Measuring system for bipolar high voltage generator

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring system for a bipolar high-voltage generator, comprising: a first measuring channel for detecting a negative tube current and a negative tube voltage; a first measuring channel for detecting a positive tube current and a positive tube voltage, and a second measuring channel for detecting a positive tube current and a positive tube voltage, characterized by an interface between the first measuring channel and the second measuring channel, wherein the interface is designed to transmit a first measured value of a negative tube current and a negative tube voltage detected by means of the first measuring channel and / or a second measured value of a positive tube current and a positive tube voltage detected by means of the second measuring channel; control logic to receive the first measurement value and the second measurement value; wherein the control logic is designed to compare the received measurement value with at least one threshold value; wherein the control logic is designed to output the control signal as a function of a threshold violation occurring during the comparison of the received measurement values.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a measurement system for a bipolar high-voltage generator, a bipolar high-voltage generator, an X-ray radiator, a method for outputting a control signal by means of a measurement system, and a computer program product belonging thereto. Background Art

[0002] A high-voltage generator typically generates a high voltage for operating a conventional X-ray radiator. In an X-ray radiator, electrons are accelerated from a cathode towards an anode by means of a high voltage so that X-radiation can be generated when the accelerated electrons interact on the anode.

[0003] X-ray radiators can be distinguished in particular by whether one of the two electrodes, i.e., the anode or the cathode, is at ground potential. In this case, the X-ray radiator is a unipolar X-ray radiator.

[0004] When high voltages of opposite signs are applied at the two electrodes, i.e., the anode and the cathode, the X-ray radiator is a bipolar X-ray radiator. Such a bipolar X-ray radiator requires in particular a bipolar high-voltage generator which is configured to generate and provide, in pairs, a negative tube current, a negative tube voltage, a positive tube current, and a positive tube voltage at a negative high-voltage output and at a positive high-voltage output.

[0005] Due to the high voltages used, high-voltage generators and / or X-ray radiators, in particular as medical electrical equipment, are typically designed in accordance with regulatory requirements, in particular IEC and / or DIN standards. For example, clause 4.7 of IEC 60601-1 stipulates in principle the primary fault safety for medical electrical equipment. Therefore, it is not allowed for medical electrical equipment to pose a risk in the event of a primary fault. In high-voltage generators and / or X-ray radiators of the current equipment class, it is particularly meaningful to monitor the tube voltage and the tube current for this purpose.

[0006] Known to the inventors as the prior art is a single-channel solution for detecting the tube voltage and the tube current in a primary fault-safe manner. Here, the tube voltage and the tube current are typically adjusted analogously and digitized by means of an analog-to-digital converter in a control logic, and the digitized measured values are then evaluated when comparing with an expected value for one channel.

[0007] Such a single-channel measurement system typically requires additional measures in order to be able to ensure the above-mentioned primary fault safety. In particular, the measurement section can be implemented as part of a single-channel measurement system by means of self-testing by means of fault injection, monitoring of the supply voltage which is important for the function, monitoring of the component temperature of important components, and / or an external watchdog module for monitoring the microcontroller. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object on which the present invention is based is to provide a measurement system for a bipolar high-voltage generator, a bipolar high-voltage generator, an X-ray radiator, a method for outputting a control signal by means of the measurement system, and a corresponding computer program product, with lower complexity.

[0009] This object is achieved by the features of the embodiments according to the invention. Advantageous designs are described below.

[0010] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male or female gender identities are included.

[0011] A measurement system for a bipolar high-voltage generator according to the invention (where the bipolar high-voltage generator is configured to generate a negative tube current, a negative tube voltage, a positive tube current, and a positive tube voltage) has:

[0012] - a first measurement channel for detecting a negative tube current and a negative tube voltage,

[0013] - a second measurement channel for detecting a positive tube current and a positive tube voltage,

[0014] It is characterized in that

[0015] - an interface between the first measurement channel and the second measurement channel, where the interface is configured to transmit first measurement values of the negative tube current and the negative tube voltage detected by means of the first measurement channel and / or second measurement values of the positive tube current and the positive tube voltage detected by means of the second measurement channel,

[0016] - a control logic for receiving the first measurement values as well as the second measurement values,

[0017] - where the control logic is configured to compare the received measurement values with at least one limit value,

[0018] - where the control logic is configured to output a control signal based on a violation of the limit value occurring when comparing the received measurement values.

[0019] A method according to the invention for outputting a control signal by means of a measurement system according to the invention comprises the following steps:

[0020] - detecting a negative tube current and a negative tube voltage by means of the first measurement channel of the measurement system,

[0021] - detecting a positive tube current and a positive tube voltage by means of the second measurement channel of the measurement system,

[0022] - transmitting first measurement values of the negative tube current and the negative tube voltage detected by means of the first measurement channel and / or second measurement values of the positive tube current and the positive tube voltage detected by means of the second measurement channel by means of the interface of the measurement system,

[0023] - The control logic of the measurement system receives a first measurement value and a second measurement value,

[0024] - The received measurement values are compared by the control logic with at least one limit value,

[0025] - The control logic outputs a control signal based on a violation of the limit value that occurs when comparing the received measurement values.

