Virtual matrix control scheme for multiple spot X-ray source

A multiple-spot electron beam generator comprising:

• a plurality of emitter groups linearly arranged, each emitter group including a plurality of emitter elements arranged in a non-rectangular, non-matrixed array;
• at least one extraction grid associated with and positioned adjacent to each emitter group and configured to extract an electron beam from at least one of the plurality of emitter elements associated therewith;
• a plurality of control channels coupled to the plurality of emitter elements and to the extraction grids associated with the emitter groups, the plurality of control channels comprising:
• a plurality of emitter control channels configured to deliver an emitter voltage, each emitter control channel connected to an emitter element from each of the plurality of emitter groups;
• and
• a plurality of grid control channels configured to deliver an extraction voltage, wherein each grid control channel corresponds to a respective emitter group and is connected to the at least one extraction grid adjacent to each emitter group,
• wherein the quantity of emitter control channels and grid control channels is equal to a sum of a pair of integers having a minimum difference therebetween and whose product equals the number of emitter elements.

A distributed x-ray source for an imaging system comprising:

• a plurality of electron generators configured to emit at least one electron beam therefrom, the plurality of electron generators comprising:
• a plurality of emitter groups linearly arranged, each emitter group including a plurality of emitter elements arranged in a non-rectangular array;
• at least one extraction grid associated with and positioned adjacent to each emitter group and configured to extract an electron beam from at least one of the plurality of emitter elements associated therewith, wherein the plurality of electron generators are arranged in a non-rectangular arrangement so as to not have a plurality of defined rows and columns;
• a plurality of control circuits electrically connected to the plurality of electron generators such that each electron generator is connected to a pair of the control circuits to receive voltages therefrom, wherein a first control circuit of the pair of the control circuits is electrically connected to the emitter element and a second control circuit of the pair of control circuits is electrically connected to the extraction grid;
• and
• a shielded anode positioned in a path of the at least one electron beam and configured to emit a beam of high-frequency electromagnetic energy conditioned for use in a CT imaging process when the electron beam impinges thereon,
• wherein the plurality of control circuits comprises a number of control circuits equal to a sum of a pair of integers closest in value whose product equals the number of emitter elements.