Primus Description

Primus Basic Functional Description
PRIMUS BASIC FUNCTIONAL

DESCRIPTION
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
CONTENT
INTRODUCTION
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
PRIMUS
PURPOSE OF A PRIMUS: A TREATMENT BEAM
OVERVIEW
PRIMUS SYSTEM OVERVIEW
MAIN SYSTEM REGULATION
MAIN PARTS
BEAM PRODUCTION: ELECTRON ACCELERATION

CHARGED PARTICLE IN AN ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD
LINEAR ACCELERATORS
ELECTRON GUN
INJECTOR
BEAM PRODUCTION: RF POWER

RF CIRCUIT
THE AFC, Automatic Frequency Control
KLYSTRON
MAGNETRON
MODULATOR
BEAM CONTROL AND COLLIMATION

BEAM CONTROL OVERVIEW
LENS COIL
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
STEERING COILS
BEAM COLLIMATING
DIGITAL SYSTEM, SAFETY AND BEAM MONITORING

DIGITAL SYSTEM DESIGN
SAFETY SYSTEM
IONIZATION CHAMBERS
DOSIMETRY CHANNELS
TIMING AND TRIGGERS
STRUCTURE, COOLING AND SUPPLY

STATIONARY STRUCTURE AND GANTRY
COOLING
SUPPLY
APPENDIX
SIGNALS
SOFTPOTS
ABREVIATIONS
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
INTRODUCTION
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Authors Note
I thank the training department team of SMSOCS for their cooperation. I especially thank Mrs
Angela Stewart for her corrections and Mr Paul Studeny for the technical validation.
Marc DELAPERRIERE,
Technical Support Engineer
Customer Service
SIEMENS AG
Medical Solutions
For any suggestions or comments regarding this document, please send an E-mail to the following
address:
Marc.Delaperriere@siemens.com
Purpose of the document

This description is designated for service engineers, biomedical engineers and physicists who wish
to understand the basic function of the PRIMUS linear accelerator.
The document is built in the following way: For each assembly are given
The purpose of the assembly

The location
A more detailed description or a functional description
The purpose and the location are enough and necessary to have a basic knowledge of the
complete system. The assembly functional description gives more details to the reader
Some written parts are in an another color: they are more detailed and provide explanations
on the physics involved in the system: they will satisfy the more curious readers.
Note: This description does not cover: the MLC (Multi leaf collimator), the ZXT table, the
BEAMVIEW, the VIRTUAL WEDGES, the RECORD and VERIFY system (LANTIS).
Note: This description is not a system reference manual. It is in not exhaustive. Its purpose is only
to provide a basic understanding of the linear accelerator.
.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Conventions for a better understanding

Signals are all represented negative.
Example: dose pulses
Terminology
Waveguide refers to the accelerating waveguide. Transmission waveguide refers to the
transmission waveguide.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
PRIMUS
PRIMUS is a linear accelerator offering a compact design and prepared to deliver the most
advanced treatment techniques.
The principle of any linear accelerator is always the same: the electron acceleration obeys the
physical laws of electromagnetism!
However, the beam control, the safety, system flexibility are continuously improving!
This functional description will help you understand the principles of the Primus linear accelerator,
from the fundamental, how to obtain a beam, to the result: a controlled beam with strength
specifications delivered by a safe system.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
PURPOSE OF A PRIMUS: GENERATING A

TREATMENT BEAM
First, the PRIMUS accelerator produces an electron or a photon beam within a range of
specified energies
This range of energies depends on the model and configuration:
In photon mode :
2 energies between 4 and 23 MV.
In electron mode :
6 electrons energies, from 5 to 21 MeV
There are two main models:
PRIMUS Hi-Energy, equipped with a klystron (up to 23MV photon, 21MeV

electron)
PRIMUS Mid-Energy, equipped with a magnetron (up to 15MV photon, 14MeV

electron)
The procedure requires:

To inject electrons into the system, with the Electron Gun and the Injector
To provide the power to accelerate these electrons. This is the purpose of the
Klystron/Magnetron and the Modulator
The energy is transmitted to the electron inside the accelerating waveguide. This causes the
electron to gain both speed and mass
An electron beam is present at the output . A photon beam can be obtained after striking a target.
It is important that the beam is controlled and collimated when used for medical
applications.
This is done by
The automated systems (dose rate regulation)

The fix parts (lens coil, steering coil, 270 bending magnet, collimator)
The digital system (control console, function controllers, interface boards).
Monitoring of the beam requires a high level of safety.

Dosimetry channels report the dose delivered, the dose rate, the beam flatness and symmetry,
measured by a chamber placed in the beam path
3 levels of Interlocks, software, hardware and firmware, stop radiation as soon as a system error is
detected a parameter is out of specification.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
OVERVIEW
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
BEAM PRODUCTION
The aim of a linear accelerator is to produce hi-energy electrons.
It s necessary:
To inject electrons into the waveguide; This is done by the electron gun (controlled by the injector)
To provide power to accelerate the electrons. This is done by a power source (modulator +
magnetron) or (modulator + klystron and RF driver)
At the end of the accelerating structure, a 270 bending magnet filters the electrons according to
their energy and focuses them downwards in the direction of the patient.
The electron beam strikes a target to produce photons. It can also be used directly as an electron
beam. It is then processed and collimated in the head.
Note: A pre-control of the beam is done inside the accelerator, by the Lens and Steering coils.
The dosimetry chambers placed in the head measure the dose output.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
10
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
MAIN SYSTEM REGULATION

The electrons are not permanently accelerated, but rather for short, repetitive periods of time. The
duration of each pulse is about 3s and is constant.
The pulses are produced at PRF (pulse repetition frequency).
The period corresponding to the PRF is 4.5 to 20 ms, depending on the energy selected. It is more
than 1000 time the duration of a pulse!
The faster the PRF, the more pulses are produced (higher dose production): thus, the dose rate
directly depends on the PRF.
To regulate the dose rate, the main servo loop uses the dose measurement information to control
the PRF
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
11
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
If the size of a dose pulse decreases, this main servo loop compensates.
Note: The main servo loop determines the triggers of the dose pulse production process.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
12
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
MAIN PARTS
Main parts location
locations designations
Main parts location
The accelerator consists of the following main components (magnetron machine described here):
1 : Stationary Structure
Fixed part of the machine
2 : Gantry
Mobile part : rotates 180 counter clockwise and 180 clockwise.
3 : Accelerating waveguide
Part where the electrons are accelerated (gain energy).
4: Gun
Produces the electrons designed to be accelerated in the waveguide.
5: Bending magnet envelope
After being accelerated, the electrons are filtered according to their energy and the beam is
redirected to the patient
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
13
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
6 : RF power source
The magnetron produces the Radio Frequency (RF) wave. This RF wave is used inside the
waveguide to accelerate the electrons.
Note: Another source of RF power is the klystron. It amplifies a wave coming from an RF driver.
7 : Collimator (Head)
The beam is collimated in the head. The result is a beam that is usable for treatments.
8 : RF circuit: transmission waveguide and 4 port circulator
The RF wave is sent from the source (magnetron/klystron) to the accelerating waveguide via the
transmission waveguide. The 4 port circulator allows only one direction for the RF wave to prevent
any reflected power to go back to the RF source (magnetron).
Locations designations
The locations are divided in 4 areas:
The head (collimator)
The gantry
Designated by H (example H43: collimator)

