The AC044 in the photo is a genuine Mullard-made specimen, dating from the late 1940s or early 1950s. AC044s made in the early 1930s were much more bulbous but had lower power and voltage ratings (200 volts max.), lower μ and lower mutual conductance.

The valve was redesigned and uprated in the late 1930s in order to compete with the Marconi-Osram PX4 type. Early specimens of the redesigned Mullard type can be recognized by snazzy gold spray on the top of the bulb. Production was suspended for a period during WW2, PX4s (when available) being supplied for replacement purposes.

Designed for single end use, the high gain and reasonable power with low distortion would have destined this valve for quality applications.

The classic envelope is 50 mm in diameter and, excluding the B4 base pins, is 134 mm tall.

 
Pin Connections

B4	1	2	3	4
	a	g1	f	f

 
Absolute Maximum Operating Conditions

Triode	Vh	Ah	Va	Vg	mAa	ra	gm	Pout	D
	4.0	1.0	300	-38	50	1200	5	3.5	5%

This exhibit was last updated on 03 July 2009