Controllers and control electronics for X-ray systems
We develop control electronics for X-ray systems — from circuit design and the printed circuit board to embedded software and a cross-platform SDK. Our core specialization is the central controllers of conveyor X-ray scanners, which manage the generator, conveyor, interlocks and safety, and integrate into the customer's software over the network.
What we develop
The controller centrally manages all systems of the X-ray installation and is responsible for safety. A typical set of functions:
- Actuator management — conveyor motor (forward/reverse), X-ray generators, external power supply, universal outputs (relay switching).
- Safety system — emergency-stop buttons, barrier sensors with configurable polarity, enable key, guaranteed response time.
- Diagnostics and indication — monitoring of supply voltages and temperature, digital status display, LED indication of units.
- Network communication — connection to the control computer over Ethernet (TCP/UDP), addressing of multiple devices, automatic reconnection.
- Self-diagnostics — watchdog, health checking, remote firmware update over the network.
Although our reference development is the central controller of an X-ray scanner, the approach is universal: by adapting the set of inputs/outputs and the logic to your equipment, we can develop control electronics for a broad class of X-ray systems.
Hardware part
- A modern 32-bit microcontroller (ARM Cortex-M or equivalent) with integrated 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet.
- A sufficient number of GPIO for relay outputs and 24 V discrete inputs.
- An integrated ADC for monitoring analog parameters (voltages, temperature).
- Non-volatile memory for storing settings.
- Galvanic isolation of power circuits and logic, protection against EM interference and transients.
- Resilience to short-term power outages.
Example interface configuration
| Interface type | Qty | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Relay outputs | 9 | Motor, X-ray generators, power supply |
| 24 V discrete inputs | 10 | Safety sensors, emergency-stop buttons |
| Analog inputs | 4 | Voltage and temperature monitoring |
| Ethernet | 1 | Connection to the control computer |
| Digital display | 6 digits | System status indication |
The set of interfaces is configured for the specific system.
Embedded software (firmware)
- Automatic control of connected devices according to the specified logic.
- Implementation of a network protocol (TCP/UDP) with data-integrity checking.
- Handling of emergency situations with a guaranteed response time.
- Storage of settings in non-volatile memory.
- Self-diagnostics and remote firmware update over Ethernet.
Typical characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Response time to emergency-stop button | ≤ 50 ms |
| Response time to control commands | ≤ 100 ms |
| Connection recovery time | ≤ 5 s |
| Ethernet speed | 10/100 Mbit/s (auto-negotiation) |
| Voltage measurement accuracy | ±2 % |
| Operating temperature range | −10 … +60 °C |
The values are given as a guideline based on the reference development and are refined per project.
SDK for integration
So that the controller can be easily embedded into your software, we provide a cross-platform SDK:
- Windows 10/11 (64-bit) and Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+ and similar).
- A C/C++-compatible interface, dynamic libraries (DLL / SO), header files.
- Automatic discovery of controllers on the local network.
- Managing outputs, reading input and sensor states, monitoring analog parameters.
- Configuration of controller parameters.
- Asynchronous notifications of events and faults via callback functions.
What is included in the delivery
- Ready-to-operate controllers with firmware.
- SDK for integration (Windows / Linux).
- Documentation set: operating manual, programmer's manual, connection diagrams, interface and protocol specifications.
- Design documentation (by agreement): schematics, board drawings, specifications.
- Source code of the firmware and SDK, with the transfer of rights to use and modify it.
Engagement scenarios
- New development — a controller from scratch for your X-ray system.
- Modernization — replacing an outdated controller, adding network control and an SDK.
- Serial supply — manufacturing a batch of devices with documentation and support.
Related services
- Image processing software (dual energy) — control synchronized with image acquisition.
- X-ray sorting (XRT) — control of the ejection mechanisms (pneumatic valves) in the separator.
- Integration of X-ray detectors — harmonizing the controller, generator and detector into a single system.
Let's discuss your controller
Describe the equipment and the required control logic — we will propose a hardware configuration, characteristics and a development plan.