Designated by G (example G42:dosimetry
boards)
designated by S (example S31: power
distribution)
The stationary structure

And
Klystron machines:
The klystron area
Designated by K, located in the stationary

structure, right side
and upper left side
The magnetron area
designed by M, located at the top of the

stationary structure
Magnetron machines:
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
14
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
15
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
BEAM PRODUCTION: ELECTRON

ACCELERATION
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
16
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
CHARGED PARTICLE IN AN ELECTROMAGNETIC

FIELD
A charged particle in an electromagnetic field
r r
E, B
withstands a force, (law of Lorentz)
r
r r
r
F = q(E + v B)
where
r
F
is the force applied, q the charge of the particle,
velocity and
r
B
r
E
the electric field,
r
v
the electron
the magnetic field, the vectorial cross product.
Lets consider the two following cases:
Electric field action

The charged particle, an electron is placed between two plates. V is their potential difference. We
assume the magnetic field is 0 in this space.
The electron is accelerated in the opposite direction of the electric field. Its kinetic energy increases
and directly depends on the potential difference between the two plates.
The energy E is measured in electron volt (eV), unit corresponding to the acceleration of an
electron through a potential difference of 1V
1eV = 1,610
. 19 J
Note: The unit MeV (mega electron volt) is used to designate the electron accelerator energies.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
17
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Magnetic field action

With a velocity
r
v,
the electron enters an area where the magnetic field is orthogonal to its
trajectory and where the
r
E
field is zero.
The electron is only subject to a radial force (vector cross-product
r
r
v B
).
The trajectory of the electron inside the magnetic field is a circular arc contained in the plane
perpendicular to the magnetic field.
As the force is always perpendicular to the travel, the electron gains no energy in the magnetic
field.
To summarize,
The E field is used to increase the energy of the electrons by accelerating them.
The B field is used to modify the trajectory of the electrons (bending magnet, focusing
coils...).
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
18
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
LINEAR ACCELERATOR
Purpose of the waveguide
Waveguide location
Waveguide functional description
Accelerating Cavities
Electrons speed and energy
PRIMUS standing wave waveguide
Coupling cavities
Buncher
Beam loading and beam peaking
Design
Purpose of the waveguide

For radiotherapy treatment application, the electrons must gain energy up to 21MeV. However, it is
impossible to have physically two points separated by a short distance with a potential difference
21 MV.
One solution is to accelerate the electrons step by step, using a high frequency alternating electric
field (Radio Frequency (RF) field).
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
19
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
The waveguide is filled by the RF wave. Each time the electron encounters a favorable electric
field (negative alternation) it gains an energy portion E.
This operation is done in the waveguide cavities.
The total energy gained by the electrons in the accelerator is the sum of the energy gained in each
cavity:
E= E1+E2+E3++En
Waveguide location
The waveguide is located inside the gantry. Its
bending envelope is below the collimator (gantry
at 180) between the two coils of the bending
magnet.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
20
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Waveguide functional description

Accelerating cavities
Single cavity:
Note: For an electron on the axis, the radial force applied is 0.

The electron should not loose energy on positive E field alternations:
Electron 1, inside a cavity,

is accelerated.
Electron 2, between 2
cavities,
is
not
accelerated.
In each of the cavities, the electron encounters an electric field. In the space between two cavities,
the RF field is zero.
During the time electron 1 transits between two cavities, the phase in the next cavity has time to
invert. The electron will be accelerated again when it travels in the next cavity.
Electrons speed and energy

To calculate the electron speed and mass, relativistic physics must be applied. The following table
represents the (velocity / speed of light) and the (mass / origin mass) of an electron relative to its
energy.
Electron Energy
v/c
M/mo
15 keV
1 MeV
4 MeV
6 MeV
10 MeV
15 MeV
21 MeV
0.237
0.942
0.993
0.997
0.998
0.99945
0.99971
1.03
2.96
8.83
12.74
20.57
30.35
42.1
Note: The energy of the electron at the gun output is approximately 15 KeV.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
21
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
PRIMUS standing wave waveguide

In a traveling wave waveguide, the RF wave travels and is absorbed by a load at the end of the
waveguide.
An electron entering a cavity when the phase of the
wave is favorable is accelerated similarly to a surfer
on a wave.
In a standing wave waveguide, the RF wave is injected anywhere in the accelerating waveguide
and is reflected on both ends. The forward and the reflected waves ( E forward and E reflected ) add
to one another.
A resonant frequency exists for which we have stationary waves with
nodes where E ( t ) = 0
and maxima
E m = E reflected + E forward ,
The wave is reflected on the ends with a small power loss

as big as
E forward .
E reflected E forward
and
Em
is twice
The standing wave waveguide, is more efficient and shorter than a traveling
wave waveguide.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
22
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Coupling cavities
Coupling cavities ensure that the RF power is transmitted from one accelerating cavity to the next
one.
Because of the coupling cavities, the field is opposite in two adjacent cavities.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
r
E1
r
E2
23
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Buncher
The buncher consists of the 2 and 1/2 first waveguide cavities.

At the gun output, the electrons meet the RF wave. The wave can present a favorable phase for
acceleration or not. Thus, half of the electrons are automatically eliminated.
The lucky electrons leaving the gun are accelerated according to the RF field phase in the first
half cavity (some more, some less).
Result: Part of the electrons are lost; the rest gather in bunches with the distance. These bunches
are not only spatial but energetic and synchronous with the electric field maximums.
The electron 3 is accelerated

the most.
The electron 2 and 1 less.
With the distance, they are
caught up by electron 3.
The
electron
4,
without
sufficient acceleration, will be
lost
Beam loading and beam peaking

The efficiency of a waveguide depends on the electron beam current inside the waveguide. For
each energy and dose rate, an optimized RF value is required for which the output is maximum
and stable.
The red curve represents the Intensity (number of
electrons) as a function of their energy at the end of
the waveguide and entrance of the bending magnet
envelope.
The blue portion of the curve corresponds to the
electrons filtered by the bending magnet.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
24
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Note: The bending magnet (not described yet), should be considered as an energy filter with an
energy bandwidth.
To achieve the highest output, the maximum of
electrons must exit the bending magnet.
Determining this optimal value by increasing or
decreasing the RF power is called peaking.
If the output is still insufficient, more electrons may

be injected. However, because of beam loading,
the spectrum is shifted to the left, and the RF
power must be increased again.
Design
Lens coil
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
25
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Electron gun
The source of free electrons pushed into the bunching cavities of the accelerator structure; is
detailed in the Gun and Injector chapter.
Ion pump
Maintains a vacuum of 10-9 Torr in the waveguide and bending envelope, by trapping the free gas
molecules.
RF window
A ceramic window that isolates the transmission waveguide, filled with SF6, from the accelerating
waveguide vacuum. The RF wave passes through this window.
Bending envelope
The bending envelope is located between the bending magnet coils. This is where the electrons
are filtered before they exit the vacuum downwards in the direction of the patient
Beam exit window
2 thin metal foils through which an electron beam can pass. The inner foil maintains the vacuum
integrity. The foils are water-cooled
Cooling
When lost electrons strike the waveguide and envelope walls, heat is produced. Cooling is
necessary:
For the bending envelope

For the beam exit window
For the RF window
For the accelerating structure
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
26
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
ELECTRON GUN
Purpose of the gun
Gun location
Gun functional description
Purpose of the gun