[0026] An advantage of the present invention is that additional measures required in the prior art can be at least partially and completely eliminated according to embodiments of the present invention. Thereby, the complexity of the measurement system and / or the detection of tube current and / or tube voltage is reduced.

[0027] In particular, a typically costly self-test circuit is not required and / or an independent watchdog module is not required. Alternatively or additionally, the supply voltage monitoring is eliminated.

[0028] Another advantage of the present invention relates to an extended fault identification compared to the prior art. In particular, the origin of the fault can be located and / or associated with specific components of the high-voltage generator. For example, a fault can be identified in a high-voltage divider by means of tube voltage and / or in a measuring resistor by means of tube current.

[0029] Overall, with lower complexity, there is higher robustness of the measurement system and / or in the detection of tube current and / or tube voltage. Due to the lower complexity, the measurement system can in particular be more cost-effective.

[0030] The measurement system is configured for a bipolar high-voltage generator. In principle, the measurement system according to the present invention can additionally be applied to a unipolar high-voltage generator. In the latter case, the unipolar high-voltage generator is in particular equipped with redundant tube current and tube voltage detection, wherein the first measurement channel and the second measurement channel detect the same measurement variable. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the tube current and the tube voltage are detected by means of a single measurement channel and then evaluated in two measurement channels.

[0031] The bipolar high-voltage generator according to the present invention is configured to generate a negative tube current, a negative tube voltage, a positive tube current, and a positive tube voltage and has:

[0032] - A measurement system according to the present invention,

[0033] - A negative high-voltage output terminal at which a negative tube current and a negative tube voltage can be provided,

[0034] - A positive high-voltage output terminal at which a positive tube current and a positive tube voltage can be provided,

[0035] - wherein the first measurement channel is connected to the negative high-voltage output terminal for detecting the negative tube current and the negative tube voltage,

[0036] - wherein the second measurement channel is connected to the positive high-voltage output terminal for detecting the positive tube current and the positive tube voltage.

[0037] The bipolar high-voltage generator can generate a high voltage especially between 20 kV and 150 kV. The negative tube voltage is for example -75 kV and the positive tube voltage is for example +75 kV. The negative tube voltage and the positive tube voltage are especially DC voltages.

[0038] The bipolar high-voltage generator can include a high-voltage unit for generating the tube current and / or the tube voltage. The high-voltage unit can include a first secondary-side transformer winding with a rectifier connected downstream for generating the negative tube voltage and a second secondary-side transformer winding with a rectifier connected downstream for generating the positive tube voltage. The output terminal of the rectifier for the negative tube voltage typically forms the negative high-voltage output terminal. The output terminal of the rectifier for the positive tube voltage typically forms the positive high-voltage output terminal.

[0039] The first primary-side transformer winding and / or the second primary-side transformer winding of the high-voltage unit are especially fed by an inverter. The inverter signal for regulating the inverter can be generated and / or output by a control logic for example.

[0040] Providing the positive tube current and the negative tube current at the high-voltage output terminal especially includes: the tube current can come out from the positive high-voltage output terminal in the case of the positive tube voltage and substantially the tube current can enter at the negative high-voltage output terminal in the case of the negative tube voltage. The positive tube current and the negative tube current especially flow via an X-ray radiator as a load in the same current loop and have different polarities with respect to the high-voltage generator. Ideally observed, the negative tube current especially corresponds to the positive tube current and / or the negative tube voltage especially corresponds to the positive tube voltage.

[0041] The term "high-voltage output terminal" is especially synonymous with the term "high-voltage contact". The high-voltage output terminal of the bipolar high-voltage generator can especially be configured as a high-voltage socket or a high-voltage terminal.

[0042] The X-ray radiator according to the invention has:

[0043] - a bipolar high-voltage generator according to the invention,

[0044] - a evacuated housing,

[0045] - a cathode, and

[0046] - an anode,

[0047] - wherein the cathode and the anode are arranged in the evacuated housing,

[0048] - wherein the anode is connected to the positive high-voltage output terminal, and

[0049] - wherein the cathode is connected to the negative high-voltage output terminal.

[0050] The X-ray radiator particularly has an electron emitter, which is arranged opposite the anode on the cathode side. The electron emitter can be thermionic or cold emitter. In particular, a field-effect emitter is a cold emitter as opposed to a thermionic emitter, which generates electrons by heating the electron emitter.

