VACUTEC Meßtechnik GmbH

Dornblüthstraße 14
01277 Dresden
Germany
Tel.: +49 / (0) 351 / 3 17 24 -0
Fax:+49 / (0) 351 / 3 10 50 85
e-mail: info@vacutec-gmbh.de

3-Field Ionization Chamber with Preamplifier 70 902

for Automatic X-ray Exposure Control

0434

Manual and Technical Specifications

1 User instructions
1.1 Application
The VacuTec 3-Field Ionization Chamber is an X-ray sensor designed for automatic exposure control in X-ray ma-
chines. The ionization chamber is an air-filled parallel-plate chamber with three independent sensor fields. The low
overall thickness of only 6 mm ensures the usability in combination with most modern X-ray systems. Ionization
chambers with different dimensions are available. The ionization chamber is equipped with a preamplifier that also
supplies the voltage for chamber operation and allows to switch the sensor fields.

According to the 93/42/EEC Directive on medical devices, the VacuTec 3-Field Ionization Chamber with Preampli-
fier is an Medical Device of Class II b. The device is designed for continous operation.

1.2 Handling
The ionization chamber is a highly sensitive device. It has to be handled with appropriate care. The original or an
equal packaging has to be used for transportation.

To avoid the risk of deformation no pressure must be imposed upon the ionization chamber.
Inside the packaging cables or connectors must not be placed on the chamber’s surface.

1.3 Storage Condition

Storage conditions are specified in 4, Technical Data.
Moisture may deposit on the ionization chamber and the electric connectors when the relative humidity is greater
than 90%. This moisture could result in an increased leakage current. Insulation defects due to moisture can be
eliminated by drying the ionization chamber at increased temperatures of up to +50 °C.

1.4 Installation
The VacuTec ionization chamber has to be connected to an automatic exposure controller that supplies an extra-
low voltage according IEC 60601-1. Only authorized staff may install the ionization chamber and connect the ioniza-
tion chamber to the automatic exposure controller. The ionization chamber has to be placed between the patient
and the film cassette. If a grid is used, the chamber has to be placed behind the grid. For the pin assignment of the
interface connector refer to the enclosed data sheet.
We reserve the right to alter the specification.
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 3-Field-Ionisations-Chambers Technical Description

1.5 Safety Advises

The housing of the amplifier is a metal shielding connected to the ground of the electronics.

The ionization chamber and the amplifier must be installed insulated.

The ionization chamber and the amplifier must be protected against contact.

The shielding of the interface cable must be connected to ground on the generator’s side. The cable shielding must
not be used as protective conductor. An extra-low voltage according to IEC 60601-1 has to be used.

1.6 Cleaning
The ionization chamber must be disconnected from the mains before cleaning. To clean the ionization chamber’s
surface use a cloth which is lightly dampened in a diluted solution of water and neutral washing-up liquid. Moisture
must not ingress into the ionization chamber or the amplifier housing!

Do not clean the ionization chamber with alcohol or solvent liquids

(e.g. petrol, alcoholic liquids).

1.7 Maintenance
The air filled ionization chamber has no wear and tear under normal operating conditions. For patient safety the
chamber shall be checked during the regular maintenance of the X-ray machine.

1.8 Disposal
The ionization chamber contains electronic components. It has to be disposed according to the valid national regu-
lations or it has to be sent back to the manufacturer.

2 Description
2.1 Mechanical Construction
The overall dimensions of the ionization chamber are given in the enclosed data sheet. The data sheet also shows
the numbering, the positions, and the dimensions of the three sensor fields. The preamplifier is attached to the ioni-
zation chamber.