The electron gun provides the electrons to be accelerated.
Gun location
The gun is located at the entrance of the
accelerating waveguide
Gun functional description

The electron gun is a triode:
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
27
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Under a voltage difference, the electrons, emitted by the cathode are naturally accelerated in the
direction of the anode.
The grid functions as a valve:
If its voltage is negative compared to the cathode, it acts as a screen, not allowing
the electrons to flow in the direction of the anode.
If a positive pulse is sent to the grid, the valve opens and the electron flow during
the pulse time.
The electron gun cathode is a matrix of porous tungsten with barium oxide doping. The cathode is
indirectly heated by the filament to over 10000C (18580F) to provide space charge limited emission.
The anode is soldered to the first waveguide half cavity.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
28
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
INJECTOR
Purpose of the injector
Injector location
Injector functional description
Purpose of the injector
The number of electrons the gun provides and their speed must be controlled. And the output must
be stable.
The injector assembly performs these functions, by providing the anode to cathode voltage, the
grid voltage, and the filament voltage.
Injector location
The injector is located in the gantry
Injector functional description

The velocity of the electrons injected into the accelerating waveguide at the anode depends on the
cathode to anode voltage (controlled by the INJ E parameter, usually 12.5 kV)
The number of electrons injected depends on the grid pulse voltage (controlled by INJ I)
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
29
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Note : the electron flow current is about 1A in the low X-ray energy X ; 0.15 A for X-high (18MV),
and only a few mA in the highest electron energy.
The output stability depends on the filament voltage.
This voltage is set at the beginning of the saturation
area of the curve. Thus, gun filament voltage or
temperature changes do not affect the gun current.
The following diagram shows the operating principle of

the electron gun.
The gun is soldered to the waveguide, so the anode must be at ground potential. Thus, the
cathode must be at 12.5KV.
Warning: High Voltage
In standby, the -12.5KV power supply is off. When in rad on the complete injector HV
board is at 12.5KV!
In standby mode, the grid is at 135V relative to
cathode voltage. The grid pulses go to a positive
value (relative to the cathode voltage, when the
grid is pulsed)
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
30
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
BEAM PRODUCTION: RF POWER
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
31
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
RF CIRCUIT
Purpose of the RF circuit
RF circuit location
RF circuit functional description
Transmission waveguide
Four port circulator
Purpose of the RF circuit

When sending RF power to the waveguide, no RF power should be reflected back to the RF
source, klystron or magnetron.
The RF power transit in a transmission waveguide.
The rotary joint ensures this transit between the structure and the gantry.
A 4 port circulator prevents reflected power from returning to the source.
RF circuit location
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
32
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
RF circuit functional description

The transmission waveguide is rectangular. It is filled by SF6 at 25 PSI, a better dielectric than air,
to avoid arcing. A rotary joint ensures the transfer from the structure to the gantry.
Four port circulator

The four port circulator prevents reflected waves from returning to the power source. Reflected
power is redirected to an HP load where it is dissipated as heat.
The four port circulator consists of Radio Frequency devices (described in the four port circulator
detailed description) :
Magic T.
Phase shifter
Couplers
On the four port circulator, four RF power probes are connected: two RF forward probes and two
RF reflected probes (one of each is used for the automatic frequency control, the others are used
for service).
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
33
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Four port circulator detailed operation

The main component is the Magic T, a device with 4 ports E,H,A,B.
A forward wave entering in H is split into two waves, in
the A and B arms:
2 waves of the same frequency and phase are recombined

into one, exiting through port E.
This characteristic is based on the geometry of the T and of electromagnetic fields.
The coupler realizes a coupling between two portions of transmission waveguide. Its functioning is
based on electromagnetic field characteristics and on ferrite sections.
RF waves entering port A travel to port C. A certain amount of power (depending on the coupling
coefficient) is transmitted to port D with a phase shift due to the difference in travel.
RF waves entering port B travel to D. Part of the power is transmitted to port C according to the
coupling coefficient.
A phase shifter adds a phase shift to the wave transit. It is a rectangular waveguide with built-in
ferrite cubes.
Four port circulator operation
The
forward
RF
wave,
originating from the RF source,
enters the port 1. It is split in
two in the Magic T and is
recombined with the help of the
coupler. The phase shifter
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
34
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
ensures that the two waves are in phase when they recombine. Most of the RF forward power
exits through the port 2 (waveguide).
Note: Due to the imperfection of the coupling, a small RF portion is lost in the low power load.
The RF reflected wave,
originating
from
the
waveguide enters port 2 and
is redirected to port 3. Port 3
is connected to a high
power load cooled by
water : the reflected power
is dissipated as heat.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
35
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
THE AFC, AUTOMATIC FREQUENCY CONTROL

Purpose of the AFC
AFC location
AFC functional description
Purpose of the AFC
To obtain a stationary wave in the accelerating waveguide, the wavelength of the RF wave must
match the length of the cavities (Resonant frequency).
Two parameters affect the waveguide geometry:
The temperature variation.
The Beam loading : The impedance changes inside the waveguide according to the number of
electrons present in the electron beam.
Thus, it is necessary to permanently adapt the frequency of the RF source (about 2.9985 GHz) to
obtain standing waves. AFC (Automatic Frequency Control) is used for this purpose.
AFC location
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
36
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
AFC functional description

The frequency to obtain standing waves in the accelerating waveguide is called here f 0 . At this
frequency, the waveguide acts as a matching load, and the RF power reflected by the waveguide
(returning to the 4 port circulator) is close to zero.
The amplitude of the RF reflected wave is not enough information to perform a servo loop (we
cannot determine if we need to increase or decrease the frequency to reach f 0 ). Information on
the phase shift, between the forward and reflected wave is necessary. This phase shift is between
et
and is zero when the frequency f 0
is reached.
Thus, the AFC measures both the phase and the amplitude to find if the frequency must be
increased or decreased.
AFC block diagram
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
37
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Principle
On the 4 port circulator we take a sample of the RF reflected wave and of the RF forward wave.
We represent them by vectors. The length of these vectors is proportional to the amplitude of the
wave. The angle between the two vectors is the phase shift between the forward and reflected
sample waves!
r
Ereflected
r
E forward
Note: is not necessarily zero for standing waves. The probes collecting sample waves on the 4
port circulator are not in the same place and the cable length is different. Therefore, an additional
phase shift is added.
The hybrid ring performs the following operation on the waves:
r
r
E forward + Ereflected
Port3:
Port4:
r
r
E forward Ereflected
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
38
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
The two diodes measure the amplitude of the power of the two resulting waves at port3 and port4.
The result is subtracted to provide an error signal.
The time the error signal is calculated is determined by AFC-T (AFC Trigger)
The phase shifter increases the travel of the reflected wave. It is adjusted for an additional phase
shift to get an Error signal of zero if we have stationary waves.
If we deviate from the standing wave frequency, we have an additional phase shift , and a non
zero error signal. The sign of the error signal indicates if the frequency must be increased or
decreased.
The AFC PCB processes the error signal and drives the magnetron or RF driver tuner to return to a
standing wave position.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
39
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
KLYSTRON
Purpose of the klystron
Klystron location
Klystron functional description
Purpose of the klystron
To obtain an RF wave for electron acceleration in the waveguide, an RF tube is necessary. The
Klystron is not an RF source but an amplifier. The RF wave is generated by another source, the RF
driver.
At the output of the RF driver, the RF wave (2.9985 GHz) has a power of less than 100W
The klystron amplifies this wave to a power of up to 7,5 MW. The power source is the modulator. It
generates a pulse of up to 110 A and 140 KV during 5.2s. RF is amplified during this time.
Klystron location
The klystron is located in the right side of the structure. The body
is located inside the solenoids, the gun inside the pulse tank, and
the collector under a lead shielding.
The visible part (red) is connected to the transmission waveguide.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
40
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Klystron functional description

