An x-ray tube includes a thermionic cathode generating an electron beam propagating from the cathode to a target along a beam axis. The x-ray tube has apertures in the form of a control electrode with a first aperture opening, a focusing electrode with a second aperture opening and a beam shaping electrode with a third aperture opening. The first aperture opening is smaller than the emission surface and has a contour rotationally symmetric with respect to the beam axis. The second aperture opening is larger than the first aperture opening and has a contour rotationally symmetric with respect to the beam axis. The third aperture opening has a contour which is aligned with an xy plane and non-rotationally symmetric with respect to the beam axis. The X-ray tube has a simple structure for generating an electron beam where the number of electrons can be varied easily over a wide range.

An x-ray source includes an optical communications link to provide a galvanically isolated communication between a system controller and a gun controller. In specific examples, the link is provided through one or more fibers. In addition, the gun controller is preferably remote programmed by the system controller during startup. This addresses the problem of reprogramming a processor in a hard to access location/environment. A watchdog timer is also useful for the gun digital processor of the gun controller.

According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, and control circuitry. The X-ray tube includes a cathode configured to generate thermoelectrons, an anode configured to generate X-rays upon receiving the thermoelectrons from the cathode, and a regulator configured to apply an electric field or a magnetic field to focus or bias the thermoelectrons from the cathode. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays generated by the anode. The control circuitry controls the regulator to switch at least one of the size and position of the focus of the thermoelectrons from the cathode on the anode between scan and warm-up.

According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, and control circuitry. The X-ray tube includes a cathode configured to generate thermoelectrons, an anode configured to generate X-rays upon receiving the thermoelectrons from the cathode, and a regulator configured to apply an electric field or a magnetic field to focus or bias the thermoelectrons from the cathode. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays generated by the anode. The control circuitry controls the regulator to switch at least one of the size and position of the focus of the thermoelectrons from the cathode on the anode between scan and warm-up.

An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to embodiments includes an X-ray tube assembly and a grid potential control circuitry. The X-ray tube assembly includes a filament that emits electrons, a target that generates X-rays by receiving the electrons, and a grid having a potential for adjusting a potential gradient around the filament. The grid potential control circuitry switches the potential of the grid to a potential where the potential gradient around the filament becomes greater than a potential gradient generated by a potential of the filament and a potential of the target.

An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to embodiments includes an X-ray tube assembly and a grid potential control circuitry. The X-ray tube assembly includes a filament that emits electrons, a target that generates X-rays by receiving the electrons, and a grid having a potential for adjusting a potential gradient around the filament. The grid potential control circuitry switches the potential of the grid to a potential where the potential gradient around the filament becomes greater than a potential gradient generated by a potential of the filament and a potential of the target.

A radiation imaging control apparatus includes an exposure switch configured to instruct radiation emission, an acquisition unit configured to acquire a first signal indicating that the exposure switch is pressed, a first connection unit configured to detachably connect with a control unit of a radiant ray detector to transmit a second signal indicating the driving state of the radiant ray detector, a second connection unit configured to detachably connect with a control unit of a radiant ray generation apparatus to transmit a specific signal, and a control unit configured to perform control to output the specific signal via the second connection unit upon acquisition of the first and second signals, wherein the second connection unit is a connector for making wired connection.

A radiation imaging control apparatus includes an exposure switch configured to instruct radiation emission, an acquisition unit configured to acquire a first signal indicating that the exposure switch is pressed, a first connection unit configured to detachably connect with a control unit of a radiant ray detector to transmit a second signal indicating the driving state of the radiant ray detector, a second connection unit configured to detachably connect with a control unit of a radiant ray generation apparatus to transmit a specific signal, and a control unit configured to perform control to output the specific signal via the second connection unit upon acquisition of the first and second signals, wherein the second connection unit is a connector for making wired connection.

A mobile X-ray apparatus includes: an X-ray radiation device configured to emit X-rays; a controller configured to control the X-ray radiation device; a power supply configured to supply operating power to the X-ray radiation device and the controller; and a charger configured to charge the power supply. The power supply includes a lithium ion battery including a plurality of battery cells, at least one current sensor configured to detect current of the lithium ion battery, and a battery management system (BMS) configured to detect an occurrence of an overcurrent in the lithium ion battery via the at least one current sensor in response to receiving an X-ray emission preparation signal, and to control an on-state or an off-state of a discharge current path in which a discharge current flows from the lithium ion battery to the controller and the X-ray radiation device.

A mobile X-ray apparatus includes: an X-ray radiation device configured to emit X-rays; a controller configured to control the X-ray radiation device; a power supply configured to supply operating power to the X-ray radiation device and the controller; and a charger configured to charge the power supply. The power supply includes a lithium ion battery including a plurality of battery cells, at least one current sensor configured to detect current of the lithium ion battery, and a battery management system (BMS) configured to detect an occurrence of an overcurrent in the lithium ion battery via the at least one current sensor in response to receiving an X-ray emission preparation signal, and to control an on-state or an off-state of a discharge current path in which a discharge current flows from the lithium ion battery to the controller and the X-ray radiation device.