The X-Ray image thread by Aurora - various electronics via X-Ray imaging

[Fraser]

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Rocker Switch
Multi turn trimpot large
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[Fraser]

Push button switch

[Fraser]

For those wondering how an X-Ray machines true resolution is tested during servicing procedures, I have taken a couple of images of the tool used. It is a line pair test piece (gauge) that is made from lead and provides a set of ever diminishing width slots through which the X-Rays pass and are imaged by the camera. The resolution of the system may be read off of the image as the point furthest to the right that individual line pairs may be seen (in zoom mode if provided). The line pair test piece used here is designed for the relatively low resolution security X-Ray mail and bag scanners running at 85kV. It is not of  high enough line pair resolution to test the MX-20 capabilities. It does however act as a quick test piece for image distortion or factors that may reduce its resolution capabilities.

It was no surprise to me that the MX-20 could easily resolve the line pairs at the highest resolution end of the gauge.

The price of the gauges is truly scary. GBP 400 is a cheap one. They go up into the thousands of Pounds. I found this one on ebay for GBP20 so snapped it up.

http://www.radiatronics.com/products.asp?rad_id=RT-PNWX-Line-Pair&prod=X-Ray&str=s&id1=36&id2=298

Sadly saving the image as JPEG seems to degrade the image as it is not as clear as when viewing the original image on the MX-20 19" LCD screen.

Fraser

[mikeselectricstuff]

Sadly saving the image as JPEG seems to degrade the image as it is not as clear as when viewing the original image on the MX-20 19" LCD screen.

Save it as .png to avoid this

[Fraser]

Thanks Mike,

I will give it a go. One of the problems I have posting images here though is file size limitations. I end up having to crop the image down a lot if the compression isn't good and sadly compression can damage the image. In this case, I can crop the image to just the right most end of the gauge so no compression is needed. I will give it a go later.

Fraser

[Fraser]

OK, I just saved the image as a PNG file. Still doesn't seem as good as the image on the MX-20 screen though.

Fraser

[Fraser]

Micro power UHF transmitter module.
This module is designed to be integrated into modern wireless building management systems.
What makes it unusual is that it is powered from a single strike Piezo electric generator mounted in a normal looking light switch. The user just clicks the rocker switch, the Piezo crystal is struck by a spring loaded hammer and power is produced. The power is used by the micro power transmitter to tell one of the many receivers in the building that the user wants a particular action taken . The BMS then carries out the instruction over its network.

This system is designed to permit switches anywhere in a building without the need for wiring You can even mount the switch in the middle of a window or glass partition! Transmitter modules are available for solar as a power source as well.

Well that is what this module is, now the X-Ray images.

If you look carefully you can see the spiral formed by the electrolytic capacitor plates inside their cans. The rest of the busy image makes less sense as you really need the transmitter in your hand or good pictures of it to see what the X-Ray is revealing. I believe the almost opaque cylinder on the right is a SAW resonator.I was able to see inside it using a very narrow ADU window but there was nothing exciting visible.

Fraser

[IconicPCB]

Interesting to see component overlay ink is not quite as transparent to Xray as one might imagine

[Fraser]

The MX-20 is designed to image flesh biopsies so is very capable when it comes to showing very small differences in material densities. In the image of the Thermal camera Alkaline cell holder you can clearly see the AA cell orientation symbols, which was a surprise.

Using the ADU window span and centre point I can target certain densities of material and not have any other greater or lower density materials visible. It can be a very powerful investigation tool.

Fraser

[mikeselectricstuff]

The MX-20 is designed to image flesh biopsies so is very capable when it comes to showing very small differences in material densities.

I always wondered if there is something that could image the ink inside lottery scratch-cards... 

[KE5FX]

The MX-20 is designed to image flesh biopsies so is very capable when it comes to showing very small differences in material densities.

I always wondered if there is something that could image the ink inside lottery scratch-cards... 

You know, I'll bet an IR camera could, even if the Faxitron can't.

[Mechatrommer]

OK, I just saved the image as a PNG file. Still doesn't seem as good as the image on the MX-20 screen though.

1) probably you run into resolution problem. use 16 or 32 bit tiff or bmp (or png or 100% quality jpg if supported). avoid 8 bit downconversion in the workflow in any way...
2) probably you run into monitor respond or gamma difference. re edit image using curve and resave...

