Koninklijke Philips Corporation N.v.

U.S. Philips Corporation

Arne Lunding

Heinz Willi Van Der Broeck

Heiko Osterholz

Christoph Loef

Hans Negle

Martin Wimmer

Bernd Freiheit-Jensen

Diethard A Peter

Reinhard V Hacht

A power supply for X-ray generators which includes at least one inverter (), at least one transformer () and at least one voltage cascade () for generating a supply voltage for an X-ray tube (). In order to increase the output power that can be achieved with a comparatively small weight and a low ripple or output capacitance, the voltage cascade is conceived in respect of its capacitances and the stray inductance of the transformers () in such a manner that it can be made to operate in the resonance mode by appropriate control of the inverter. In respect of the properties mentioned it is notably advantageous to integrate a two-phase embodiment or three-phase embodiment with an X-ray system so as to form a compact tank generator.

Power supply for an X-ray generator

The invention relates to a power supply for X-ray generators which includes at least one inverter, at least one transformer and at least one voltage cascade for generating a supply voltage for an X-ray tube. In order to increase the output power that can be achieved while ensuring at the same time a comparatively low weight and a small ripple or output capacitance, the voltage cascade is configured in respect of its capacitances and the stray inductance of the transformers in such a manner that it can operate in the resonance mode under appropriate control of the inverter. For said features it is particularly beneficial to use a two-phase or three-phase configuration which can be integrated with an X-ray system so as to form a compact tank generator.

High output power and single pole voltage power supply with small ripple

In an X-ray device which includes an X-ray tube (12) provided with means (15, 22, 23) for influencing the electron flow through the X-ray tube (12), a control voltage for the means for influencing the electron flow is customarily generated by means of a complex circuit which, because of its size, is not suitable to be accommodated within the protective tube housing. This has the drawback that the control voltage for the X-ray tube, usually of high voltage potential, must be supplied additionally to the high-voltage supply. Therefore, it is desirable to realize a simple generation means the control voltage which is suitable for accommodation in the protective tube housing. To this end, the invention proposes a piezoelectric transformer (21, 24, 25) for generating the control voltage for the X-ray tube. The invention also relates to a piezoelectric transformer which is particularly suitable for generating such a control voltage.

X-ray device including a piezoelectric transformer

A high-voltage unit comprising at least a high-voltage electrode which carries a high voltage in the operating condition of the high-voltage unit. A measuring divider/resistor arrangement is connected between the high-voltage electrode and a measuring point wherefrom a measuring voltage is derived corresponding to the variation in time of the high voltage. A reduced volume and thus a more compact device is achieved in that a flat measuring electrode is provided which carries the potential of the measuring point and in that the measuring divider/resistor arrangement is positioned between the high-voltage electrode and the measuring electrode so that it is inclined relative to each of these electrodes.

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Norderstedt, Germany

Arne Lunding