1. Chapt. 5 X-ray Imaging System
Three MAIN parts
X-ray tube
Operating console
High voltage generator

2. Typical Characteristics
Usual voltage kVp (20-35 for mammo)
Currents mA
RAD tube usually overhead
Fluoro tube usually under the RAD table
Must be radiolucent – usually made of carbon fiber – lb limit
Most are “floating” tabletop
Fluoro tables must have a “bucky hinge” (.25 mm pb equiv. for protection); 90/30 tilt table

3. Console Most are micro/mini computer
ALL are LOW VOLTAGE (kVp meter is a “pre-reading voltmeter)
Line voltage compensator
kVp major/minor mA

4. Timers Mechanical (least accurate) Synchronous Impulse
mAs (only timer in the HI VOLTAGE circuit)
AEC

5. Hi Voltage Transformer
Turns ratio – P is ALWAYS on your left S on your right
Only work with A/C current
Ratio of turns from primary to secondary
Steps up either volts or amps and steps down the opposite the SAME amount

6. Rectification
½ wave unmodified 60 cycle/sec current = 60 impulses per second
“Self rectified” is same a ½ wave and the TUBE is the diode
Full wave rectified (pulsed DC) 120 impulses per second

7. 3 phase power
Placing 3 separate sine waves over each other in an “out of phase fashion (3 each A/C 60 cycle/sec waves)
Creates a “ripple effect” (watch the wording of any question with “ripple” as they can be tricky – of course, NOT mine)
3 phase, 12 pulse = 100% ripple
3 phase, 6 pulse = 14% ripple

8. Be able to draw and label an x-ray circuit