Night Vision Image Intensifier Tube Formats Explained: MX10160, MX11769, MX10130, MX9644 and More
Image intensifier tubes (IITs) are the core components of modern night vision systems, directly determining image quality, brightness, resolution, sensitivity, power consumption, and overall device performance. Although many night vision devices may appear similar externally, they often differ significantly in internal tube architecture, electrical interfaces, gain-control methods, image inversion technologies, and intended applications. Understanding the various image intensifier tube formats is therefore essential for manufacturers, system integrators, distributors, and end users seeking to evaluate compatibility, performance characteristics, and future development trends within the night vision industry. This guide provides a detailed overview of the most common image intensifier tube formats found in modern and legacy night vision equipment. For each tube type, we examine its physical dimensions, electrical configuration, gain-control capabilities, optical design, and typical applications, helping readers better understand the advantages, limitations, and market positioning of each format.
1. Model Designation: MX10160 / Small ANVIS / GTX864 / Dual Contacts Tube
Specifications
- Photocathode Diameter: 18 mm
- Magnification: 1×
- Dimensions: 36.75 mm × 30 mm
- Weight: Less than 80 g
- Inverted image tube
- Automatic Brightness Control (ABC)
Features
The MX10160 is the most widely used image intensifier tube format in the night vision industry. It is compatible with a wide range of night vision device housings, including the PVS-14, PVS-15, BNVD 1431, DTNVS, AN/AVS-6, and AN/AVS-9.
2. Model Designation: MX11769 / Small ANVIS 18 mm with EGAC Flex / "Pigtail" Tube
Specifications
- Photocathode Diameter: 18 mm
- Magnification: 1×
- Dimensions: 36.75 mm × 30 mm
- Weight: Less than 80 g
- Inverted image tube
- Manual Gain Control
Features
The MX11769 utilizes a power supply unit (PSU) with Electronic Gain Adjustment Control (EGAC), allowing the user to adjust the image intensifier tube's screen brightness by varying the gain, primarily through control of the Microchannel Plate (MCP) operating voltage. This tube format is commonly used in night vision device housings that support manual gain control, such as the PVS-14, PVS-31, and ENVG.
3. Model Designation: MX10160 3-Pin / Small ANVIS 18 mm with EGAC / Three-Contact Tube
Specifications
- Photocathode Diameter: 18 mm
- Magnification: 1×
- Dimensions: 36.75 mm × 30 mm
- Weight: Less than 80 g
- Inverted image tube
- Manual Gain Control
Features
Unlike the MX11769, whose external EGAC flex cable ("pigtail") occupies additional space inside the night vision device housing, the MX10160 3-Pin tube maintains the same external dimensions as the standard MX10160 dual-contact tube.
Gain adjustment is achieved by varying the voltage division applied to the center contact, enabling manual gain control without the need for an external pigtail connection. This design combines the compact form factor of the MX10160 dual-contact tube with the manual gain capability typically associated with the MX11769, reducing internal space requirements while providing user-adjustable brightness control.
4. Model Designation: 37 mm 3-Wire Tube with EGAC / Three-Lead Manual Gain Tube / GNX820
Specifications
- Photocathode Diameter: 18 mm
- Magnification: 1×
- Dimensions: 36.75 mm × 30 mm
- Weight: Less than 80 g
- Inverted image tube
- Manual Gain Control
Features
This tube shares the same external dimensions as the MX10160 format. Unlike contact-type tubes, it does not utilize contact pads or contact pins. Instead, it employs a three-wire electrical interface, with all power and control connections provided through external leads. The tube supports manual gain control via its Electronic Gain Adjustment Control (EGAC) circuitry, allowing the user to adjust image brightness. Its lead-wire configuration provides a flexible electrical interface for integration into night vision systems requiring external gain control functionality.
5. Model Designation: MX10130 / Fat ANVIS 18 mm / 43 mm Tube / End-Face Contact Pin / GFX811D
Specifications
- Photocathode Diameter: 18 mm
- Magnification: 1×
- Dimensions: 43 mm × 30 mm
- Weight: Less than 90 g
- Non-inverted image tube
- Automatic Brightness Control (ABC)
Features
Today, MX10130-format tubes are primarily found in bi-ocular night vision devices that use a single image intensifier tube to provide binocular viewing, including the AN/PVS-7 series and LUCIE. This type of image intensifier tube does not utilize a fiber-optic inverter. As market demand for biocular night vision devices has gradually declined, the demand for this tube format has also shown a corresponding downward trend.
6. Model Designation: Small ANVIS 16 mm with EGAC / 16 mm with EGAC / 16 mm Three-Contact Tube
Specifications
- Dimensions: 32 mm × 26 mm
- Weight: 45 g
- Inverted image tube
- Manual Gain Control (EGAC)
Features
This tube provides the same functionality as the 37 mm MX10160 3-Pin format, including Electronic Gain Adjustment Control (EGAC) for manual gain adjustment, while offering a more compact and lightweight design that is particularly well-suited for applications where minimizing system weight is critical. As a result, it is primarily used in aviation night vision goggles (AVNGs).
7. Model Designation: Russian Short Tube
Specifications
- Photocathode Diameter: 18 mm
- Magnification: 1×
- Dimensions: 43 mm × 23 mm
- Thickness: 1.5 mm / 5.5 mm
- Fiber-Optic Image Inverter
- Fiber-Optic or Glass Flat Output Window
- Double proximity structure
- Photocathode Protective Glass Window
Features
This type of image intensifier tube was designed and manufactured by Russian producers for use in cost-sensitive night vision devices. It is commonly found in a variety of entry-level night vision systems, including monoculars and biocular devices based on a single image intensifier tube.
Compared with modern military-standard image intensifier formats, this tube is generally regarded as offering modest performance and service life. As a result, it is primarily used in lower-cost commercial night vision products rather than high-performance professional systems. Most devices employing this tube utilize a simple power supply unit (PSU), reflecting its intended role as an economical solution for basic night vision applications.
8. Model Designation: MX9644
Specifications
- Photocathode Diameter: 25 mm
- Magnification: 1×
- Dimensions: 63 mm × 77 mm
- Electrostatic Image Inversion
- Fiber-Optic Photocathode Input
- Manual Gain Control
Features
The MX9644 is a large-format image intensifier tube designed for applications where size and weight are less critical than durability and image performance. Due to its relatively large physical dimensions, it is typically used in weapon sights, targeting systems, observation devices, and vehicle-mounted night vision equipment rather than head-mounted goggles.
The tube incorporates manual gain control, allowing the user to adjust image brightness according to operating conditions. This format is a second-generation 25 mm image intensifier tube and was widely used in military night vision systems such as the AN/PVS-4, AN/TVS-5, and numerous driver observation systems, including the AN/VVS-2.