EPS 45-80 High-Voltage Generator

DAP Interface P/N 10028.000

APPLICATION GUIDE P/N 11050.014G3

DAP Interface Option EPS 45-80 High-Voltage Generator

Copyright application © 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 by emd technologies Company.

All rights reserved. emd technologies and the emd technologies logo are trademarks of emd technologies
Company., registered in the U.S.A. and other countries.
Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system without the written
permission of emd technologies Company, 400 du Parc, Saint-Eustache (Quebec), Canada, J7R 0A1.

IMPROVEMENTS
emd technologies reserves the right to make changes and improvements to its products and assumes
no obligation to incorporate any changes into units previously sold or shipped.

Manual Revision History

Revision Number Date Note
P/N 11050.014.G0 07 Jan. 08 Initial Release
P/N 11050.014.G1 12 Feb. 09 List of components added (§ 1.2)
Installation section (§ 2.1) of DAP Interface board
Addition of an Interconnection diagram (Figure 7)
USB Driver Procedure
DPU-414 Dip switches setting
P/N 11050.014.G2 23 Dec. 09 New board layout
P/N 11050.014.G3 07 June 10 New labeling

Head Office European Authorized Representative

emd technologies Biocordis France S.A.A

400 du Parc, 3, Rue du Bois Chaland
Saint-Eustache (Québec) F-91090 LISSES
Canada, J7R 0A1 France
Phone : 450-491-2100
Fax : 450-491-4138
www.emd-technologies.com

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DAP Interface Option EPS 45-80 High-Voltage Generator

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 DAP Interface Application.............................................................................................................................. 3
1.2 DAP Option Components .............................................................................................................................. 4
1.3 DAP Equipment Compatibility ...................................................................................................................... 4

2 DAP INTERFACE INSTALLATION............................................................................................................. 5

2.1 DAP Interface Board Installation................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Interconnection ................................................................................................................................................. 6

3 SETTING UP THE DAP INTERFACE ......................................................................................................... 8

3.1 Generator Configuration.................................................................................................................................. 8
3.2 DAP Interface Configuration........................................................................................................................ 10
3.3 Download the DAP Configuration to the Generator ............................................................................... 11
3.4 DPU-414 Configuration................................................................................................................................. 11

4 CALIBRATION OF DAP INTERFACE ...................................................................................................... 12

5 DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION/MAINTENANCE ........................................................................... 15

5.1 Display of DAP Values .................................................................................................................................. 15
5.2 Reset/Print the DAP Register....................................................................................................................... 16
5.3 Messages to Operator..................................................................................................................................... 16
5.4 Maintenance ..................................................................................................................................................... 16

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 DAP Interface Application

The DAP Interface option allows interfacing a DAP measurement device on the EPS generator and
displaying, on the Epsilon operator console, the radiation level a patient is exposed to in radiological
exams. Cumulative dose area product (DAP) would also be printed when an optional DAP printer
is connected to the generator. The DAP Interface option can be combined with the 2-tube option
(option P/N 10020.001) to support the dose measurement on two X-ray tubes, independently or
simultaneously.

The following measured values are displayed (d) and/or printed (p):
• Accumulated dose area product (DAP cumulative), RAD & Fluoro (d, p)
• Dose area product rate (DAP rate), in Fluoro (d)
• Accumulated Fluoro irradiation time (d, p)

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1.2 DAP Option Components

The DAP Interface Option P/N 10028.00 consists in the DAP Interface board P/N 11232.000
installed on the generator basket (Figure 1). The board is pre-loaded with a DAP measurement
software.

Figure 1 – DAP Interface Board installed

on the Expansion Motherboard.

(Exact arrangement of DAP Interface and adjacent boards

can vary as per system configuration)

1.3 DAP Equipment Compatibility

The DAP Interface option is compatible with the following DAP OEM equipment only:
• VACUTEC Chamber VACUDAP 2007 part-no. 158 00 15
(with Interconnect cable)
• VACUTEC Printer Seiko DPU 414 part-no. 950 00 02

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2 DAP INTERFACE INSTALLATION

The present manual shall be read in conjunction with the following standard
No
te s
Epsilon documentation:
• EPS 45-80 High-Voltage Technical Manual P/N 9894.00
• Epsilon User’s Guide P/N 9895.00
Make sure the EPS 45-80 High-Voltage Generator is installed as per the instructions
of the Technical Manual P/N 9894.00 (Section 2).

2.1 DAP Interface Board Installation

If not already installed, the DAP Interface Board P/N 11232.000 must be plugged into the
Expansion Motherboard, using any free 64-pin female connector available (J1 through J4, Figure 2).
Use the first free connector available beginning from the right-most position (J4 connector).

For example, in Figure 2, the board should be installed in J2-position of

) Expansion Motherboard.