The klystron consists of an electron gun, 5 cavities and a collector.
The modulator pulse (pulse I, Kly E) is applied between the cathode and the anode. The electrons,
emitted at the cathode are accelerated in the direction of the anode. The initial RF wave, generated
by the RF driver, is applied to the first cavity and modulates the electron flow by submitting the
electrons to different accelerations depending on the phase of the wave.
The electrons gather in bunches similar as in an accelerator buncher.
1 2 3 4 5
12
345
When the electrons arrive in front of the last cavity, the electron bunches generate surface currents
(Lenz law). This last cavity transmits the RF wave to an adapted transmission waveguide.
The center cavities acts at the same time as the first and the last cavity. Thus, they increase the
amplification and the quality of bunches.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
41
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
The focusing solenoids maintain the electron beam close to the Klystron axis.
The energy of the non-used electrons (half of the energy) is lost and dissipated as heat in the
collector. Therefore, water cooling is necessary.
Saturation curve
To avoid instability of the RF output power, the klystron must be saturated (regarding the input RF
power).
The input power delivered by the RF driver must be set, so that a small change of it would not
affect the klystron RF output power.
8
This is an example of klystron

saturation curves (klystron TH 2157)
Klystron output MW
The saturation points are slightly

different for a high (here 100 A) and a
low klystron currents (here 60 A). A
compromise must be found for the RF
driver setting: the klystron should not
be oversaturated for high pulse I
values, but close to the saturation
point for low voltage values.
Saturation
point
6
5
Pulse I: 100A
Pulse I: 60A
Saturation
point
3
2
1
0
0
50
100
RF driver output power W
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
42
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
MAGNETRON
Purpose of the Magnetron
Magnetron location
Magnetron functional description
Purpose of the Magnetron
The magnetron is an RF tube (used for lower energy machines than the klystron). It provides the
high power RF wave necessary to accelerate the electrons in the waveguide on Primus mid-energy
systems.
The power source is the modulator. It delivers a pulse of up to 110A and 45KV The peak output
power is 2.7MW
Magnetron location
The magnetron is located at the top of the structure in
the modulator doghouse.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
43
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Magnetron functional description

Unlike the Klystron, the Magnetron is an oscillator : it generates the RF wave. This effect is
obtained by a combined action of the electric field
r
r
E and magnetic field B .
The magnetron consists of a cylindrical cathode

surrounded by an anode with cavities.
The modulator pulse is applied between the cathode and the anode. RF is generated during this
time.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
44
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
The cavities force the electric field E into a special shape inside the Magnetron. The electron
follows a complex trajectory between the cathode and the anode and also modifies the field lines
via induction on the cavity walls.
When steady conditions are reached, the electron distribution looks like a paddlewheel .
This causes the wall currents to have a sinusoidal evolution. This is the origin of the RF wave. The
dimensions of the cavities determine their resonant frequency (the frequency of the RF field).
The picture on the right shows Magnetron

Electromagnet
The electromagnet provides the magnetic field necessary
for the magnetron. The electromagnet current has to
match the size of the pulse I and is different for each
energy.
Tuner
The tuner is an adjustable metal part entering a cavity. A
change in the position of the tuner modifies the resonant
frequency.
An antenna is used for the coupling to the transmission
waveguide. A glass window separates the magnetron
vacuum from the SF6 gas inside the transmission
waveguide.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
45
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
MODULATOR
Purpose of the modulator
Modulator location
Primus hi energy
Primus mid energy
Modulator functional description

Primus hi energy modulator
Primus mid energy modulator
Purpose of the modulator

The peak output power of a klystron is 7.5 MW. The peak output power of a magnetron is 2.7MW.
Only a small percentage of this power is used to accelerate the electrons, the highest percentage
is dissipated as heat. Because of heat dissipation, incoming power and component designs, the
accelerator can not operate continuously.
Therefore, the accelerator functions in pulsed mode with a long pulse repetition period (PRP) of
5 to 20ms between pulses. The klystron pulse duration is only 5.1s
To generate the high power RF wave, the klystron / magnetron requires a power source. This
power source is the modulator
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
46
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Modulator location
PRIMUS hi energy
The modulator is located in the right side of the structure. The
low voltage part of the modulator is in the charge drawer
(lower part on the picture), the high-voltage part in the pulse
tank (upper part on the picture).
PRIMUS mid energy

The modulator is located at the top of the structure
(modulator dog house).
Modulator functional description

To generate a high power pulse from a standard 208V, the energy is stored over a long period,
then released quickly.
Trivial example:
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
47
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
In a modulator, the energy is stored in the PFN (Pulse Forming Network) and is released to the
klystron, after triggering the thyratron. The modulator operation is based on a charging cycle and a
discharging cycle.
Note : The thyratron is a high speed switching device
PRIMUS hi-energy modulator
Charging diodes
Note : The IGBT (Insulated Gated Bipolar Transistor) can be

considered a switch.
Note : To simplify the drawing, backswing clipper, and clipper circuits are not represented on the
diagram. These circuits are used as protection in case of a load mismatch during discharge time.
Note : To reduce distance between components, the high voltage part of the modulator is located
in the pulse tank, which is filled with oil.
Charging cycle
The charging cycle includes two operations.
1 : IGBT closed
The energy is stored in the fly back transformer, but cannot be delivered to the secondary side of
the circuit because of the charging diode. The primary current, Ip is a ramp.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
48
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Ip
1 V/div
1s/div
Note: Ip is connected to Charge I on the signal box at the console.

2 : IGBT open
Once enough energy is stored in the fly back transformer, the IGBT open. The energy is
transferred to the secondary side of the fly-back transformer.
The secondary winding of the fly back transformer and the PFN
acts as an LC circuit. The secondary current, Is is a sinusoid
portion.
Ip channel 1, Is channel 2
The PFN charges at the same time. Its voltage (Vpfn) after charging is about 30KV
Is channel 1, Vpfn channel 2

Vpfn: 1V for 10KV
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
49
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Discharging cycle
The PFN remains charged until the thyratron is triggered.
After triggering, it starts conducting and the energy stored in the PFN is released in a high power
pulse.
The current of this pulse is over 1000A at the primary side of the pulse transformer. It is from 70 to
110A at the secondary side. The voltage pulse is 130KV to 160KV.
The current is called pulse I or Kly I
The voltage pulse is called Kly E
Channel 1 Kly E, channel 2 Pulse I (1V for 10A)
To produce homogeneous RF power, the klystron / magnetron requires a pulse with a flat area of
more than 3s.
If the PFN was made of only one capacitor, this pulse would look like the discharge of a capacitor
in a resistor, in other words, a spike followed by a decreasing exponential.
This is why the PFN is made of 7 capacitor separated by coils. The solenoids add a delay in the
discharge of each capacitor. The total discharging pulse has a rectangular shape.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
50
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Pulse I signal 1V for 10A

Modulator control
The PFN softpot controls how long the IGBT remains closed. The PFN charging is based on this
time.
The more the PFN charges, the higher the pulse I and the RF power at the klystron output.
PRIMUS mid-energy modulator (magnetron modulator)
The magnetron modulator discharge cycle is similar to that of the PRIMUS High-Energy.
However, the charging cycle differs:
A High Voltage Power Supply (HVPS) consisting of a transformer and a 3 phase bridge rectifier,
provides a continuous voltage of up to 15KV.
The charging choke, with its d-Qing circuitry (changing the Q factor of the charging choke coil
when its secondary winding is closed across a resistor) allows a control of the PFN charging.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
51
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
BEAM CONTROL AND

COLLIMATION
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
52
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
BEAM CONTROL OVERVIEW

Expectations
Photon beam line
Electron beam line
Expectations
For radiotherapy application, the electron or photon beam must obey strict specifications.
Requirements:
Narrow energy spectrum.

