Need tunnel diode.

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kayaoo

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I need general tunnel diodes when designing a random oscillator.(Tunnel diode is one of some old components that are attracting new attentions). After some searching, I found most tunnel diodes are too old and were discontinued, such as 1N3716, 2BS4, 1N2927 and etc. I also failed to search some used ones on ebay. Does someone know any resources that I can buy from?

-Kayaoo
 
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Ebay has listings for tunnel diodes although many sellers are in foreign countries. Are they off limits to you? Do you live in a region which makes it difficult to obtain this component?

Maybe you can locate a club of radio operators nearby who keep a stock of electronic equipment?

Who combine orders so they can do business with mail order suppliers domestic or everseas?

An enthusiast who sells spare components on his website?
 

    kayaoo

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If your oscillator is for low frequencies (< about 50MHz) consider using a JFET and bipolar transistor combination. You can make a two terminal negative resistance device that closely mimics a tunnel diode characteristic. Search for 'negative resistance' and it should find examples.

Brian.
 

BradtheRad,
Thanks for your suggestion.
Maybe many tunnel diodes are lying in a attic as they were once very popular. A club or maybe HAM is a good idea.
There are several tunnel diodes on eBay, expensive or rare parts,all not local.
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Thanks. We do not ultilize its negative resistance properity only. We want to generate some chaos. I'm not sure if transistors work too. But it is worth a try.
 
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    kayaoo

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