Figure 2 – Connect the DAP Interface Board P/N 11232.000 on the first available
free connector on the Expansion Motherboard, beginning from the right-most position (J4).

! Note that the exact position of the boards connected to the Expansion Motherboard
must be specified in the generator configuration. Refer to Section 3.

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If the DAP Interface Board has to be installed in J1 position (left-most

connector), the side panel of the board must be taken off before
connecting it to the Expansion Motherboard. To do so, loosen the two
nuts of the Interface Board (Figure 3) and pull out the side panel.

Figure 3 – Side panel removal of the DAP Interface board.

Do this step only when this board is installed in the left-most position
on the Expansion Motherboard. ¾

2.2 Interconnection

CAUTION– RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

1. Label one of the two High-Voltage cables as "Anode" and the other one as "Cathode". Make
sure to use the same type and the same length of high-voltage cables (see ratings, Section 2.1.2)
to connect the generator anode & cathode outputs to the X-ray tube.

1. Make sure the mains line is turned off at the room circuit breaker.

2. Refer to the DAP manufacturer documentation to install the DAP chamber in the desired
position within the path of the collimated X-ray beam.

3. Use the interconnect cable (not supplied) to connect the DAP chamber # 1 to Tube 1 ODU
connector (J2) on the DAP Interface board. Refer to the interconnection diagram, Figure 5. If
available, connect the DAP chamber # 2 to Tube 2 ODU connector (J3). Secure the connection
by snapping the connector(s).

4. Install the DAP printer near the operator console and connect it to J6-A (peripheral) located on
the console back-plate (Figure 4).

Epsilon Operator Console Back-plate

Note: For recommended DIP SW Setting for DPU-414 Thermal Printer, refer to Section 3.5.
DPU-414 Printer
Figure 4 – DAP Printer connection to J6A on Epsilon operator console back-plate.

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DAP Interface Option EPS 45-80 High-Voltage Generator

Figure 5 – Interconnection Diagram for a DAP Interface.

5. Grounding: If the DAP chamber is not electrically isolated of the X-ray tube, it is
recommended to keep the ground strap installed on the EPS generator (Figure 6). Refer to your
technical manual for more information.

Epsilon High-Voltage Generator

CONTROLLER BOARD LFB

(Generator Section)

(Field Interfacing Section)

X-ray Room
F
Central Earth Ground

Ground Strap Installed !

Field Equipment
Field Equipment isolated from
X-ray Room Earth Ground

Grounding_SystemA.VSD

Figure 6 – Ground Strap installed on EPS generator.

6. Go to Section 3 to setup the DAP Interface in the generator.

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3 SETTING UP THE DAP INTERFACE

Make sure the EPS 45-80 High-Voltage Generator is installed and configured as per the
instructions of your Technical manual (Chapters 2 & 3).
Make sure the DAP Interface device is correctly installed as per Section 2 of this document.

In this section, the Epsilon PC Tools configuration program will be used to setup the DAP
Interface on the generator. Refer to your technical manual to run PC Tools program and open the
configuration file for your generator.

3.1 Generator Configuration

1. Connect the service laptop to the Epsilon operator console using a standard USB printer cable.

2. Turn on the generator and run the Epsilon PC Tools program.

1.

3.
2.

Figure 7 – Epsilon PC Tools Initial Screens.

3. Open the *.emd configuration file for your generator. Double-click on the "Connection
status" icon (bottom right-hand corner) until the status icon toggles to “Monitor/Transfer”.
This transfer mode is also available when the generator is set in service mode.

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DAP Interface Option EPS 45-80 High-Voltage Generator

4. In the Menu bar, select View/Options to invoke the Options configuration screen (Figure 8).
The EPS generator with DAP Interface option comes at least with the following boards:
• Expansion Motherboard
• DAP Interface Board P/N 11232.000
Make sure that the Expansion Configuration Boards configuration perfectly matches with the
boards physical positions (slot n°) installed on the Expansion Motherboard of the generator.

Notes:
• Biplane Enabled: Leave this option box unchecked as this functionality is not available on
this generator configuration.
• Disable Auto Gain: Leave this option box unchecked.

Figure 8 – Typical Epsilon PC Tools OPTIONS Configuration Screen.

5. Use the Apply button to accept the new configuration.

6. Make sure the software options do precisely correspond to the actual generator
configuration. Use the Compatibility Check button to verify that the software
options are well configured on your generator.

7. Save the configuration file (emd extension) on your service laptop.

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3.2 DAP Interface Configuration

1. Use the Epsilon PC Tools program to open the configuration file previously used in Section
3.1 for the generator configuration.

