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X-ray Circuit and Generators
The step-up transformer sets kVp, the filament circuit sets mA, and less voltage ripple means more beam per mAs.
The main circuit
The x-ray circuit turns wall power into the high voltage and filament current the tube needs. Power first reaches the autotransformer, a single-winding transformer whose taps let you select kVp. The exposure timer starts and stops the exposure. The step-up transformer then raises the voltage from hundreds of volts to tens of thousands. Rectifiers, which are solid-state diodes, change alternating current to direct current so electrons flow only from cathode to anode.