Homogeneity.
Symmetric.
Profile example for a 10*10 field
Before it enters the bending magnet envelope, the beam does not have these qualities. Control
and focus are necessary. The Following describes the components adding those qualities.
Some of these operations are performed inside the waveguide. The other operations are
performed inside the collimator.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
53
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Photon beam line
Electron beam line
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
54
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
LENS COIL
Purpose of the lens coil
Lens coil location
Lens coil functional description
Purpose of the lens coil
In electron mode , the injector current is very low for high energies (a few mA). Unwanted
electrons, coming from the waveguide and gun materials add to the normal beam.
The goal of the lens coil is to eliminate them, as they may cause dose rate instability.
Lens coil location

The Lens coil is mounted on the waveguide around the
accelerator bunching cells (inside the blue cylinder on the
picture).
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
55
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Lens coil functional description

The coil generates a magnetic field. The electrons that are not on the beam axis are defocused
and get lost. Thus they are not part of the treatment beam.
r
B
Note: On the 4 to 10 MV waveguide, the lens coil is used to focus the beam in the low X-ray
energy.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
56
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
STEERING COILS
Purpose of the steering coils
Steering coils location
Purpose of the steering coils
The bending magnet is factory-aligned for correct beam alignment in the X-hi energy (beam on the
collimator axis).
However, the beam must also match the collimator axis for the X-low energy and electrons. A
small beam correction in the In-plane direction is necessary in the waveguide prior to entering the
bending envelope. For this purpose two steering coils are added on the waveguide.
Steering coils location

The steering coils
are mounted to
the cavity cells.
Note : Steering and dynamic steering have two different purposes. The dynamic steering is
described in the dosimetry section of this document.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
57
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
270 BENDING MAGNET

Purpose of the bending magnet
Bending magnet location
Bending magnet functional description
Purpose of the bending magnet
Despite the bunching effect, not all of the electrons have the same energy after being accelerated.
They have a wide energy spectrum when they are at the end of the waveguide.
To obtain a narrow beam energy spectrum, a filter is required ( the 270bending magnet).
The bending magnet has 3 functions :
Energy selection and filtering

Beam focus
Directing the beam toward the patient
Bending magnet location

The bending magnet coils are located in the head. The bending envelope is located between the
two bending magnet coils.
Bending magnet functional description

A magnetic field is applied to the electron. The trajectory inside the magnetic field area is circular.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
58
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
The radius of the arc directly depends on the electron velocity (or energy).
Only the electrons, with the expected energy make the 270 turn and exit through the beam exit
window. Their path is then aligned with the collimator axis.
Note : The window consists of 2 thin metal foils, which an energetic electron beam can easily
pass. Water flows between the two foils to cool the window. At the same time the window
maintains the vacuum integrity of the waveguide.
The electrons with an energy that varies too greatly from the expected energy scrape the envelope
walls. The envelope is cooled by water to dissipate the heat.
The electron close to the expected energy may reach the window, but at an angle with the
collimator axis. An achromatic system to focus the electrons helps eliminate this problem.
The magnetic field needs to be adjustable to select different energies. Therefore, it is generated by
two coils. The current of these bending magnet coils is controlled by the BMI softpot.
Warning: Risk of maltreatment. Changing the bending magnet current will modify the final energy
of the beam!
Do not change the bending magnet current without performing a complete beam control
including scans, depth dose and dosimetry.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
59
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
60
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
BEAM COLLIMATING
Electron beam
Photon beam
Collimator details
Electron beam
When the electron beam exits the waveguide, it is focused (see bending magnet).
Its power is concentrated close to the beam axis.
Double scattering is performed to obtain an homogeneous and large beam.
A thin metallic foil (gold or stainless steel) located

on the target slide is used for the first scattering.
Note: For the 5 or 6 MeV electron, a hole comes
at the place of the first foil.
A small filter scatters the electron beam a second
time.
Next, the beam is collimated in the lower defining head by the jaws, X crossplane, and Y inplane,
associated to an electron applicator.
Photon beam
To obtain a photon beam, the electrons strike a
heavy metal target (tungsten with a copper insert
behind it). This loss of kinetic energy by interaction
with the electron kerns of the metal is restituted as
high energy photons. This effect is called
Bremsstrahlung
As the X-ray beam Intensity is higher on and near
the beam axis, a flattering filter is necessary to
obtain a homogeneous beam.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
61
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Note the higher the energy, the higher the filter must be.
The beam is then collimated by the jaws Y and X (or the multileaf collimator if a more complicated
shape is expected).
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
62
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Collimator details
Primary collimator
Target slide
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
63
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
DIGITAL SYSTEM, SAFETY AND

BEAM MONITORING
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
64
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
DIGITAL SYSTEM DESIGN

Purpose of the digital system
Digital system functional description
Example
Exceptions
Purpose of the digital system
A lot of noise is generated by the high voltage components in the modulator, the RF wave
production , and the presence of strong electro-magnetic fields. In this environment, the digital
system must stay reliable and free from interference by any of these noises.
Moreover, a system must have a clear architecture (for serviceability) and support updates and
evolutions.
The two principles of the digital system are as follows:
Clear hierarchy in the function blocks. The commands from the console to the
motor power supplies follow a single logic.
If possible, the information is transmitted via differential lines by frequency

modulation inside the machine. The information is converted into analog voltage
as late in the process as possible.
Digital system functional description

Clear hierarchy
The top function block is the console computer (PC)

Note : A PC can be easily connected externally (Record &
Verify system).
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
65
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
The console communicates with 8 micro controllers (slave boards) via SIP cables (digital
information).
The function controllers are located in the structure S33, S34, in the gantry G31, G32, and in the
hand control.
Each of these function controllers is dedicated to a group of functions in the machine

Thus :
Function controller 0
Motors
Gantry, collimator, jaw Y, jaw X (non MLC machines))
Dosimetry channel 1
Dosimetry channel 2
Beam
All the beam parameters & feed back
Hand control
Light and beam shield