2. In the Menu bar, select View/Workstations to invoke the Workstations configuration screen.

3. For every workstation interfaced with a DAP chamber, specify the position of the DAP
measuring device relative to the X-ray table and X-ray tube number (Figure 9).
– DAP Below Table ; : The dose measuring device is installed under the table
– DAP Below Table : The dose measuring device is installed over the table.
– X-Ray Tube 1/2 (*) ~ : The DAP measures radiations emitted from Tube 1/Tube 2.
(*) Requires the 2-tube option

Figure 9 – Typical Epsilon PC Tools WORKSTATIONS CONFIGURATION SCREEN.

4. In the Menu bar, select View/DAP to invoke the alarm configuration screen (Figure 10):
• Dose Alarms:
– Accumulated Dose : Set the proper radiation level not to be exceeded during an exam.
For instance, in the particular setup of Figure 10, when the accumulated dose for a patient
exam exceeds 335 mGy*m2, the message “Acc. Dose Exceeded” displays at the operator
console.
– Dose Rate: Set the proper dose rate not to be exceeded during an exam. In Figure 10
below, when the instantaneous dose rate for a patient exam exceeds 999 µGy*m2/s, the
message “Dose Rate Exceeded” displays at the operator console.

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DAP Interface Option EPS 45-80 High-Voltage Generator

• Accumulated Doses :
– Specify if the accumulated DAP dose is totaled from both X-ray tubes, or accumulated
separately for tube 1 and tube 2.

5. Save the emd configuration file on your

service laptop.

Figure 10 – Typical Epsilon PC Tools

DAP CONFIGURATION SCREEN.

3.3 Download the DAP Configuration to the Generator

1. Use the Epsilon PC Tools program to open the configuration file previously used in Sections
3.1 & 3.2. Make sure the generator is connected with the laptop or PC and the communication is
enabled.

2. In the Menu bar, select Transfer/Send data to generator to download the configuration data into
the generator.

3.4 DPU-414 Configuration

Refer to the manufacturer documentation to perform the dip switches setting for the thermal printer
DPU-414.

Table 1- Recommended setting for DPU-44 Printer (*)

SW1 SW2 SW3
1 Off = Serial input 1 On = 40 Columns 1 On =8-bit data
2 On =High Speed Print 2 On = User Font backup 2 On = No parity
3 On =Auto load 3 On = Normal characters 3 On = Odd parity
4 Off = No auto line feed 4 On = Normal zero 4 On = H/W Busy Control
5 On =Enable settings 5 On = International 5 Off = Baud select
Characters
6 Off = Printing Density 6 6 On = Rate select
7 7 7
On = 100% Density Off = England English On = 9600 bps
8 8 8

(*) Refer to the Operation Manual for validation.

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DAP Interface Option EPS 45-80 High-Voltage Generator

4 CALIBRATION OF DAP INTERFACE

Make sure the EPS 45-80 High Voltage generator is installed and configured as per the
instructions of Sections 2 through 4 of technical manual and the above sections 2 & 3.

REQUIRED MATERIAL
• X-ray cassette and film, if possible, to determine the exposed area at the
plane where the dose is measured. The film would need development.
• Calibrated X-ray dose meter
• Ruler or measuring tape
• The Epsilon PC Tools Program with :
o One PC compatible computer
o One USB printer cable

The DAP device must be calibrated before using the generator for clinical purposes.
Allow at least 6 minutes for the DAP device to stabilize before doing measures.

This section requires the production of X-rays. Make sure to apply all safety
precautions to protect personnel from X-ray radiation.

Procedure Outline:
1. MEASURE THE DOSE:
Perform an exposure at given kV, mA & time factors and precisely make a measurement of the
radiation level (in mGy) across a transversal plane at an exact distance from the x-ray tube.
2. MEASURE THE AREA: At the same distance and exposure parameters, make another exposure on a
film to obtain the surface (in m2) on which the dose is distributed.
3. CALCULATE DAP: Multiply the dose by the area (in mGy * m2).
4. DAP CORRECTION FACTOR: Enter a DAP factor in the generator to compensate for the
discrepancy between the DAP reading and the real DAP measured.

Procedure Instructions
1. Install the dose meter in the middle of the X-ray beam, not too close of the X-ray table to
reduce radiation scattering interference.

DAP Position Instruction

If all workstations have this setup, place the dose meter under the X-ray table.
If all workstations have this setup, place the dose meter over the X-ray table.
When “DAP Below” and “DAP Above” are both configured for different
workstations, the calibration procedure shall be done for both DAP positions.

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2. Adjust the collimator to obtain a field dimension of about 4.75in x 4.75in (12cm x 12cm).

3. Open the Epsilon PC Tools program with the service laptop connected to the operator
console. Load the emd configuration file previously used in Section 3.

