| ITEL2 Series Electroluminescent Displays (ITEL2-Z, ITEL2-ZH, ITEL2-K) | |
| Written by AnubisTTP on 2025-10-31 |
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Devices included in this entry:
ITEL2-Z blue electroluminescent indicator (4 pin glass bathtub)
ITEL2-K red electroluminescent indicator (4 pin glass bathtub)
ITEL2-ZH green electroluminescent indicator (4 pin glass bathtub)
The ITEL2 family of devices, manufactured by the Soviet Union, are small electroluminescent phosphor displays that were produced in a variety of different colors. Unlike most other Soviet electroluminescent (EL) displays, the ITEL2 devices do not display characters or segments, each panel can only produce a solid rectangle of phosphor. Each display contains a sandwich of phosphor pressed between a tin oxide window and a conductive back, which emits light when subjected to a high voltage. The entire display structure is sealed in a flat glass envelope with underside leads that are designed to be soldered into place. Soviet EL displays are very rugged, but require an AC voltage of approximately 200 volts at 400hz to function properly. These displays were likely intended to be backlights for panel buttons with printed transparencies, though anecdotal evidence suggests they were also used in multicolor bar-graphs and other similar devices. Unfortunately, ITEL2 indicators are only rated for a lifespan of approximately 2000 hours. The modern experimenter should mount these displays in sockets when utilizing them in a new project.
Soviet ITEL2 series electroluminescent displays, normal operation. Shown from left to right; ITEL2-Z, ITEL2-ZH, ITEL2-K.
ITEL2-ZH indicators are packaged in a glass envelope with flying leades.
Unfortunately ITEL2 series displays are only rated for 2000 hours of operation.
ITEL2 EL displays being used as a bargraph in an unidentified piece of Soviet equipment.
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