6L6 is the designator for a beam power tube introduced by Radio Corporation of America in April 1936 and marketed for application as a power amplifier for audio frequencies. The 6L6 is a beam tetrode that utilizes formation of a low potential space charge region between the anode and screen grid to return anode secondary emission electrons to the anode and offers significant performance improvements over power pentodes. The 6L6 was the first successful beam power tube marketed. In the 21st century, variants of the 6L6 are manufactured and used in some high fidelity audio amplifiers and musical instrument amplifiers.
A 6L6 tube manufactured by Sylvania
Anode characteristics with screen grid (grid 2) voltage as parameter
Anode characteristics with the screen grid (grid 2) connected to the anode (i.e. used as a triode)
A beam tetrode, sometimes called a beam power tube, is a type of vacuum tube or thermionic valve that has two grids and forms the electron stream from the cathode into multiple partially collimated beams to produce a low potential space charge region between the anode and screen grid to return anode secondary emission electrons to the anode when the anode potential is less than that of the screen grid. Beam tetrodes are usually used for power amplification, from audio frequency to radio frequency. The beam tetrode produces greater output power than a triode or pentode with the same anode supply voltage. The first beam tetrode marketed was the Marconi N40, introduced in 1935. Beam tetrodes manufactured and used in the 21st century include the 4CX250B, KT66 and variants of the 6L6.
Radial beam power tetrode, designed for radio frequency use. This type of beam power tube does not use beam confining plates.
6L6 type beam tetrode electrode structures with anode cut open. The beam confining plates are the silver coloured structures to the left and right
Twin beam tetrode RCA-815, used as the bias oscillator tube in the Ampex Model 300 "bathtub" 1/4" full-track professional audio tape recorder
Internal Construction of 4CX250B radial beam power tetrode. Anode structure with attached cooling fins top left, cathode and control grid structure top right, screen grid bottom. Note absence of beam plates, cylindrical symmetry, and slotted screw holes, allowing alignment of the screen grid during manufacture.Inset: Complete valve.