/learn/publications/b/blog/posts/silicon-breathes-new-life-into-old-vacuum-tube-technologyRegulator tube in operation (via archive photography) Silicon is breathing new life into the old vacuum tube technology we thought was all but gone. Sure some high-end stereo and guitar amplifiers still use them but this new/old technology is ai...en-USTelligent Community 12https://community.element14.com/learn/publications/b/blog/posts/silicon-breathes-new-life-into-old-vacuum-tube-technologyThu, 31 May 2012 19:26:53 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:c104651b-3cfa-4c13-9812-02cef5b3d37fDAB0<p>Hi Cabe,</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I did alot of my early work using tubes.&nbsp; They are still superior to silicon devices not only for audio, but also UHF and VHF recievers.&nbsp; The big issue is noise.&nbsp; At certain frequency/heat areas, the silicon generates a significant noise floor compared to the signal levels.&nbsp; Tubes can get you upto about 20db improvement and for sensitive applications, that makes them very useful.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>If anyone is really interested in good tube technology, go look at what the Russians accomplished with tube technology over the last fifty years.&nbsp; They did a lot of very good work in improving the technology and the quality of tube devices.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Brings back a lot of memories for me.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Thanks</p><p>DAB</p><img src="https://community.element14.com/aggbug?PostID=13595&AppID=45&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">