[0051] An accelerating voltage is particularly applied between the cathode and the anode, which is composed of a positive tube voltage and a negative tube voltage. In particular, a negative tube voltage is applied at the cathode and a positive tube voltage is applied at the anode. The electrons emitted at the cathode are accelerated towards the anode by means of the accelerating voltage. The X-radiation generated during the interaction with the anode has X-ray photons, which have a maximum energy of the accelerating voltage multiplied by the elementary charge.

[0052] The anode can be a rotating anode or a stationary anode. It is conceivable that the anode rotates together with or independently of the evacuated housing.

[0053] The evacuated housing particularly includes a high vacuum and / or can be in particular a glass housing or a metal housing. In particular, when the X-ray radiator has an evacuated metal housing, a small fraction of the electrons emitted at the cathode can flow out via the metal housing. In this case, the metal housing is connected to the ground potential, for example. The current circuit to the high-voltage generator is closed via the ground terminal of the high-voltage generator, for example. The magnitude of the tube current flowing via the anode is different from the magnitude of the tube current flowing via the cathode in this case. The bipolar high-voltage generator particularly provides positive and negative tube currents that are different in magnitude. The bipolar high-voltage generator operates asymmetrically in this case.

[0054] The measuring system particularly has a first measuring channel, a second measuring channel, an interface and a control logic. The measuring system is in particular a circuit arrangement having electronic components, which form the first measuring channel, the second measuring channel, the interface and the control logic.

[0055] The first measuring channel and the second measuring channel can in principle be constructed identically in terms of structure. The first measuring channel and the second measuring channel are particularly different in terms of their connection to the bipolar high-voltage generator in order to be able to detect the respective measured values. Preferably, the first measuring channel and the second measuring channel are only different in terms of their connection to the bipolar high-voltage generator. For example, the first measuring channel is thus in principle configured to additionally or alternatively detect the positive tube current and the positive tube voltage, while the second measuring channel can be configured to additionally or alternatively detect the negative tube current and the negative tube voltage.

[0056] The first measurement channel and the second measurement channel are configured independently of each other, especially in terms of circuit technology. The components of the first measurement channel and the components of the second measurement channel are implemented and / or exist separately from each other, especially independently. The first measurement channel and the second measurement channel are communicatively connected to each other only by means of an interface.

[0057] The following statements regarding the first measurement channel, the negative tube current, and the negative tube voltage also apply to the second measurement channel, the positive tube current, and the positive tube voltage.

[0058] The first measurement channel has a voltage measuring device for detecting the negative tube voltage. The voltage measuring device can especially include a high-voltage divider.

[0059] The first measurement channel has a current measuring device for detecting the negative tube current. The current measuring device can especially include a measuring resistor.

[0060] The negative tube voltage can be detected especially in a time-resolved manner. The negative tube current can be detected especially in a time-resolved manner. The first measurement value can especially be time-resolved.

[0061] The first measurement channel is especially configured to have runtime capabilities The first measurement channel can detect the first measurement value in a runtime-compliant manner especially during the operation of a bipolar high-voltage generator. The first measurement channel can especially monitor the negative tube current and / or the negative tube voltage in real time. The delay during the detection of the first measurement value is ideally only related to the runtime (runtime-dependent).

[0062] The detection of the negative tube current and / or the negative tube voltage especially includes: measuring the negative tube current by means of a current measuring device and / or measuring the negative tube voltage by means of a high-voltage divider. The detected negative tube current measurement value forms the first part of the first measurement value. The detected positive tube voltage measurement value forms the second part of the first measurement value. The first measurement value can be composed of the tube current measurement value and the tube voltage measurement value.

[0063] The detection of the negative tube current and / or the negative tube voltage can include analog-to-digital conversion of the detected measurement values. For this purpose, the first measurement channel can have an analog-to-digital converter.

[0064] The detection of the negative tube current and / or the negative tube voltage can include adjustment and / or filtering of the detected measurement values. For this purpose, the first measurement channel can include a filter for adjusting and / or filtering the detected measurement values.

[0065] The first measurement channel especially includes a first detection path. The detection of the negative tube current and / or the negative tube voltage can include forwarding the detected measurement values via the first detection path especially to a control logic and / or an interface.

[0066] The interface between the first measurement channel and the second measurement channel is in particular a digital interface. The interface can in particular be configured for asynchronous or synchronous and serial or parallel communication. The communication between the first measurement channel and the second measurement channel can in particular be carried out according to the UART or SPI standard.

[0067] The interface can in principle be configured unidirectionally or bidirectionally. In any case, the interface is configured such that the detected measurement values of the measurement channels can be transmitted via the interface to the respective different measurement channels having control logic. When the interface is configured for transmitting a first measurement value and for transmitting a second measurement value, the interface is typically configured bidirectionally.

