X-ray Tube Control Device Shielding and FPGA Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray tube control systems, particularly those with field emission cathodes, face challenges in achieving high operational reliability and minimizing electromagnetic interference and flashover damage.

Innovation Solution

A control device with a shielded housing containing an anode current regulating unit, programmable logic, and high-voltage switches, which includes an FPGA for real-time pulse sequence control and multiplexers for rapid switching, along with a discharge circuit to manage capacitances and prevent flashovers, is used to regulate electron current and voltage efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional control systems are used for X-ray tubes with field emission cathodes, then the system structure is simpler, but electromagnetic interference with other electronic equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system structureVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into separate functional modules: high-voltage power supply unit, control unit with FPGA, and cathode voltage switches. Each module is electrically isolated through shielding and grounding strategies, reducing electromagnetic coupling between components while maintaining functional independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A shielded housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the high-voltage control electronics and surrounding electronic equipment. The housing includes electromagnetic shielding layers and controlled impedance pathways that mediate and contain electromagnetic fields, preventing interference with external devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If rapid switching between cathodes is implemented, then productivity increases, but flashover damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching speedVSAvoidflashover resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Before rapid switching between cathodes, the system performs preliminary actions including: pre-charging capacitances through controlled current ramps, verifying vacuum integrity, and pre-positioning electron beams. These preparatory measures reduce the likelihood of flashover during subsequent rapid switching operations by ensuring all electrical parameters are within safe operating ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system incorporates real-time feedback monitoring of voltage, current, and beam position during cathode switching. When anomalies indicating potential flashover are detected, the feedback loop automatically adjusts switching timing, reduces voltage gradients, or terminates the sequence, thereby preventing flashover damage while maintaining high switching speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If precise control of electron beams is achieved, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectron beam control precisionVSAvoidcontrol electronics

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms for electron beam control with electronic field-based control. Magnetic and electric fields generated by programmable coils and electrodes precisely steer and focus electron beams without moving parts, achieving high manufacturing precision while reducing mechanical complexity in the control electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution significantly reduces electromagnetic interference, allows for precise control of electron beams, and effectively prevents flashover damage by detecting and mitigating current peaks, ensuring high reliability and extended emitter life.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of cathodes intended for generating electron beams directed toward the anode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectField emission: Electron Beam

Implementation Method 2

an anode designed as an X-ray emitter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBremsstrahlung: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS11558950B2Control device for an x-ray tube and method for operating an x-ray tube

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 HOUMAN JAFARI -ING DR

AI summary

The invention relates to a control device for an X-ray tube (2), comprising a housing (29) that is designed as a shield, in which an anode current regulating unit (1) is arranged and which is connected to a cathode power supply unit (18), a plurality of cathode voltage switches (20, 21, 22, 23, 24) which are to be connected to in each case a cathode (4), and a programmable assembly (25), in which the control of the cathodes (4) is determined. The cathode power supply unit (18), the cathode voltage switches (20, 21, 22, 23, 24) and the programmable assembly (18) are also arranged in the housing (29).