A device and method for creating beam formed X-Ray radiation using radio frequency (RF) modulated field emission X-ray sources is described. A radio frequency RF source generates a RF control signal which is supplied to an array of phase delay elements to generate multiple individually controlled phase delayed RF signals. These are then directly provided to each of a plurality of field emission sources (via a matching circuit) to generate a plurality of RF modulated electron current, or beam, each at the same frequency and phase delay of the phase delayed RF signals. Each of the electron beams impacts a target anode to generate X-rays also at the same frequency and phase delay of the phase delayed RF signals. By controlling each of the phase delay elements a beamformed X-ray radiation pattern can be generated.

A device and method for creating beam formed X-Ray radiation using radio frequency (RF) modulated field emission X-ray sources is described. A radio frequency RF source generates a RF control signal which is supplied to an array of phase delay elements to generate multiple individually controlled phase delayed RF signals. These are then directly provided to each of a plurality of field emission sources (via a matching circuit) to generate a plurality of RF modulated electron current, or beam, each at the same frequency and phase delay of the phase delayed RF signals. Each of the electron beams impacts a target anode to generate X-rays also at the same frequency and phase delay of the phase delayed RF signals. By controlling each of the phase delay elements a beamformed X-ray radiation pattern can be generated.

A control unit is for a medical imaging system. The control unit includes a programmable logic gate, designed for at least one of closed-loop control and open-loop control of at least one component of the medical imaging system; a microprocessor, connected to the programmable logic gate via a first interface; and a signal line to connect the microprocessor to a contact array, arranged externally on the control unit. The microprocessor is designed to provide a second interface via the signal line and to control the programmable logic gate in accordance with a command signal received via the second interface. Further, the signal line is provided at least in part by the programmable logic gate and the programmable logic gate includes a receive unit for reading out the command signal.

Methods, systems, and apparatus for performing spectral tomographic reconstruction of an object. The imaging system includes a power source that is configured to provide a variable high voltage. The imaging system includes a distributed X-ray source. The distributed X-ray source includes an array of X-ray emitters that allows fast switching “ON” and “OFF” using X-ray emitter grid electrode. The distributed X-ray sources is configured to generate an X-ray beam with an energy spectrum based on the variable high voltage and uses additional X-ray filters. The imaging system includes a controller. The controller is configured to operate synchronously with the change of the variable high voltage. The controller is configured to control a timing of when to engage an X-ray emitter of the array of X-ray emitters of the distributed X-ray source based on a predefined firing pattern.

A method and a device for driving high-voltage X ray tube with positive and negative pulses are disclosed comprises a microprocessor unit having a first output port and a second output port, respectively outputting a first and a second timing sequence of control signals, a high-voltage X ray tube, a first high-frequency voltage boost circuit outputting a first regulated high-voltage, a first high-voltage protection circuit, a second high-frequency voltage boost circuit outputting a second high-voltage, and a second high-voltage protection circuit. The first high and the second voltages are respectively, regulated by the first timing sequence of control signal and the second timing sequence of control signal. Both regulated high-voltages are, respectively, inputted to anode and cathode of the high-voltage X ray tube vias the high-voltage protected circuits.

A method and a device for driving high-voltage X ray tube with positive and negative pulses are disclosed comprises a microprocessor unit having a first output port and a second output port, respectively outputting a first and a second timing sequence of control signals, a high-voltage X ray tube, a first high-frequency voltage boost circuit outputting a first regulated high-voltage, a first high-voltage protection circuit, a second high-frequency voltage boost circuit outputting a second high-voltage, and a second high-voltage protection circuit. The first high and the second voltages are respectively, regulated by the first timing sequence of control signal and the second timing sequence of control signal. Both regulated high-voltages are, respectively, inputted to anode and cathode of the high-voltage X ray tube vias the high-voltage protected circuits.

Disclosed is an electromagnetic wave generator, comprising a tube comprising an anode, a cathode and at least one gate, a tube power supply circuit in which one side of an output terminal is connected to the anode, and the other side of the output terminal is connected to the cathode, and a gate controlling circuit in which at least one side of the output terminal is connected to the gate, wherein a first voltage value of one side of the output terminal of the tube power supply circuit and a second voltage value of the other side of the output terminal of the tube power supply circuit are different from each other with respect to a ground terminal of the tube power supply circuit.

Disclosed is an electromagnetic wave generator, comprising a tube comprising an anode, a cathode and at least one gate, a tube power supply circuit in which one side of an output terminal is connected to the anode, and the other side of the output terminal is connected to the cathode, and a gate controlling circuit in which at least one side of the output terminal is connected to the gate, wherein a first voltage value of one side of the output terminal of the tube power supply circuit and a second voltage value of the other side of the output terminal of the tube power supply circuit are different from each other with respect to a ground terminal of the tube power supply circuit.

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.

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.