A limitation of oxide cathode is the high current density, caused by low electrical conductivity of an emitter layer. This limitation can be overcome by increasing the conductivity, and uniform dispersion of Ni powder and pore agent could be achieved by using the screen-printing method. This new cathode has shown not only high current density reliability but also improved performance characteristics and as such given the name "Multi-Function cathode". It is expected to be a good replacement of the impregnated cathode.