[mikeselectricstuff]

There might be a third-party DICOM converter that may do a better job

[Fraser]

I need to disassemble a small Philips IR remote control and took the opportunity to use the MX-20 to reveal where the case clips are located and whether any hidden screws were present. This is just a very simple example of how I use X-Ray to make decisions on case disassembly approach. In this case it is cleat that the clips will not break if a spudger tool is used at the right points.

I used a wide ADU window to show both the case plastics and the electronics within. The clips around the edge of the case look almost 3D which is pretty cool   

I also took the opportunity to image the electronics in a little more detail for this thread.

Fraser

[Fraser]

More close ups of the electronics within the remote.....

Electrolytic capacitor plate detail and the IC bond wires are clearly visible

[Fraser]

Photographs of the little remote to add context to the X-Ray images shown above.

[Fraser]

I just took delivery of two different power supply adapters that I will be converting to power a thermal camera at 8.4V. I chose Sony Camcorder adapters as they re likely to be of decent build quality. One is a 12V/24V car adapter and the other is 240V. Both have unusual power connectors at the output and unknown output wiring configuration. Some dedicated power adapters have sense lines included in the output cable and/or Charge/Run connections in the connectors. I was suspicious that the latter may be the case as the adapters are rated at 1.8A to run a camcorder and 1.5A to charge it.

With this in mind I took some quick and dirty X-Ray images of the weird connectors and the power adapters to establish how many conductors are in the output cable and whether the connectors contained any electronics or multiple connections for charge/run modes. The car adapter uses different output power cables to suit different camcorder models so it has a large connector at the power adapter end and a compact bespoke connector at the camcorder end.

The results of the X-Ray images were clear. Only two conductors are used in the output power cable and no electronics are present in any of the connectors. Good news, no complications. These power adapters should work well with my thermal camera project.

The X-Ray images also demonstrate the limitations of the technology in terms of what an X-Ray can show the user. Cables and connectors are easy to interpret. The densely packed internals of the power adapters less so. Power adapters tend to be populated with heat sinks and other dense objects that mask the PCB tracks so it can be difficult to see what is connected to what. It is possible to see input protection and general topology though. Both of the Sony power adapters use a vertical daughter PCB and so this is not imaged in my 'top down' views. The vertical PCB will likely be the switching controller with the heavy duty components mounted on the main PCB. this is similar to what is to be found in quality laptop power adapters.

Fraser

[Fraser]

More images (12V/24V adapter)

[Fraser]

More images (240V adapter)

[Fraser]

More images (240V adapter)

[Fraser]

That will be all the X-Ray images for a little while as other priorities will be taking precedence.

However, as Arnie would say.... I'll be back !

Fraser

[Melt-O-Tronic]

Unmitigated awesomeness.  THANKS!  The regular photos really enhance the experience too.   

[Fraser]

I have returned 

Awaiting my return home were a pair of One for All 'Zapper' mini IR remote controls that I had ordered. These are car key fob sized remote controls that are used to control my ARGUS thermal camera. They are obsolete now and quite hard to find. I bought a couple just in case I ever need them.

Both were described as 'refurbished' with original manual, but their condition is excellent so likely NOS from somewhere. I wanted to see howto disassemble these units so fired up the Faxitron for a quick image. From cold I had to preheat the X-Ray tube for 300 second, activate the self calibration that took around 120 seconds and then I was ready to take an  X-Ray image. That is a lot quicker than my older Faxitron MX-20.

The images are attached. I now know where all the plastic clips are located that hold the case together 
More X-Ray images will follow, as and when I have a need to image something.

Fraser

[Fraser]

A better view of the case clips was needed so I imaged the remote from another angle to capture the clips format. It appears to be an overlap clip type so should release if careful levering at the case join is employed. Warming the case sides with a hair dryer first eases the process.

Fraser

[Fraser]

A set of X-Ray images demonstrating the limitations of the technology at the lower energy levels used in the MX-20.

The Lithium Ion foil pack battery completely obscures details of the PCB sitting beneath it and the screened WiFi module is also opaque in the images.in such situations the screening cans and battery need to be removed in order to image the PCB's. Even without such disassembly, I can see where the WiFi board is located and the thin coaxial cable leading from it to the top panel mounted antenna. The battery leads are also easily identified.

What is the DUT ?  It is a WiFi SSD hard drive for use with my iPad. It sets itself up as a self powered Wi-Fi hot spot with 128GB SSD storage on it as a virtual iCloud  Neat little device and very portable.

Fraser