X-ray detector module forwarding unit cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost associated with cabling in X-ray detector modules, particularly due to the need for multiple evaluation units, result in increased space requirements and reduced efficiency in cooling, as well as higher costs and larger component sizes.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray detector module design that incorporates a plurality of evaluation units coupled to a converter unit, with each evaluation unit featuring pixel electronics for processing electrical signals, and a forwarding unit that receives data sets from multiple evaluation units and forwards them via a common data output, reducing the need for extensive cabling and enhancing data transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple evaluation units are used to process electrical signals from the converter unit, then the measurement precision and data quality are improved, but the device complexity and cabling requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple evaluation units are integrated onto a single support material or substrate, allowing them to share common infrastructure such as power supply lines, signal routing, and mechanical support. This merging approach maintains the functional independence of each evaluation unit while eliminating the need for separate cabling for each unit, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the evaluation units, acts as a routing medium for electrical connections, and may also serve as a thermal management structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture.
2Reliability
If multiple separate data lines are provided for each evaluation unit, then the data transmission reliability is improved, but the space requirements and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing separate data lines that extend outward from each evaluation unit in two-dimensional space, the data lines are routed through the third dimension by utilizing the support material as an integrated pathway. This allows multiple data lines to be densely packed and organized in a structured manner, reducing the overall space footprint while maintaining signal integrity.
3Ease of operation
If larger components and plugs are used to accommodate more contacts, then the ease of connection is improved, but the device size and cooling efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is extracted and standardized to a compact form factor. By designing a specialized connector that integrates multiple contacts in a dense array, the system achieves reliable connections without requiring large component sizes. This extracted connector design maintains ease of connection while preserving space for effective thermal management.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more space is allocated for contacts and cabling, then the device functionality is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular evaluation units that are independently manufactured and then assembled onto the support material. Each module has standardized connection interfaces that tolerate minor positioning variations, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining full device functionality through modular assembly.
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 design simplifies cabling, reduces costs, and optimizes space usage while improving cooling efficiency by consolidating data transmission through a fewer number of lines and contacts, allowing for more compact and cost-effective X-ray detector modules.
Implementation Method 1
In direct-conversion X-ray detectors, the X-ray radiation or photons can be converted into electrical pulses by a suitable converter material
Implementation Method 2
In a first stage, the X-ray or gamma quanta are absorbed in a scintillator element and converted into optically visible light; this effect is called luminescence
Implementation Method 3
The light that is excited by luminescence is then, in a second stage, converted into an electrical signal by a first photodiode optically coupled to the scintillator element
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray detector module includes a plurality of evaluation circuits, coupled to at least one converter circuit, each evaluation circuit including a multiplicity of pixel electronics circuits for processing the electrical signals from the converter circuit pixel by pixel; and a number of forwarding circuits, a forwarding circuit including at least a first data input for receiving a measured data set from a first evaluation circuit and at least a second data input for receiving a measured data set from a second evaluation circuit, or for receiving at least one forwarded measured data set from a further forwarding circuit of the number of forwarding circuits. Each forwarding circuit is constructed to forward the measured data sets that are received by way of the first data input and second data input to a coupled receiving circuit over a common data output.