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US 11,961,694 B2Granted
Fiber-optic communication for embedded electronics in x-ray generator
AssigneeCarl Zeiss X-ray Microscopy, Inc.
InventorClaus Flachenecker
Life of this patent
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Abstract
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.
Claims2
An x-ray source comprising:
- a system controller;
- a target;
- an electron source for generating electrons to form a beam to strike the target to produce x-rays;
- a high voltage generator for accelerating the beam;
- a gun controller for controlling the electron source and powered by the high voltage generator;
- and
- an optical fiber link for enabling communications between the system controller and the gun controller;
- wherein the optical fiber link between the system controller and the gun controller includes at least a downlink for transmitting data from the system controller to the gun controller and at least an uplink for transmitting data from the gun controller to the system controller and wherein the gun controller is a central processing unit (CPU) or digital signal processor (DSP) and the system controller provides a program for the central processing unit or the digital signal processor using the optical fiber link.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.