2.2 Electronics
The electronics provides signal amplification and digitalization, generation of the operating voltage for the ionization
chamber, and switching of the sensor fields. The current generated in the sensor fields by the X-rays will be digi-
tized and processed according to the field selection. Five amplification levels can be set by means of 4 DIP switches
that are situated behind an opening in the amplifier cover. The digital output signal of the chamber electronics is
then fed to the automatic exposure controller of the X-ray generator via a 9-pin SUB-D plug connector (for pin-
assignment see enclosed data sheet) by a 10-core shielded cable. This cable is also used to transmit the control
signals and to feed the supply voltage from the X-ray generator to the ionization chamber. The supply voltage (see
also Technical Data below) must be a safety extra low voltage (SELV) from the AEC board.

Safety extra-low voltage (SELV, Protection Class III).

The standard setting for the control signals and the RESET is low active and can be changed by a soldering bridge.
An analog ramp signal can be generated by means of the ramp module (see 3.2) placed between the extension
cable and the AEC board. Application Notes will be provided on demand.

We reserve the right to alter the specification.

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 3-Field-Ionisations-Chambers Technical Description

2.3 Amplifier Adjustments

The output signal (number of pulses or ramp voltage) is calibrated equivalent to the dose. The manufacturer’s set-
tings of the amplifier are indicated in Figure 1. Other settings may be selected according to the table. The sensitivity
of the complete device (sensors, electronics) is calibrated during fabrication, and the three sensor fields are ad-
justed to the same signal quantity, such that as a rule no further adjustments are needed.

An individual gain adjustment after installation is possible. The adjustment potentiometers are accessible through
the drill-holes in the amplifier housing covered by a protecting label. There is no need to open the housing during
calibration procedures.

Use insulated tools to adjust the potentiometers or to set the micro-switch.

Avoid any electro conductive conjunction between housing and circuit board.

A clockwise adjustment to the potentiometer decrease the output signal (number of pulses or ramp voltage) per
dose, causing the field sensitivity to decrease.

Do not modify this medical equipment without authorization of the manufacturer.

Figure 1

We reserve the right to alter the specification.

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 3-Field-Ionisations-Chambers Technical Description

3 Accessories
3.1 Extension Cable
Extension cables to connect the Preamplifier 70 902 to the automatic exposure controller are available up to
30 meters long for all types of VacuTec ionization chambers.

3.2 Ramp Module

A 9-pin SUB-D connector is available with a ramp module included that converts the digital pulse output signal of
the chamber electronics into an analog ramp signal of 0 ... 10 V, 100 pulses generate a ramp voltage of 10 V. Posi-
tive polarity of the ramp signal is selected by manufacturer’s setting. If necessary, it can be switched to negative
polarity at connector side. The polarity of the control signals is positive. A version with negative polarity of the control
signals is also available. The ramp module will be plugged into the AEC interface.

3.3 Spacers
Plastic spacers to fit the VacuTec ionization chambers (6 mm thick) into a 12 mm wide support are available. These
spacers will be fixed at the frame of the ionization chamber and will guarantee an insulated installation of the cham-
ber.

Use only accessories specified for this medical equipment.

4 Technical Data

Energy range / X-ray tube voltage (40 ... 150) kV

Dose rate range* (0.5 ... 1000) µGy/s
Exposure dose range* (1 ... 100) µGy
Exposure time range 1 ms ... 10 s
Attenuation factor < 1.04
Aluminium equivalent* < 0.75 mm Aluminium
Sensitivity difference between sensor fields
(manufacturer calibration) ≤ 5%
Operating temperature range ( +10...+40) °C
Storage temperature ( - 40...+60) °C
Relative humidity for storage and operation < 90%
Classification of the Enclosure (IEC 60529) IP 50
Supply voltage (positive und negative SELV from AEC board) ± (11.5 ... 16) V
Power max. 2 W
Digital output differential signal (RS 422), pulse width 2 µs
Ramp output (with ramp module) 0 ... 10 V

*) The radiation dose (Air Kerma in Gy units) is measured directly behind the ionization chamber with the
RQA 5 radiation quality according to IEC 61267 (2005) / DIN EN 61267 (2006).

We reserve the right to alter the specification.

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