By readership request, here are some pictures showing the business end of the Faxitron MX-20
![Smiley :)](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/smiley.gif)
By way of commentary for the pictures....
The top section of the machine (its head) contains the X-Ray generator and the control panel. The MX-20 can produce images using its built in digital camera or using conventional X-Ray photographic plates (film). The latter can be done via the front panel with no need of a PC. Indeed, early MX-20's were film only and had no digital camera fitted.
The X-Ray tube is a high performance 12W Microfocus type with Beryllium window. Its beam is shaped and is conical spreading out from the target spot.
At the bottom of the cabinet there is a BIOPTICS 2048 x 2048 X-Ray imaging array that is connected to the PC as a Camera via a custom PCI interface card.
In order to assist in positioning of the DUT in the field of view, there are two lasers producing a cross target on the cameras face and on any DUT placed in the cabinet.
The shelf on which the DUT is placed is made from perspex and has a >100mm x 100mm hole in it. This is to reduce attenuation of the X-Ray beam after it has passed through the DUT On top of the shelf there is a thin low X-Ray absorption sheet on which the DUT actually rests.
The height at which the shelf is fitted in the cabinet dictates the physical magnification that occurs. With the shelf lying on the bottom of the cabinet, the magnification is X1. Magnification via movement of the DUT towards the X-Ray generator provides a larger DUT image whist maintaining resolution at the camera, unlike when using digital zoom techniques. There is a trade off between the magnification of a DUT and the sharpness of the image produced however. This is just basic physics and not a sign of poor performance on the part of the MX-20.
Hope this is of interest.
Aurora