[0068] The transmission in particular includes the sending, receiving and / or in particular by means of a coupling unit of the detected measurement values. The sending of the detected measurement values is in particular carried out by means of a coupling output unit. The receiving is in particular carried out by means of a coupling input unit.

[0069] The interface can for example have one interface channel or multiple interface channels. The interface channels can be configured unidirectionally or bidirectionally. Two of the multiple interface channels can be configured unidirectionally with opposite transmission directions. It is conceivable that at least one of the multiple interface channels is configured bidirectionally.

[0070] The first measurement channel can have a first coupling input unit and / or a first coupling output unit, wherein the interface is connected to the first coupling input unit and / or the second coupling output unit. The first coupling input unit and the first coupling output unit in particular form the first coupling unit of the first measurement channel. The second measurement channel can have a second coupling input unit and / or a second coupling output unit, wherein the interface is connected to the second coupling input unit and / or the second coupling output unit. The second coupling input unit and the second coupling output unit in particular form the second coupling unit of the first measurement channel.

[0071] Typically, the interface channel is connected to the coupling unit, in particular the coupling output unit, of the measurement channel and the coupling unit, in particular the coupling input unit, of the different measurement channel. It is conceivable that the first coupling input unit, the first coupling output unit, the second coupling input unit, the second coupling output unit and the interface channel therebetween form the interface.

[0072] The control logic can be connected directly or indirectly via an interface to the first detection path. The control logic can receive and / or measure a first measurement value and a second measurement value at the input interface. The input interface can in particular have at least four input terminals. These four input terminals can typically be constituted by a negative tube current input terminal for negative tube current measurement values, a negative tube voltage input terminal for negative tube voltage measurement values, a positive tube current input terminal for positive tube current measurement values, and a positive tube voltage input terminal for positive tube voltage measurement values.

[0073] The control logic can in particular have a logic module and / or a microcontroller and / or a processor. The control logic in particular has a memory in which program code means can be stored. In order to run the program code means, the program code means can ideally be called from the memory. In the program code means, in particular, the comparison and / or output of control signals are depicted. Alternatively or additionally, the comparison and / or output of control signals can be depicted in the logic module of the logic block. The control logic in particular forms the computing unit of the measurement system. The control logic is in particular the monitoring module of the measurement system.

[0074] The control logic can in particular adjust and / or filter the measurement values before and / or after the comparison. The adjustment can in particular include taking the absolute value and / or averaging and / or integrating and / or adding and / or subtracting and / or multiplying and / or dividing two, three or all of the measurement values. The filtering can in particular include smoothing of the measurement values.

[0075] The control logic can in particular compare the received measurement values serially and / or in parallel. The control logic can in particular compare time-resolved measurement values.

[0076] The comparison in particular includes the execution of one or more comparison operations. The comparison operation in particular includes at least one mathematical operation on at least one measurement value and another value, which can likewise be a different measurement value or a constant or at least one limit value. The result of the comparison operation is in particular a limit value violation or a limit value compliance.

[0077] At least one limit value is stored and / or can be called, for example, in the memory. It is conceivable that the storage unit is configured to compare the received measurement values with a plurality of limit values. In particular, a single measurement value can be compared with one or more limit values. At least one limit value can in particular be a tube current limit value, a tube voltage limit value and / or a power limit value. Typically, two, preferably all, of the received measurement values are compared with at least one limit value or a plurality of limit values.

[0078] The detected measurement values are in particular actual values. At least one limit value is in particular an expected value. Typically, each actual value is compared with the respective expected value. In particular, the tube current limit value, the tube voltage limit value and / or the power limit value can be expected values.

[0079] The comparison by means of the control logic in particular includes determining whether the measured values being compared comply with or violate at least one limit value. Complying with at least one limit value can mean exceeding or being below at least one limit value. Violating at least one limit value can mean being below or exceeding at least one limit value. For example, when at least one limit value defines an upper limit, exceeding at least one limit value is regarded as violating the limit value. For example, when at least one limit value defines a lower limit, being below at least one limit value is regarded as violating the limit value. The comparison by means of the control logic can be carried out using the absolute value of the received measured value and / or the signed measured value.

[0080] The control logic is configured to distinguish between a violation of a limit value occurring when comparing the received measured values and a compliance with a limit value occurring when comparing the received measured values. Advantageously, the control logic has a binary signal path, in which one signal path is automatically and / or without delay and / or directly only manipulated when a limit value is violated and the other signal path is only manipulated when a limit value is complied with.

[0081] The control logic in particular has an output interface for outputting a control signal. The control signal is in particular different when a limit value is exceeded than when a limit value is complied with. The control signal can be changed according to the type of the measured value, in particular tube current or tube voltage or power. The control signal can in particular depict the degree of exceeding the limit value differentially. The output of the control signal in particular includes transmitting the control signal, for example, to a high-voltage generator and / or an X-ray radiator and / or an audiovisual output signal.

