A device for switching and amplifying electronic signals. It consists of a sealed glass container with electronic elements, such as metallic plates and grids, inside. In most applications, tubes have been replaced by transistors, although they are still used in cathode-ray tubes and in some radio frequency circuits and audio amplifiers. Also called: vacuum tube, valve. See also CRT.
Ichnet man die E. als Diode, Triode, Tetrode, Pentode, Hexode, Heptode, Oktode usw.