Field light, room dimmer, lasers, optical distance indicator
Interlocks
Hardware interlocks
Input/output
Head settings (slides), firmware control, machine states (Program/ ready/
rad on)
The function controllers exchange information with driver boards, control boards and power
supplies via interface boards (DF/FD, tranceivers).
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
66
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Information transmission
The console sends digital information to the function controller boards. This information circulates
on a SIP (serial) cable from one FC to the next one (S33,S34, G31,G32, HC).
Note: The SIP cable is the gray cable routed

from one function controller to the next one.
The information transmitted from the function controllers to the interface boards (D/F F/D boards) is
digital.
The DF/FD boards convert this digital information into frequency modulated signals. These signals
are transmitted via differential lines. So, when electronic noise adds to the signal, it is eliminated
when the signal is reconstructed by subtraction.
This system has two main benefits:
It is not noise sensitive.
The information is not lost in case of a signal attenuation (in a voltage amplitude
based signal the information would be lost).
On the driver boards, the signal is converted to analog voltage to control the motors and power
supplies.
Information returned to the console follows the opposite direction (example : reading of the dose
pulses, bending magnet current feed back, etc.).
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
67
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Example: BMI parameter (Bending magnet current)
Command
Function controller 3 sends binary information to the D/F F/D board (BMI value, coming from the
console BMI softpot). The D/F F/D board converts it into a frequency signal.
The F/V converter (on the S41 board) converts this information into analog voltage between 0 and
10V. After being processed this analog voltage drives the bending magnet power supply.
Feed back
On a shunt, a voltage sample proportional to the current in the bending magnet coils is taken
(BMIS). This information is converted to frequency, then into binary information, and finally sent to
the console by function controller 3.
Exceptions
The clear hierarchical architecture of the system is respected in the present scenario.
Some exceptions:
Example 1: For virtual wedge treatments, the dosimetry function controllers 1 and
2 must know the position of the jaws. Typically, the feed back of the jaw position
should only go to function controller 0.
Example 2: For the motors, function controller 0 board directly communicates with
the board driving the motors (V7.x models).
Note: The drive signals for the jaws, collimator and gantry do not require high precision.
Attenuation or noise are not a problem!
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
68
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
SAFETY SYSTEM
Purpose of the safety system
Safety system functional description
Hardware interlocks
Firmware safety system
Software interlock
Record and verify software
Purpose of the safety system

The accelerator is used for treatments in hospital. Therefore, the safety systems must be reliable.
Areas of consideration:
Patient safety: any difference between the expected value and the result (energy,
dose, dose rate, jaw positions, etc.) immediately stops the beam.
Operator safety: treatment room door, dead man switch on the hand control,
anti-collision system on the beamview.
System safety : Waveguide vacuum monitoring, water cooling temperature

temperature monitoring, power supplies monitoring, modulator monitoring, etc.
The safety system of the Primus is redundant. It can be divided into 3 systems :
Hardware interlocks system

Software interlocks system
These 3 systems are supplemented by the R&V (Record and verify) software on a separate
console.
Safety system functional description

Hardware interlocks
Hardware interlocks are the fastest safety mechanism. Any error detected triggers a voltage drop
(from 5 to 0V, or 24V to 0V) on the interlock boards. The interlock boards immediately stop the
radiation.
Interlock boards location S33.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
69
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
There are approx. 30 HW interlocks (depending on the machine configuration).

Examples for hardware interlocks:
Dose rate 2 (HW) : the dose rate is 20% out of range.

Mode HW : the target, chamber, or filter slide is not in position.
Treatment room door : the treatment room door is open.
Table not locked.
etc...
This group of interlocks is supplemented by the modulator interlocks (K2 chassis, klystron, M2
magnetron). If one of these interlocks trips, a modulator incomplete interlock is asserted.

A watchdog board continuously monitors the function controller boards. Each function
controller sends a pulse (every 20 ms) to the watchdog board. If one function controller board fails,
the watchdog pulls down the T1 line and all function controllers are informed. Radiation is
stopped immediately.
Note: A function controller can also pull down the T1 line.
In addition, each slave must enable 3 safety lines (gantry enable, radiation enable, HV-ON enable)
to allow radiation.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
70
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Software interlocks
Software Interlocks are generated by the console and are the highest number. They are often
redundant to hardware interlocks. They include:
Dosimetry interlocks (Monitor 1, monitor

2, dose rate (SW))
Parameter controls (bending magnet
current, lens coil current, power sent to
the klystron).
Positioning control (of the gantry,
collimator ,and jaws.)
etc.
Advantage: New interlocks are easy to implement with a new software release.
Weakness: They are slower than the hardware interlocks.
Record and verify software

The use of R&V software enhances the treatment safety.
The treatment plan is entered into the computer system by
the physicist. The treatment parameters are then transmitted
to the Primus system. Therefore, the possibility of an
operator fault during treatment programming or false
accessory insertion is prevented.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
71
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
IONISATION CHAMBERS
Purpose of the chambers
Chambers location
Chambers functional description
Purpose of the chambers
To know :
Which dose is delivered to the patient.

At which dose rate this dose is delivered.
If the dose pulses are not too high and dangerous
If the beam flatness and symmetry is within specification.
and to regulate the machine dose-rate, a measurement is necessary.

The measurement is performed in the beam path by the ionization chambers. The information is
processed by the dosimetry channels and then sent to the console.
Chambers location
The chambers are located on the
chamber slide in the collimator (the slide
is positioned relative to the selected mode
(photon or electrons)).
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
72
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Chambers functional description
The first chamber is sealed and used for photons. The advantage of a sealed chamber is that no
pressure and temperature compensation is required.
The second is open and is used for electrons. A pressure and temperature compensation are
performed.
The temperature sensors are located in the head close to the electron chamber.
Note : A sealed chamber would cause excessive attenuation of the electron beam too much. It has
to be as thin as possible
Each of these chambers is made of:
2 Monitors
MON 1, complete surface of the chamber
MON2, smaller and in the center.
4 segments SEG1, SEG2, SEG3, SEG4 around monitor 2 (used also for SEG0).
The segments are used to control the beam flatness and symmetry, the monitors to measure the
dose and the dose rate.
The chamber voltage is 600V, area where the response to the dose is linear .
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
73
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
DOSIMETRY CHANNELS
Purpose of the dosimetry channels
Dosimetry channels location
Dosimetry channels functional description
Flatness and Symmetry
Dose measurement
Dose Rate Control
Dynamic steering
Purpose of the dosimetry channels

The measurement done by the dosimetry chambers must be processed. This is performed on 2
dosimetry channels.
Both channels provide information for beam monitoring (dose, dose rate, flatness,
symmetry)
Channel 2 controls the PRF
Channel 2 controls the dynamic steering (new feature).
Dosimetry channels location

The dosimetry boards are located in the Gantry, G42
Dosimetry channels functional description

For redundant safety, the two channels are completely separated on different boards using
different power supplies. If any value drifts on one of the two channels, a difference is detected by
the system and an interlock stops the beam.
Channel 1 reports the information from:
MON 1, SEG 1, SEG 3, Temp1, Press1
Note : Temp and Press : Feedback from the temperature and pressure sensors. These sensors
are used for dose compensation in electron mode.
Channel 2 reports the information from:
MON 2, SEG 2, SEG 4, Temp2, Press2
Note : The dose rate regulation board is located in channel2

SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
74
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Flatness and Symmetry

The Flatness measurement is obtained in the console by comparing:
Seg2, seg4, seg0

Seg1, seg3, seg0
Inplane
Crossplane
The calculated value is named Fy

The calculated value is named Fx
The Symmetry measurement is obtained in the console by comparing:
Seg2, Sge4
Seg1, Seg3
Inplane
Crossplane
The calculated value is named Sy