[0082] One embodiment provides that the measuring system further has additional control logic for receiving a first measured value and a second measured value, wherein the interface is configured to transmit the first measured value from a first measuring channel to the additional control logic and to transmit the second measured value from a second measuring channel to the control logic, wherein the additional control logic is configured to compare the received measured values with a limit value, and wherein the additional control logic is configured to output a control signal based on a violation of a limit value occurring when comparing the received measured values.

[0083] The previous discussion regarding the structure and function of the control logic equally applies to the additional control logic. According to the invention, the control logic and the additional control logic are distinguished as follows: the control logic terminates a first detection path of the first measuring channel and the additional control logic terminates a second detection path of the second measuring channel. In this case, the first detection path forwards the first measured value directly to the control logic and the second detection path forwards the second measured value directly to the additional control logic. Thus, the first measuring channel and the control logic form a first independent measuring area, while the second measuring channel and the additional control logic form a second independent measuring area. Advantageously, the first measuring area and the second measuring area are only directly connected by means of the interface.

[0084] The advantage of this embodiment is that due to the redundancy of the first measurement region and the second measurement region, a first-failure-safe detection of faults in the high-voltage generator can be achieved. Faults in the high-voltage divider and / or in the measuring resistors can in particular be detected without a primary fault.

[0085] The above advantage is achieved in particular by the following: The first measurement region, in particular the first measurement channel, and the control logic, and the second measurement region, in particular the second measurement channel, and the additional control logic are arranged in the measurement system independently of each other and / or redundantly. In addition, the measured values detected by means of the measurement channels are transmitted via interfaces to different respective measurement channels, such that each measurement region can compare the measured values with each other independently and / or output control signals.

[0086] One embodiment provides that at least one limit value defines a tolerance band, where the tolerance band is determined such that the tolerance band includes a deviation of the first measured value from the second measured value that is greater than zero and in particular less than 50%, in order to enable an asymmetric operation of a bipolar high-voltage generator. A violation of the limit value of the tolerance band means that the compared measured values are outside the tolerance band. Compliance with the limit value of the tolerance band means that the compared measured values are within the tolerance band.

[0087] One embodiment provides that during the comparison, a comparison operation is performed, where the comparison operation presupposes the subtraction of the product of the first measured value and the product of the second measured value, and where the product difference is compared with at least one limit value. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in order to be able to determine and / or detect the degree of asymmetry via a power comparison based on the product of the tube current and the tube voltage.

[0088] One embodiment provides that during the comparison, different comparison operations are performed, where the different comparison operations presuppose the comparison of the measured values of the detected negative tube current and / or positive tube current with a tube current limit value. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because a deviation with respect to the tube current can be determined and / or detected.

[0089] One embodiment provides that during the comparison, additional comparison operations are performed, where the additional comparison operations presuppose the comparison of the measured values of the detected negative tube voltage and / or positive tube voltage with a tube voltage limit value. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because a deviation with respect to the tube voltage can be determined and / or detected.

[0090] One embodiment provides for outputting the measured value being compared as part of the control signal. In this case, the control signal can be transmitted to the control unit additionally or alternatively, in particular with respect to the X-ray radiator or the high-voltage generator. For example, in order to enable the logging of the measured value. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can adapt the operation of the high-voltage generator and / or the X-ray radiator based on the transmitted measured value.

[0091] One embodiment provides that the control signal is configured and the measuring system is connected to the bipolar high-voltage generator such that the output of the control signal causes the bipolar high-voltage generator to be switched off. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the bipolar high-voltage generator can be switched off when the limit is exceeded. For example, directly by means of the control signal of the control logic and / or by means of the control unit, the control signal is transmitted from the control logic to the control unit.

[0092] One embodiment provides that when the bipolar high-voltage generator is switched off by means of the control signal, the inverter of the bipolar high-voltage generator is switched off. For example, the control signal can be preset to switch off the inverter.

[0093] A computer program product can be a computer program or include a computer program. The computer program product particularly has program code means which depict the method steps according to the invention. Thereby, the method according to the invention can be defined and repeatedly executed, and control can be exerted via the disclosure of the method according to the invention. The computer program product is preferably configured such that a computing unit can execute the method steps according to the invention by means of the computer program product. The program code means can in particular be loaded into the memory of the computing unit and typically executed by means of a processor of the computing unit when accessing the memory. When the computer program product, in particular the program code means, is running in the computing unit, typically all embodiments according to the invention of the method can be executed. The computer program product is stored, for example, on a physical, computer-readable medium and / or stored digitally as a data packet in a computer network. The computer program product can be a physical, computer-readable medium and / or a data packet in a computer network. Thus, the invention can also be based on a physical, computer-readable medium and / or a data packet in a computer network. The physical, computer-readable medium can generally be directly connected to the computing unit, for example in such a way that the physical, computer-readable medium is inserted into a DVD drive or plugged into a USB port, whereby the computing unit can in particular read-access the physical, computer-readable medium. The data packet can preferably be retrieved from a computer network. The computer network can have a computing unit or be indirectly connected to the computing unit via a wide area network (WAN) or a (wireless) local area network connection (WLAN or LAN). The computer program product can, for example, be stored digitally at a storage location in a computer network on a cloud server and transmitted to the computing unit by means of a WAN via the Internet and / or by means of a WLAN or LAN, in particular by retrieving a download link that points to the storage location of the computer program product.

