I'm working on a preamp design that would allow me to switch between two different topologies and I need to switch between plate supplies that provide different voltages (and potentially currents). My supply thus far provides a voltage that is close to the necessary plate supply for the design at the intended current. What I want to know is what kind of plate "load" is needed for a vacuum tube.
Basically, what I want to figure out is what's the purpose of a plate load, and how important is it? If the supply voltage (in my case, after a VR tube or combination of tubes) is close to (or even spot on) the required plate voltage, can I get away with little or no plate load? Does the load perform some function other than helping to regulate the voltage and current (which in my case could, perhaps, be set via the regulating resistor for the VR tubes)? In other words, could I go straight from a 150V supply regulated by an OD3 tube to the plate for the B+?
I've tried to do the research, but I don't have Morgan Jones and haven't found an obvious answer in my web research so far.
Thanks,
Carl
Basically, what I want to figure out is what's the purpose of a plate load, and how important is it? If the supply voltage (in my case, after a VR tube or combination of tubes) is close to (or even spot on) the required plate voltage, can I get away with little or no plate load? Does the load perform some function other than helping to regulate the voltage and current (which in my case could, perhaps, be set via the regulating resistor for the VR tubes)? In other words, could I go straight from a 150V supply regulated by an OD3 tube to the plate for the B+?
I've tried to do the research, but I don't have Morgan Jones and haven't found an obvious answer in my web research so far.
Thanks,
Carl