The calculated value is named Sx
If Fx, Fy exceed a value Fwi (Flatness window) or If Sx, Sy exceed a value Swi (Symmetry
window), the radiation is stopped immediately.
Dose measurement
Due to capacitive effects, a dose pulse is much longer than 3 s (actual beam pulse time).
The dose pulses are amplified, integrated and multiplied by a gain. (D1_G or D2_G). These gains
are adjusted so that the dose indication MON1 and MON2 displayed, on the console matches the
reading of an external dosimeter measurement.
Dose Rate Control

The dose rate control is obtained by monitoring the pulse
repetition frequency (see: overview).
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
75
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
A series of dose pulses with a smaller amplitude is compensated by a higher PRF: the dose rate
indication stays at the nominal value. The softpot DRCV (Dose Rate Control Voltage) is the preset
value for the dose rate (example 300 MU/min). The dose rate voltage, measured by channel 2 is
compared to DRCV. In function of the result, the PRF is increased or decreased.
Having this compensation enabled is called CLOSED LOOP

In service mode (service menu, softpot screen) this loop can be opened (OPEN LOOP). The PRF
is then controlled by the PRFP (PRF Preset) softpot.
Note: During the first seconds of radiation, the system functions in open loop.
Note :If the compensation requires a significant PRF change (more than 20%), the system does
not compensate and the dose rate indication decreases. The dose rate obtained in open loop has
to be adjusted as closely as possible to the dose rate expected in closed loop.
Dynamic steering
Dynamic steering automatically corrects the beam inplane angle if any symmetry error is detected
by the segments.
It is only used in X-hi energy (above 15 MV) where the symmetry shows a slight difference to the
gantry position.
The dynamic steering board compares the feedback from SEG2 and SEG4 and controls the
current in the dynamic steering coil (different from the steering coil!).
1: Steering coil
2: Dynamic steering coil
The softpot BALY, establishes the balance between the two segments (they do not necessarily
have the same response to the dose).
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
76
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Excess current in the dynamic steering coil means that a high beam correction is required. An
interlock Dynamic Steering, is asserted.
The current is named CURY, the interlock limit DS_WY (Dynamic Steering Window Y)
Warning: Risk of mistreatment due to bad profiles.
The BALY should never be changed without a phantom measurement!
Note: Dynamic steering only exists for the inplane direction
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
77
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
TIMING AND TRIGGERS

Purpose of timing triggers
Timing triggers functional description
Trig2 timing
Primus hi energy timing
Primus mid energy timing
Purpose of timing triggers

For beam production and control, all the system components for RF production, AFC, electron
injection and beam control must be synchronized. A synchronization based on a system clock is
performed by triggers.
Timing triggers functional description

To produce a beam, the RF wave must be produced at the same time the RF electrons are
injected.
To amplify RF, power must be sent to the Klystron at the same time the RF driver generates the
RF wave.
There are two main triggers used by the Primus system: Trigger 1 and Trigger 2.
Trigger 1 initiates the PFN charging.

Trigger 2 initiates the beam production 2.6ms later.
The RF driver pulse, modulator PFN discharge, and Injector pulse are triggered according to
trigger 2 (additional trigger delays allow trigger fine adjustment).
Note: The next trigger 1 is initiated one PRF period later.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
78
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Trig 2 timing
RF out: RF driver pulse
KLY I (or pulse I): Klystron pulse (the klystron

pulse is sent at the time the RF driver is pulsing).
RF REF (RF reflected): We have an RF reflected
at the same time as an RF forward pulse. So at
that time, we have a pulse I
INJ I: Injector current in the gun
BEAM I: Current measured on the target.
Beam I is the output! It is obtained when we have
stationary waves (Flat part of the RF reflected)
and electrons injected in the waveguide.
Note: The Beam I signal does not exist in electron mode. There is no target in the beam path!
However, the chamber dose pulses can be monitored.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
79
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Primus High-Energy (klystron)
Complete timing, including the PFN charging:
Primus Mid-Energy (magnetron)
Overall timing, including PFN charging:
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
80
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
STRUCTURE, COOLING and

SUPPLY
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
81
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
STATIONARY STRUCTURE AND GANTRY

Purpose of the structure
Structure description
Purpose of the structure
The radiation beam must targetthe tumor but avoid other areas of the patients body. Heavy
tungsten or lead shieldings limit radiation leakage.
The gantry and the stationary structure must be mechanically stable to support this weight and to
rmeet strength isocenter specifications (the isocenter is defined in a 1 mm radius sphere). Thats
why they are made of heavy steel.
Structure description
The accelerator weighs more than 4 tons. It
consists of two main parts: the stationary
structure and the gantry.
Picture: PRIMUS, cover removed. The steel
structure is exposed.
Gantry
The gantry rotates clockwise or counter clockwise on its axis 180 from the
zero gantry angle position with a 10 possible overtravel.
The gantry supports the collimator, Therefore it must be balanced by a counterweight.
Two torsion crossbars add stability.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
82
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Isocenter
The isocenter is the combined rotational center of the gantry, collimator, and treatment table. It is
located 100 cm from the beam source (SAD Source Axis Distance)
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
83
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
COOLING
Purpose of the cooling
Cooling description
Purpose of the cooling
The PRIMUS must be cooled for the following reasons:
Heat dissipation.
To maintain the RF components at a constant temperature.
The PRIMUS is cooled by:
Two water circuits:

A facility water circuit, provided by the hospital.
An internal closed-loop water circuit.
Air.
Oil (Klystron Pulse tank only).
Cooling description
Facility water
The facility water is used to cool the following components:
PRIMUS High-Energy (Klystron)
Charge drawer .
Structure air (radiator).
Oil circuit via a heat exchanger.
Deionized water circuit via heat exchanger.
Notice: Risk of material damage.

The facility water must have a temperature between 15 and 25C. A lower temperature would
generate condensation in the charge drawer.
PRIMUS Mid-Energy (Magnetron)
Deionized water circuit via heat exchanger.
Note: The facility water requirements are described in the Product Planning Guide
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
84
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Closed loop deionized water circuit.

Deionized water is used in the closed-loop cooling system to prevent oxydo-reduction of the
components, especially the vacuum envelope and the target exposed to radiation.
Caution: Risk of material damage.
The resistivity of the water must be higher than 1 M.cm
The deionized water temperature is regulated at 104F and is cooled by the facility water in a heat
exchanger. The pressure is about 60 PSI.
The deionized
components:
water
cools
the
following
Waveguide
Envelope
Target
Bending magnet coils
4 port circulator
On magnetron machines only:
And
Magnetron
Pulse tank
Electro-magnet
Pumpstand, closed loop water circuit
on klystron machines only

Klystron
Solenoids
Air cooling
Air cooling is provided by several fans. Their main purpose is to cool the power supplies and
boards.
Oil cooling
Oil is used in a closed-loop circuit to cool the pulse tank. In addition to cooling, the oil acts as a
good dielectric for hi voltage components.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
85
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
SUPPLY
Purpose of the supply voltage
Supply voltage description
Purpose of the supply voltage
The RF power source and motors require high incoming power.
The Electronic assemblies require a stable incoming power. Spikes and noise must be eliminated.
Supply voltage description

