Definition

Noun: A b battery is a type of battery designed to supply a constant positive voltage to the plate (anode) of a vacuum tube in an electronic circuit. It is a specific component in older electronic devices.

Usage

This term is highly technical and historical. It is used almost exclusively in the context of early to mid-20th century electronics, particularly in radios, amplifiers, and other equipment that used vacuum tube technology. The "B" designation distinguishes it from other power supplies in the same device, such as the "A battery" (for filament/heater power) and the "C battery" (for grid bias).

Examples

• The schematic indicated that the b battery should provide 90 volts to the plate circuit.
• To restore the antique radio, he needed to replace the depleted b battery.
• In vacuum tube operation, the b battery provides the high-voltage DC necessary for plate current.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often seen in its hyphenated form, B-battery, especially in technical manuals and schematics.
• In modern discussions of vintage electronics, the function of a b battery is often fulfilled by a dedicated power supply unit that converts AC wall current to the required high-voltage DC.

Variants and Related Words

• B+: A common synonym in schematics and technical parlance, referring to the positive high-voltage supply line originating from the B battery or power supply.
• Anode battery: Another technical term for the same component, focusing on its function of powering the anode (plate).
• HT battery (High-Tension battery): A term used, particularly in British English, for the same purpose.

Synonyms

• Plate supply battery
• High-voltage battery (in the specific context of vacuum tube circuits)

Notes on Meaning

This word has a single, very specific technical meaning related to vintage electronics. It is not used in everyday modern language, as solid-state transistors have largely replaced vacuum tubes. It should not be confused with general battery types (e.g., AA battery, car battery).

Noun

1. battery for supplying a constant positive voltage to the plate of a vacuum tube