Photon Counting Baseline Extraction With Signal Integrity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional photon counting systems face challenges in accurately extracting the baseline signal due to leakage currents and dynamic changes, affecting count rate and energy measurement precision, particularly at high counting rates and in low flux conditions.

Innovation Solution

An electric circuitry for baseline extraction that includes an input signal integrity detector, sampling circuit, and signal processing controller, which dynamically adjusts monitoring ranges and employs continuous and discrete time checks to ensure high accuracy and tracking speed, minimizing pulse undershoot and channel crosstalk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If baseline extraction is performed in the presence of pulse activity to maintain tracking speed, then baseline tracking speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to pulse undershoot and channel crosstalk interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebaseline tracking speedVSAvoidbaseline extraction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing integrity detection on the input signal before baseline extraction. The circuit checks whether the input signal is free of pulse activity (integrity check) prior to sampling and processing. Only when the signal integrity is confirmed does the circuit proceed with baseline extraction, thereby preventing pulse undershoot and channel crosstalk from corrupting the baseline measurement while maintaining high tracking speed through continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the monitoring range is expanded to cover high flux conditions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to dynamic range adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflux condition adaptabilityVSAvoidcircuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the monitoring range adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The circuit dynamically adjusts the monitoring range based on the detected pulse activity level and flux conditions. This allows the baseline extraction circuit to accommodate both low flux and high flux conditions using a single adaptable system, improving versatility without requiring multiple dedicated circuits for different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If sampling frequency is increased to improve tracking speed, then baseline tracking speed is improved, but use of energy increases due to higher processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebaseline tracking speedVSAvoidprocessing energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by performing integrity detection on a subset of signal characteristics rather than fully processing every signal component at high frequency. The circuit selectively samples and checks specific signal parameters (integrity flags, pulse presence indicators) at reduced rates, and only triggers full baseline extraction when necessary. This approach maintains adequate tracking speed while significantly reducing the continuous energy consumption associated with high-frequency processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Enables accurate baseline extraction with high tracking speed, maintaining precision in low flux regimes and pile-up conditions, while reducing noise interference.

Implementation Method 1

Indirect detectors comprise a scintillator to convert X-rays to visible light which is captured by a photodetector or photodiode to provide an electrical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 2

Detection of single photons is enabled by a special sensor material of the photosensitive area 21 (typically CdTe or CdZnTe for X-ray conversion), which converts photons into current pulses Ipulse

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12616430B2Electric circuitry for baseline extraction in a photon counting system

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 AMS INTERNATIONAL AG

AI summary

An electric circuitry for baseline extraction in a photon counting system includes an input signal integrity detector to determine an integrity of an input signal for baseline extraction, a sampling circuit to sample the input signal during a sampling time, and to provide a sampled version of the input signal, a signal processing circuit to process the sampled version of the input signal, and a signal processing controller to control the signal processing circuit. The input signal integrity detector is configured to determine the integrity of the input signal for baseline extraction by evaluating the input signal or the sampled version of the input signal. The signal processing controller is configured to control the signal processing circuit so that the sampled version of the input signal is processed, when the integrity of the input signal for baseline extraction is determined by the input signal integrity detector at least during the sampling time.