Ba-oxide, Ba-dispenser and Ba-Scandate cathodes have been continuously improved in their emission performance in the past decades. Ba-oxide and Ba-dispenser cathodes are also the dominant types of thermionic cathodes used in most vacuum tube applications. When improvements in emissive properties are introduced, their impact on cathode life -where several years in a vacuum tube environment are typically required - also needs to be known. Hence, the investigation of cathode life-limiting effects is the basis of accelerated life predictions and of further cathode improvement. In this contribution, the main effects limiting the operating life of Ba/BaO-based thermionic cathodes are discussed, especially related to intrinsic dispensation and resupply to the emissive surface. Emission poisoning induced by adsorption of poisonous gases will not be addressed here. We will stress common points and point out the differences between the three types. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.