The supply is delivered by a 45KVA isolation transformer. This transformer has a Delta-Wye
configuration and includes a spike protection.
On the secondary side, the voltage is 208V between phases (max 5% line voltage variation, 2%
unbalance between phases is allowed,), 501 or 601 Hz
Note: Incoming power requirements are detailed in the Product Planning Guide.
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
86
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
APPENDIX
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
87
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
SIGNALS
Injector current: INJ I
Klystron current (Primus high): PULSE I
RF reflected: RF REF
Target current: BEAM I
Dose pulse: DOSE 2 or DOSE 1
Injector current: INJ I
INJECTOR I :X-low
200 mV/div 1s/div
INJECTOR I :X-hi
1V for 1A
100 mV/div 1s/div
1V for 1A
Klystron current (Primus high): PULSE I

PULSE I: Primus hi energy
2 V/div 1s/div
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
1V for 10A
88
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
RF reflected: RF REF
RF REF
100 mV/div 1s/div
50 load
Target current: BEAM I

BEAM I:X-hi
BEAM I:Xlow
500 mV/div 1s/div 50 load
1 V/div 1s/div 50 load
Dose pulse: DOSE 2 or DOSE 1

DOSE 2
1V/div 1ms/div
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
89
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
SOFTPOTS
Screen H: Beam set page 1
Screen I: Beam set page 2
Screen J: Trig
Screen K: Dose set page 1
Screen L: Dose set page 2
Screen H: Beam set page 1
AFCP
Automatic frequency control preposition
INJE
Gun anode to cathode voltage
INJI
Injector grid control
ELMI
Electro magnet current control

(magnetron machines)
BMI
Bending magnet current control
STC
Steering current control
LEN
Lens current control
PFN
PFN charging control
IPFN
Initial PFN value
S0MIN
not used
AFCP
AFC motor position feedback
ELMI
ELM I: Electromagnet current feed back
BMI
Bending magnet current feedback
STCI
Steering current feedback
LENI
Lens current feedback
DS_GX
Not used
Screen I: Beam set page 2

DS_GY
Dynamic steering gain Y
DS_WX
Not used
DS_WY
Dynamic steering current window

Y
Used as an additional
flatness/symmetry threshold level.
Dynamic steering balance Y
BAL_X
BAL_Y
ELMCK
STCK
Electro magnet current check

value
Bending magnet current check
value
Steering current check value
LENCK
Lens current check value
DS_CX
Not used
DS_CY
Dynamic steering current feed

back
BMICK
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
90
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
Screen J: Trig
MOD_T
Thyratron trigger
INJ_T
Injector trigger
AFC_T
AFC trigger
RF_T
RF trigger
TST_0
Not used
TST_1
Not used
D1_G
Dose 1 gain
Screen K: Dose set page 1

D2_G
Dose 2 gain
D1_C0
Dose 1 linearity compensation, low

monitor units
Pulse repetition frequency preset
PRFP
DRCV
Dose rate control voltage
DR1
Dose rate 1
DR2
Dose rate 2
OFF1
Dosimetry offset 1
OFF2
Dosimetry offset 2
Screen L: Dose set page 2
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
91
S0_G to S4_G
Segments gains
SEG0 to
SEG4
SWI
Segments feed back

Symmetry interlock window
FWI
Flatness interlock window
DOS_T
Dosimetry trigger
SX_E
Calculated beam symmetry X
SY_E
Calculated beam symmetry Y
FX_E
Calculated beam flatness X
FY_E
Calculated beam flatness Y
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003
ABREVIATIONS TABLE
AFC
AFC-P
AFC-T
BALY
BMI
BMIS
CURY
D/F F/D
D1-G
D2-G
DRCV
F/V V/F
Fwi
Fx
Fy
HC
HV-ON
HVPS
HW
IGBT
INJ E
INJ I
KLY E
KLY-I
KV
MeV
MON
MV
PC
PFN
Press
PRF
PRP
PSI
R&V
RF
RF REF
SEG
SF6
SIP
SW
Swi
Sx
Sy
Temp
SIEMENS AG
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
CS TSC2
Automatic Frequency Control

Automatic Frequency Control Pre-position
Automatic Frequency Control - Trigger
Balance Y
Bending Magnet Current (Intensity)
Bending Magnet Current (Actual value measured on Shunt)
Current Y
Digital/Frequency Frequency/Digital
Dose 1 Gain
Dose 2 Gain
Dose Rate Control Voltage
Frequency/Voltage Voltage/Frequency
Flatness Window
Flatness X
Flatness Y
Hand Control
High Voltage ON
High Voltage Power Supply
Hardware
Insulated Gated Bipolar Transistor
Injector E (voltage)
Injector I (current)
Klystron E (voltage)
Klystron I (current)
Kilo Volt
Mega electron Volt
Monitor
Mega Volt
Personal Computer
Pulse Forming Network
Pressure
Pulse Repetition Frequency
Pulse Repetition Period
Pressure (International standard)
Record & Verify
Radio Frequency
Radio Frequency Reflected
Segment
Sulfur Hexafluoride
Serial Interface Protocol
Software
Symmetry window
Symmetry X
Symmetry Y
Temperature
92
Marc Delaperrire
01-jun-2003

Primus Description

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Primus Description

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Primus Basic Functional Description

PRIMUS BASIC FUNCTIONAL

Primus Basic Functional Description

BEAM PRODUCTION: ELECTRON ACCELERATION

BEAM PRODUCTION: RF POWER

BEAM CONTROL AND COLLIMATION

Primus Basic Functional Description

DIGITAL SYSTEM, SAFETY AND BEAM MONITORING

STRUCTURE, COOLING AND SUPPLY

Primus Basic Functional Description

Primus Basic Functional Description

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Purpose of the document

The purpose of the assembly

Primus Basic Functional Description

Conventions for a better understanding

Primus Basic Functional Description

Primus Basic Functional Description

PURPOSE OF A PRIMUS: GENERATING A

There are two main models:

PRIMUS Hi-Energy, equipped with a klystron (up to 23MV photon, 21MeV

PRIMUS Mid-Energy, equipped with a magnetron (up to 15MV photon, 14MeV

The procedure requires:

The automated systems (dose rate regulation)

Monitoring of the beam requires a high level of safety.

Primus Basic Functional Description

Primus Basic Functional Description

Primus Basic Functional Description

MAIN SYSTEM REGULATION

Primus Basic Functional Description

Primus Basic Functional Description

Primus Basic Functional Description

Designated by H (example H43: collimator)

The stationary structure

Designated by K, located in the stationary

The magnetron area

designed by M, located at the top of the

Primus Basic Functional Description

Primus Basic Functional Description

BEAM PRODUCTION: ELECTRON

Primus Basic Functional Description

CHARGED PARTICLE IN AN ELECTROMAGNETIC

A charged particle in an electromagnetic field

withstands a force, (law of Lorentz)

is the force applied, q the charge of the particle,

the electric field,

the magnetic field, the vectorial cross product.

Lets consider the two following cases:

Electric field action

Primus Basic Functional Description

Magnetic field action

trajectory and where the

The electron is only subject to a radial force (vector cross-product

Primus Basic Functional Description

Purpose of the waveguide

Primus Basic Functional Description

Primus Basic Functional Description

Waveguide functional description

Note: For an electron on the axis, the radial force applied is 0.

Electron 1, inside a cavity,

Electrons speed and energy

Primus Basic Functional Description

PRIMUS standing wave waveguide