High-Voltage Final Stage for Electron Beam Focusing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-voltage final stages for X-ray tubes face challenges in providing dynamic and precise deflection voltages, as bipolar voltage multipliers limit current dynamics, and transformer-based solutions suffer from low-frequency conversion issues and residual ripple.

Innovation Solution

A high-voltage final stage design featuring a series configuration of amplification elements with a potential dividing chain and non-linear elements, along with an actuation element for self-stabilization and feedback control, to manage voltage distribution and minimize power losses, utilizing MOSFETs and Zener diodes for efficient current regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a bipolar voltage multiplier cascade is used to produce deflection voltages, then the high-voltage supply can provide bipolar voltages for beam deflection, but the maximum current is limited and dynamics are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebipolar voltage output capabilityVSAvoidcurrent dynamics

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The final stage is divided into multiple amplification elements connected in series, each handling a portion of the total voltage. This segmentation allows each element to operate independently with optimized current handling capabilities, thereby improving overall current dynamics while maintaining bipolar voltage output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical voltage multiplier cascade with capacitors and diodes is replaced by an electronic system using amplification elements (transistors or MOSFETs) that can directly generate bipolar high-voltage signals with fast switching capabilities, eliminating the current limitations of the multiplier architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If a transformer is used to transform low-voltage final stage outputs to high voltage, then voltage transformation is achieved, but conversion ratio drops at low frequencies and DC voltages cannot be produced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage transformation ratioVSAvoidfrequency response

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The transformer-based voltage transformation is replaced by direct high-voltage amplification using series-connected amplification elements. This electronic approach eliminates frequency-dependent conversion ratio limitations and enables DC voltage output, as the amplification elements can respond instantaneously to input signals across the entire frequency spectrum including DC.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Power

If bipolar high-voltage switched-mode regulators with filtered output are used, then high-voltage regulation is achieved, but residual ripple remains that interferes with applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh-voltage regulation capabilityVSAvoidoutput ripple

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The switched-mode regulation with filtering is replaced by linear amplification using series-connected amplification elements operating in their linear region. This approach provides continuous, ripple-free voltage output while maintaining regulation capability, as the amplification elements directly track the input signal without switching artifacts that require filtering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If cross current is used to set the working point in high-voltage final stages, then working point adjustment is possible, but power losses increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworking point adjustmentVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A feedback mechanism is implemented where the working point is adjusted by modifying the input signal to the amplification elements rather than using cross current. The series connection of amplification elements allows independent control of each stage, enabling precise working point setting through feedback from the output voltage without creating additional current paths that would increase power loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9660597B2Voltage supply for electrical focusing of electron beams

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A rapidly regulable high-voltage supply for the electrical focusing of an electron beam using a high-voltage final stage is provided. The high-voltage final stage includes a plurality of amplification elements that are interconnected in a series configuration with a first high-voltage connection, and a potential dividing chain including a series of potential dividing elements. The potential dividing chain is interconnected with the first high-voltage connection and has a signal interconnection with the plurality of amplification elements, so that when a voltage is applied across the potential dividing chain, a difference in voltages between a signal input to any amplification element of the plurality of amplification elements and a signal input to a next amplification element of the plurality of amplification elements has a same sign.