Inductive Output Tubes (IOTs and ESCIOTs)

e2v is a world leading supplier of a wide range of plug-in and build-up Inductive Output Tubes (IOTs) and their high efficiency versions, the Energy Saving IOT (ESCIOT®).  which are used as the final amplifier stage in UHF television transmitters and more recently in high power scientific power supplies.

IOT technology is a highly cost-effective solution for analogue television transmitters over 10kW peak sync and digital transmitters over 5kW average power. 

Whilst an IOT powered television transmitter will consume typically 50% of the power of a klystron transmitter they usually replace. Tests have proved that the ESCIOT® offers ever greater savings, being 40-50% more efficient than an IOT in both analogue and digital service. The graph below illustrates the substantially improved efficiency levels experienced with the e2v ESCIOT® in comparison to an IOT:

The final choice of whether to use a conventional IOT or an ESCIOT® comes down to a calculation comparing the saving in electricity consumption to the additional cost of the transmitter system.

The graph below compares the cost of running a 30kW average digital power transmitter, over a 20 year period, of replacement tubes (assuming 30,000 hours life), and electricity costs, against varying costs of electricity per hour.

As you would expect, the savings achievable with an ESCIOT® powered transmitter are based on efficiency and so increase linearly with electricity cost.