Overview
CBS Electronics Division was the electronics manufacturing and components division of Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS). The division produced vacuum tubes, semiconductors, electronic components, industrial electronics, and related products during the mid-20th century.
Following CBS acquisition of Hytron Radio & Electronics Corporation in 1951, the company expanded its presence in the electronics manufacturing industry. CBS Electronics Division became associated with the production of CBS-Hytron vacuum tubes used in radios, televisions, laboratory equipment, communications systems, military electronics, and industrial applications.
During the 1950s and 1960s, CBS Electronics Division manufactured a broad range of receiving tubes, transmitting tubes, compactrons, semiconductors, and specialty electronic components. The division supplied products to OEM manufacturers, electronics distributors, service shops, and government contractors.
CBS Electronics Division products were widely used during the television service era when vacuum tube replacement and repair businesses were common throughout North America.
As semiconductor technology replaced vacuum tubes, CBS gradually reduced tube manufacturing operations and shifted toward semiconductor and industrial electronics production.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electronics Manufacturing |
| Parent Company | Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) |
| Products | Vacuum tubes, semiconductors, electronic components |
| Brands | CBS, CBS-Hytron |
| Markets | Consumer electronics, industrial, communications, military |
Description
CBS Electronics Division manufactured and distributed electronic components used in television receivers, radios, communications equipment, industrial electronics, military systems, and scientific instruments.
The division became especially known for CBS-Hytron vacuum tubes, which were widely sold through electronics distributors and radio/television service centers during the 1950s and 1960s.
History
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1951 | CBS acquired Hytron Radio & Electronics Corporation |
| 1950s | CBS Electronics Division expanded vacuum tube manufacturing |
| 1960s | Increased semiconductor and industrial electronics production |
| 1970s | Vacuum tube manufacturing declined as solid-state electronics expanded |
Historical Addresses
| Period | Address |
|---|---|
| 1950s–1960s | CBS Electronics Division, Danvers, Massachusetts |
| 1950s–1960s | CBS Electronics Division, Newburyport, Massachusetts |
| 1960s | CBS Laboratories Division, Stamford, Connecticut |
References
- https://www.radiomuseum.org/dsp_hersteller_detail.cfm?company_id=2401
Radiomuseum historical company profile related to CBS-Hytron and CBS electronics manufacturing operations. - https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/people/cp138093/hytron
Science Museum Group archive documenting Hytron and CBS-related electronics manufacturing history. - https://frank.pocnet.net/sheets/127/c/CBS-Hytron.pdf
CBS-Hytron technical tube documentation and manufacturer literature archive. - https://www.one-electron.com/Archives/Tube/Hytron/Hytron.html
Historical archive of Hytron and CBS-Hytron vacuum tube documentation.