[0094] Features, advantages or alternative embodiments mentioned when describing a device can equally be transferred to the method, and vice versa. In other words, the claims directed to the method can be improved by means of the features of the device, and vice versa. The device according to the invention can in particular be used in the method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0095] Hereinafter, the invention will be described and explained in detail on the basis of embodiments shown in the drawings. In principle, in the following description of the drawings, substantially the same structures and units are named with the same reference numerals as when they first appear in the corresponding structure or unit.

[0096] The drawings show:

[0097] Figure 1 A measurement system for a bipolar high-voltage generator

[0098] Figure 2 Shows a measurement system in the first embodiment,

[0099] Figure 3 shows a method for outputting a control signal by means of the measurement system,

[0100] Figure 4 shows the method in the first embodiment,

[0101] Figure 5 shows the method in the second embodiment, and

[0102] Figure 6 shows the method in the third embodiment. Detailed description of the embodiments

[0103] Figure 1 The measurement system according to the invention for a bipolar high-voltage generator is shown in a block diagram.

[0104] The measurement system 10 is shown as part of a bipolar high-voltage generator 20. The bipolar high-voltage generator 20 is configured to generate a negative tube current N_IT, a negative tube voltage N_UT, a positive tube current P_IT, and a positive tube voltage P_UT. The bipolar high-voltage generator 20 also has a negative high-voltage output terminal 21 and a positive high-voltage output terminal 22. At the negative high-voltage output terminal 21, a negative tube current N_IT and a negative tube voltage N_UT can be provided. At the positive high-voltage output terminal 22, a positive tube current P_IT and a positive tube voltage P_UT can be provided. Figure 1 The bipolar high-voltage generator 20 also has a high-voltage unit 23 for generating the tube currents N_IT, P_IT and the tube voltages N_UT, P_UT. The high-voltage unit 23 has an inverter 24.

[0105] The measurement system 10 has a first measurement channel 11 for detecting the negative tube current N_IT and the negative tube voltage N_UT and a second measurement channel 12 for detecting the positive tube current P_IT and the positive tube voltage P_UT. The first measurement channel 11 is connected to the negative high-voltage output terminal 21. The second measurement channel 12 is connected to the positive high-voltage output terminal 22.

[0106] The measurement system 10 also has an interface 13 between the first measurement channel 11 and the second measurement channel 12. The interface 13 is configured to transmit the first measurement values of the negative tube current N_IT and the negative tube voltage N_UT detected by means of the first measurement channel 11 and / or the second measurement values of the positive tube current P_IT and the positive tube voltage P_UT detected by means of the second measurement channel 12.

[0107] The measurement system 10 also has an interface 13 between the first measurement channel 11 and the second measurement channel 12. The interface 13 is configured to transmit the first measurement values of the negative tube current N_IT and the negative tube voltage N_UT detected by means of the first measurement channel 11 and / or the second measurement values of the positive tube current P_IT and the positive tube voltage P_UT detected by means of the second measurement channel 12.

[0108] The measuring system 10 also has a control logic 14 for receiving a first measured value and a second measured value. The control logic 14 is configured to compare the received measured values with at least one limit value. The control logic 14 is configured to output a control signal based on a violation of the limit value that occurs when comparing the received measured values.

[0109] The bipolar high-voltage generator 20 is shown in Figure 1 as part of the X-ray radiator 30. The X-ray radiator 30 also has an evacuated housing 31, a cathode 32, and an anode 33. The cathode 32 and the anode 33 are arranged in the evacuated housing 31. The anode 33 is connected to the positive high-voltage output 22. The cathode 21 is connected to the negative high-voltage output 21.

[0110] Figure 2 A first embodiment of the measuring system 10 is shown in the block diagram.

[0111] The measuring system 10 also has a further control logic 15 for receiving a first measured value and a second measured value. The interface 13 is configured to transfer the first measured value from the first measuring channel 11 to the further control logic 15 and to transfer the second measured value from the second measuring channel 12 to the control logic 14. The further control logic 15 is configured to compare the received measured values with a limit value. The further control logic 15 is configured to output a control signal based on a violation of the limit value that occurs when comparing the received measured values.