4. In the Menu bar, select Tools/Service and choose the Generator Calibration module (Figure 11).

Figure 11 – Typical Epsilon PC Tools in Service mode, GENERATOR CALIBRATION MODULE.

5. Use the Get from Generator button to retrieve the current calibration parameters of the
generator.

6. If the DAP 1 (Above or Below) value differs from 100.0%, move the cursor to that value and
send the Generator Calibration (*.gc) file to the generator.

7. On the operator console, choose a workstation with the DAP position currently in test. Choose
the following 3-point technique: 72 kV, 100 mA, 25 ms (Single exposure mode).

8. Make sure to set the display of the console to “Accumulated Dose”, as shown left in
Figure 12. Reset the DAP value by pressing and holding the Fluoro Timer Reset key.

Note: The default console display can be chosen in the

Console area of Generator Calibration Module
(Figure 11). See also opposite figure.

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Figure 12 – Typical Operator Console Graphic Displays.

9. Make the exposure and take note of the radiation dose measurement, in mGy, read at the dose
meter. Register also the radiation dose displayed in mGy * m2 on the operator console, as shown
for example in Figure 12, right. Record this value as DAPG.
DAPG = Dose Area Product measured by the generator

10. Replace the dose meter by a film and cassette, placed at the exact position and same plane
previously occupied by the probe. If the X-ray room is filmless, place the image digitizer at the
same position, instead. The precision of this step is of critical importance for the
successful achievement of this calibration.

Verify that the collimation at the digitizer plane is adequate to ensure that the active area of the
picked up image is larger than the collimator field.

11. Repeat the exposure done in step 9. On the developed film or the digitized image, measure the
dimension of the exposed area, width * length. Register the dimension in m2.

12. Multiply the figure obtained in step 9, in mGy, by the new dimension, in m2, to obtain the dose
area product. Record this value as DAPD.
DAPD = Dose measured by dose meter * calculated area

13. Adjust the DAP Calibration Table value in Epsilon PC Tools and return the new value to the
generator. The gain value (in percent) is calculated using the following ratio:

Calibration Gain Value =

14. Repeat the measurement to verify the accuracy of the new gain value.

15. Repeat the whole procedure for the other DAP position, if necessary. If a 2-tube option is
combined with the DAP Interface, repeat again the procedure for the second DAP (DAP 2).

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5 DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION/MAINTENANCE

5.1 Display of DAP Values

The EPS generator with a DAP Interface allows to cumulate the
radiation level of a patient during an exam, in both RAD and Fluoro.
The accumulated dose and instantaneous dose rate can be displayed
on the operator console (Figures 13 & 14).

At the end of the exam, the accumulated dose and Fluoro time can
be printed for keeping a record.

Figure 13 – Accumulated Dose in RAD

A- B- C-
Figure 14 – Three (3) different displays in Fluoro, sequentially chosen by pressing
the key at the left of H.U. display.
A. Fluoro Timer; B. Accumulated Dose; C. Instantaneous Dose Rate.

When two DAP devices are installed on a generator, the DAP contents can display the accumulated
DAP dose for the current X-ray tube (1 or 2), or, it might display the accumulated DAP dose for
both X-ray tubes simultaneously.

DAP Dose Configuration Accumulated Dose Displayed

Tube 1
or
Tube 2

Tube 1 + Tube 2

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5.2 Reset/Print the DAP Register

To reset the DAP value at the end of an exam and print a report, press and hold the
Fluoro Timer Reset key. The Fluoro exam is reset at the same moment.

5.3 Messages to Operator

The following messages are displayed on the operator console to signal the different status of the
DAP device or to warn the operator of a critical patient radiation level. No message prevents the
generator from making or continuing the exposure sequence. The message remains displayed until
the operator presses a key on the console or the exposure switch is either released or re-actuated.

Table 2- Messages to Operator

ACC. DOSE EXCEEDED
The accumulated dose for the current patient is exceeded. Release the exposure switch and stop the exam.
DAP ERROR
The stability of the DAP device is not adequate. Verify the DAP chamber.
DAP LOCKED
Wrong internal pin code. Check and/or reset the DAP device.
DOSE RATE EXCEEDED
The instantaneous dose for the current patient is exceeded. Release the exposure switch. Reduce the factors
before resuming the exam.
VERIFY DAP CHAMBER
Verify the interconnection of the DAP device to the generator.

5.4 Maintenance

It is the responsibility of the installer to verify at regular intervals the adequacy of the DAP
device measurements against the ones displayed by the generator.

The DAP calibration shall be checked periodically. Refer to the DAP chamber manufacturer
documentation to get the maintenance schedule.
To be validated, at a regular interval:
• Accuracy of the DAP Display Contents
• Accuracy and adequacy of the dose alarm messages
• Refresh rate of the DAP Display Contents (less than 3 s)

End of Document

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