Intro to the X-Ray Circuit

What is a circuit?

A pathway that permits electrons to move in a complete circle from their source.

What are the 3 divisions of the basic X-ray circuit?

Filament circuit, primary tube circuit, and secondary tube circuit.

What is the function of the filament circuit?

Controls the number of X-rays created by controlling the number of electrons released by the filament.

What is the primary tube circuit also called?

The low-voltage circuit.

What is the function of the primary tube circuit?

Controls the penetrating ability of X-rays by adjusting the voltage that pulls electrons across the tube.

What is the secondary tube circuit also called?

The high-voltage circuit.

What is the function of the secondary tube circuit?

Increases voltage to levels necessary for X-ray production and controls the direction of current through the X-ray tube.

What does the filament circuit carry?

The amperage needed to heat the filament.

What do the tube circuits do?

Work together to carry current from the cathode to the anode.

How does a small change in filament current affect tube current?

A small change in filament current produces a large change in tube current.

How can tube current be regulated?

By regulating filament current.

What are the 3 components of the filament circuit?

mA selector, step-down transformer, and filament.

What are the 4 components of the tube circuit?

Line voltage compensator, autotransformer, step-up transformer, and rectifiers.

Where are the primary and secondary tube circuits divided?

At the step-up transformer.

What is the overall goal of the filament circuit?

To achieve thermionic emission and control its rate (mA) to the levels needed for the exam.

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