Product category: Design and Development Software
News Release from: Vector Fields | Subject: Opera
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 25 July 2005
Simulation software optimises
X-ray tube design
Electromagnetic simulation software that includes advanced space charge capabilities enables engineers to optimise vacuum tube design features
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The engineer can model geometry controlling focal spot characteristics, backscattered electron heating, reduced insulator charging, and relax manufacturing tolerances. As a change takes just a few minutes, it is feasible to analyse the influence of a number of different parameters on the beam quickly, enabling the design team to arrive at an optimised final solution in the shortest time, confident other design variations have been eliminated.
For example a simplified analysis of an X-ray tube can be performed using Vector Fields' two-dimensional software package Opera-2d/SP, taking into account the properties of dielectric materials, the shapes electrodes, dimensions and overall geometry and the influence of space charge on electron emission as well as spot shape and size.
The focal spot is often required to exhibit little or no electron current outside the main focal area.
The detailed features of the focal spot can be observed with a trajectory intersection plotter showing, for example, the total current density in the beam, In order to minimise anode heating and insulator charging, backscattered electrons from the anode may be modelled and collector design optimised.
Much of the analysis leading to an optimised design can be performed using Opera-2d/SP, saving the additional time necessary with a 3D analysis.
When the 2D optimisation is complete, the tube design can then be finished by including the end effects of the filament and end focusing components with the software Opera-3d/Scala.
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A three-dimensionally accurate analysis of an X-ray tube can be performed using Opera-3d/Scala.
The 2D model geometry may be imported into the 3D geometric modeller simplifying model generation.
Iges or SAT files may also be imported from CAD packages.
Scala includes the same charged particle emission models used in the 2D software.
3D analysis of the X-ray tube evaluates both space charge influence on the emission of the beam, as well as the broadening effects of space charge on the focal waist.
3D modelling with Scala also allows the effects of small charges to the filament geometry and location to be predicted, important for manufacturing tolerance analysis necessary when estimating production yields.
In order to evaluate the influence of magnetic fields on the electron beam, both the 2D and 3D software can be used in conjunction with static field analysis software packages, Opera-2d/ST and Opera-3d/Tosca.
Combined electric and magnetic field analysis performed in this way simultaneously evaluates the influence on the beams of both fields and the space charge including all interactions.
This method avoids potential errors from simply adding the magnetic field at the post processing stage.
To optimise development time, the initial 2D analysis method can be used to quickly cover the 'what if' scenario, with a later 3D analysis of just final design providing the fuller picture, the eventual benefit being lower development costs.
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