PCB Capacitors for High-Voltage Field Homogenization
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage circuit arrangements in X-ray generators experience locally high electric field strengths due to metal tips, corners, or edges, leading to unwanted discharges, flashovers, and potential failures, as existing solutions are not designed to handle high voltage potentials effectively.
Innovation Solution
A circuit arrangement on a printed circuit board with additional non-functioning capacitors adjacent to high-voltage components, arranged to reduce the maximum electric field strength by homogenizing the electric field and covering sharp edges, using plated-through holes and capacitors in specific geometries to mitigate field enhancements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional non-functional capacitors are arranged adjacent to high-voltage components, then the maximum electric field strength is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive capacitors as field-reducing elements. These capacitors are non-functional in terms of circuit operation but serve their purpose as field homogenizing structures. They can be easily manufactured and installed without complex design, representing a simple additive solution to the electric field problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitors act as intermediary elements between the high-voltage components and the surrounding environment. By placing capacitors adjacent to high-voltage components, the patent introduces intermediate structures that modify the electric field distribution, reducing peak field strengths without requiring fundamental changes to the high-voltage circuit design.
2Reliability
If capacitors are placed adjacent to high-voltage components, then discharge prevention is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitors are pre-positioned on the circuit board at specific locations adjacent to high-voltage components before final assembly. The board-level integration allows for preliminary placement and securing of the capacitors, ensuring they remain in their field-reducing positions during subsequent manufacturing and assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the field-reducing function with the existing circuit board structure. By integrating capacitors into the PCB layout and using standard mounting techniques, the solution merges the protective function with the manufacturing process, reducing the need for separate precision alignment steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces the maximum electric field strength by up to 40%, preventing discharges and improving the reliability of high-voltage generators and X-ray generators by distributing the electric field and covering critical edges.
Implementation Method 1
reduce the maximum electric field strength between the electronic components and a reference potential
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a circuit arrangement comprising electronic first components (7) arranged on a printed circuit board (9), at high-voltage potential. The circuit arrangement comprises: functionless, electronic second components (8) at high-voltage potential, which are arranged on the printed circuit board (9) adjacent to the electronic first components (7), and which reduce the maximum electrical field strength (E) between the first components (7) and a reference potential and/or between solder surfaces (10) of the printed circuit board (9) and the reference potential. The additional functionless components reduce the maximum electric field strength between electronic components to high voltage and a reference potential. The invention also relates to a high-voltage-generation unit and an x-ray generator.