[0112] In this embodiment, the first measuring channel 11 and the control logic 14 form a first independent measuring area 16 and the second measuring channel 12 and the further control logic 15 form a second independent measuring area 17. The first measuring area 16 and the second measuring area 17 are directly connected only by means of the interface 13. In Figure 2 these two measuring areas 16, 17 are shown separately by means of a dashed line.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, four analog-to-digital converters are used in the detection path for the measured values N_IT, N_UT, P_IT, P_UT. According to an improvement, at least one limit value defines a tolerance band, wherein the tolerance band is determined such that the tolerance band depicts that the deviation between the first measured value and the second measured value is greater than zero and in particular less than 50%, in order to enable an asymmetric operation of the bipolar high-voltage generator. The first measured value and / or the second measured value can in particular be time-resolved.

[0114] Figure 3 A method for outputting a control signal by means of a measuring system is shown in the flow chart with method steps S100 to S105:

[0115] Method step S100 indicates that a negative tube current N_IT and a negative tube voltage N_UT are detected by means of the first measurement channel 11 of the measurement system 10.

[0116] Method step S101 indicates that a positive tube current P_IT and a positive tube voltage P_UT are detected by means of the second measurement channel 12 of the measurement system 10.

[0117] Method step S102 indicates that second measurement values of the positive tube current P_IT and the positive tube voltage P_UT detected by means of the second measurement channel 12 are transmitted by means of the interface 13 of the measurement system 10.

[0118] Method step S103 indicates that the first measurement value and the second measurement value are received by means of the control logic 14 of the measurement system 10.

[0119] Method step S104 indicates that the received measurement values are compared with at least one limit value by means of the control logic 14.

[0120] Method step S105 indicates that a control signal is output by means of the control logic 14 based on a violation of the limit value occurring when the received measurement values are compared.

[0121] Figure 4 The first embodiment of the method is shown in the flow chart.

[0122] Method step S102' indicates that first measurement values of the negative tube current N_IT and the negative tube voltage N_UT detected by means of the first measurement channel 11 are transmitted by means of the interface 13 of the measurement system 10.

[0123] Method step S103' indicates that the first measurement value and the second measurement value are received by means of the further control logic 15 of the measurement system 10.

[0124] Method step S104' indicates that the received measurement values are compared with at least one limit value by means of the further control logic 15.

[0125] Method step S105' indicates that a control signal is output by means of the further control logic 15 based on a violation of the limit value occurring when the received measurement values are compared.

[0126] Figure 5 The second embodiment of the method is shown in the flow chart.

[0127] Method step S104' indicates that, during the comparison, a comparison operation is performed, wherein the comparison operation presupposes a subtraction of the product of the first measurement value and the product of the second measurement value, and wherein the product difference is compared with at least one limit value.

[0128] Method step S104 "indicates that different comparison operations are performed during the comparison, where the different comparison operations presuppose the comparison of the measured values of the detected negative tube current N_IT and / or positive tube current P_IT with the tube current limit value.

[0129] Method step S104 "‘indicates that additional comparison operations are performed during the comparison, where the additional comparison operations presuppose the comparison of the measured values of the detected negative tube voltage N_UT and / or positive tube voltage P_UT with the tube voltage limit value.

[0130] Figure 6 The third embodiment of the method is shown in the flow chart.

[0131] Method step S105 ‘indicates that the compared measured values are output as part of the control signal.

[0132] Method step S105 “indicates that the control signal is configured and the measurement system is connected to the bipolar high-voltage generator such that the output of the control signal causes the shutdown of the bipolar high-voltage generator.

[0133] Method step S105 “‘indicates that when the bipolar high-voltage generator is shut down by means of the control signal, the inverter of the bipolar high-voltage generator is shut down.

[0134] Although the details of the present invention are illustrated and described in more detail by the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, and other variants can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A measuring system (10) for a bipolar high-voltage generator (20), wherein the bipolar high-voltage generator (20) is configured to generate a negative tube current (N_IT), a negative tube voltage (N_UT), a positive tube current (P_IT) and a positive tube voltage (P_UT), the measuring system (10) comprising: a first measuring channel (11) for detecting the negative tube current (N_IT) and the negative tube voltage (N_UT), - a second measuring channel (12) for detecting the positive tube current (N_IT) and the positive tube voltage (N_IT), Features an interface (13) between the first measuring channel (11) and the second measuring channel (12), wherein the interface (13) is designed to transmit first measured values ​​of the negative tube current (N_IT) and the negative tube voltage (N_UT) detected by means of the first measuring channel (11) and / or second measured values ​​of the positive tube current (P_IT) and the positive tube voltage (P_UT) detected by means of the second measuring channel (12), - a control logic (14) for receiving the first measurement value and the second measurement value, - wherein the control logic (14) is designed to compare the received measured value with at least one limit value, - wherein the control logic (14) is designed to output a control signal as a function of a limit value violation occurring when comparing the received measured values.

