Constant potential x-ray generator

an X ray generator providing a nearly flat high voltage waveform for the X ray tube. The term may refer to 1) any generator providing high voltage with a ripple factor less than a certain limit, e.g. 5%, or 2) a special generator type briefly mentioned below. A voltage ripple limit of 5% would include the 3-phase 12-pulse generator (see three phase X ray generator) and the medium frequency generator (also named high frequency generator and inverter generator). The so-called constant potential X-ray generator is a very large and expensive generator that provides the highest average X-ray energy of any X-ray generator type. It is now used only for the most demanding applications. This generator uses a three-phase line voltage coupled directly to the primary windings of the high-voltage transformer, i.e. without an intermediate autotransformer. Regulation of the kilovolt peak kVp and exposure time is done on the secondary (high voltage) side of the transformer by means of high voltage electron tubes (triodes or tetrodes). The high voltage supplied to the X-ray tube has a nearly flat waveform with a ripple less than 2%.

HJS