): 10 kV
- Maximum DC Output Current: 250 µA max (0.250 mA)
- Typical DC Output Current: 150 µA
- Base Type: SM-2Y1
- Lead Configuration: Three flexible leads (soldered)
- Quantity Per Lot: 5 units
- Condition: NOS (New Old Stock)
Typical Applications
- Oscilloscope CRT (cathode ray tube) power supplies
- High-voltage E.H.T. (extra high tension) supplies in test equipment
- Vintage audio and amplifier restoration projects
- Laboratory instrument rectification circuits
- Collector and museum restoration applications
- Educational and amateur radio equipment
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- Oscilloscope power supplies requiring 10 kV rectification
- High-voltage laboratory test equipment
- Vintage audio amplifiers with CRT or EHT supplies
- Tektronix and similar vintage oscilloscopes
- Vacuum tube circuits operating at 500–600V plate voltage
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- European equivalent: DY70 rectifier tube
- Military/industrial equivalent: ID5856
- Cross-reference with RCA, Sylvania, Tung-Sol, and Hytron-manufactured 5642 tubes
Works With
- Circuits designed for SM-2Y1 base rectifier tubes
- High-voltage power supply circuits rated 500–600V DC
- Directly-heated rectifier tube sockets and circuits
- CRT display and oscilloscope power supply designs