2. The measuring system (10) according to claim 1, - wherein the measuring system (10) also has a further control logic (15) for receiving the first measured value and the second measured value, - wherein the interface (13) is configured for transmitting the first measured value from the first measuring channel (11) to the further control logic (15) and for transmitting the second measured value from the second measuring channel (12) to the control logic (14), - wherein the further control logic (15) is designed to compare the received measured value with a limit value, - wherein the further control logic (15) is designed to output a control signal as a function of a limit value violation occurring during the comparison of the received measured values.

3. The measuring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, The first measuring channel (11) and the control logic (14) form an independent first measuring area (16) and the second measuring channel (12) and the further control logic (15) form an independent second measuring area (17), wherein the first measuring area (16) and the second measuring area (17) are connected directly only by means of the interface (13).

4. The measuring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, The at least one limit value defines a tolerance band, wherein the tolerance band is determined such that it describes a deviation of the first measured value from the second measured value that is greater than zero and in particular less than 50%, in order to enable an asymmetrical operation of the bipolar high-voltage generator (20).

5. The measuring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, Therein, the first measured value and / or the second measured value are time-resolved.

6. A bipolar high voltage generator (20) for generating a negative tube current (N_IT), a negative tube voltage (N_UT), a positive tube current (P_IT) and a positive tube voltage (P_UT), the bipolar high voltage generator (20) comprising: - a measuring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, - a negative high-voltage output terminal (21), at which the negative tube current (N_IT) and the negative tube voltage (N_UT) can be provided, - a positive high-voltage output terminal (22), at which the positive tube current (P_IT) and the positive tube voltage (P_UT) can be provided, - wherein the first measurement channel (11) is connected to the negative high-voltage output terminal (21) for detecting the negative tube current (N_IT) and the negative tube voltage (N_UT), - wherein the second measurement channel (12) is connected to the positive high-voltage output terminal (22) for detecting the positive tube current (P_IT) and the positive tube voltage (P_UT).

7. An X-ray radiator (30), comprising: - A bipolar high voltage generator (20) according to claim 6, - a vacuum housing (31), - a cathode (32), and - an anode (33), - wherein the cathode (32) and the anode (33) are arranged in the evacuated housing (31), - wherein the anode (33) is connected to the positive high voltage output terminal (22), and - wherein the cathode (32) is connected to the negative high-voltage output terminal (21).

8. A method for outputting a control signal by means of a measuring system (10), in particular according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: - detecting ( S100 ) a negative tube current (N_IT) and a negative tube voltage (N_UT) by means of a first measuring channel ( 11 ) of the measuring system ( 10 ), - detecting (S101) a positive tube current (P_IT) and a positive tube voltage (P_UT) by means of a second measuring channel (12) of the measuring system (10), - transmitting (S102, S102') by means of an interface (13) of the measuring system (10) first measured values ​​of the negative tube current (N_IT) and the negative tube voltage (N_UT) detected by means of the first measuring channel and / or second measured values ​​of the positive tube current (P_IT) and the positive tube voltage (P_UT) detected by means of the second measuring channel (12), - receiving ( S103 ) the first measured value and the second measured value by means of a control logic ( 14 ) of the measuring system ( 10 ), - comparing the received measured value with at least one limit value (S104) by means of the control logic (14), - outputting ( S105 ) a control signal by means of the control logic ( 14 ) as a function of a limit value violation occurring when comparing the received measured values.

9. The method according to claim 8, During the comparison ( S104 ), a comparison operation ( S104 ′) is performed, wherein the comparison operation presupposes a subtraction of the product of the first measured value and the product of the second measured value, wherein the product difference is compared with the at least one limit value.

10. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 9, Different comparison operations (S104") are performed during the comparison (S104), wherein the different comparison operations predetermine a comparison of the detected measured value of the negative tube current and / or the positive tube current with a tube current limit value.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, During the comparison (S104), a further comparison operation (S104'") is performed, wherein the further comparison operation prescribes a comparison of the detected measured value of the negative tube voltage and / or the positive tube voltage with a tube voltage limit value.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, The compared measured values ​​are output ( S105 ′) as part of the control signal.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, The control signal is designed and the measuring system (10) is connected to the bipolar high-voltage generator (20) in such a way that the output (S105) of the control signal causes the bipolar high-voltage generator (20) to be turned off (S105").

14. The method according to claim 13, When the bipolar high-voltage generator (20) is turned off (S105) by means of the control signal, the inverter (24) of the bipolar high-voltage generator (20) is turned off (S105''). 15 . A computer program product which can be directly loaded into a memory of a computing unit of a measuring system, the computer program product having program code means for carrying out the method according to claim 8 when the computer program product is run in the computing unit.

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