C-arm specifications on a datasheet look similar from one supplier to the next, yet the numbers can mean very different things in practice. This guide decodes the main parameters, from generator kW and tube heat units to detector size, pixel pitch and arc depth, and shows which ones matter for your procedures so that you can compare quotations fairly.
Generator power and C-arm generator kW
Generator power, quoted in kW, is the maximum electrical output the generator can deliver. Higher power allows shorter exposures and better penetration of thick body parts such as the pelvis or large patients. The Perlove PLX C22 lists a 5 kW generator at 110 kHz, a typical figure for orthopaedic and general surgical C-arms, while the Villa Arcovis DRF family covers 5, 20 and 25 kW configurations and the Perlove PLX C7100 offers up to 25 kW for interventional work.
Bigger is not automatically better. Many pain, orthopaedic and urology procedures never need more than a compact generator, whereas long vascular or spine cases benefit from higher output and better cooling. Match the number to the most demanding procedure you perform regularly.
Tube heat units and cooling
The X-ray tube stores heat as it works. Heat units (HU) describe the anode and housing heat capacity, and cooling rate describes how fast they recover. These figures decide how long continuous fluoroscopy can run before the unit must pause. Some datasheets quote only anode HU, others quote housing HU, and some use different definitions, so ask for the same measure from each supplier.
Also compare focal spot sizes. The PLX C22 and PLX C7600 list 0.3 and 0.6 mm focal spots; a smaller focal spot gives finer detail, while a larger one tolerates higher loads. Active or circulating cooling, as on the PLX C9100 and the Arcovis DRF-C, helps in long procedures.
C-arm flat panel detector size, material and resolution
Detector size is quoted in inches (9 or 12) for image intensifiers and many older panels, and in centimetres for flat panels (for example 21 x 21 cm or 30 x 30 cm). A larger field shows more anatomy per image and reduces repeat exposures, but also increases weight and cost. The PLX C2119 uses a 30 x 30 cm dynamic panel with 4 MP images, and Perlove says that five lumbar vertebrae fit in a single image. Arcovis DRF offers 21 x 21 or 30 x 30 cm.
Panel technology matters too. Perlove's PLX C22 is offered with SCI or IGZO panels, and the Arcovis DRF flagship uses IGZO, shown at full resolution on a 31.5 inch 4K monitor. Ask about pixel pitch, bit depth, detector quantum efficiency and image processing, not only size.
Mobile C-arm dimensions, arc depth and movements
Physical dimensions decide whether the unit fits through your doors and lifts and into your operating room. Ask for the length, width, height in transport position, weight and turning radius. Arc depth and free space (the clear opening inside the arc) determine how much of a large patient can be imaged. The PLX C7600 lists 94 cm of free space.
Check the ranges of vertical lift, horizontal travel, orbital rotation and angular rotation, and whether the movements are motorised. These details are rarely on the first page of a brochure, but they matter every day in the OR.
- Generator kW and frequency
- Tube anode and housing heat units, cooling method
- Focal spot sizes
- Detector size, material, pixel pitch, bit depth
- Free space, arc depth and movement ranges
- Weight, footprint and standby battery time
Software, connectivity and the questions to ask
Specifications are only part of the picture. Check DICOM functions, image storage, dose reporting (DAP), laser localisers and available protocols. The PLX C2119 includes 10 minutes of standby power for moving between ORs. Our article on dose reduction techniques describes the functions that lower dose.
To compare quotes line by line, use our mobile C-arm buying guide and ask Beckfinity's specialists for datasheets on the PLX C2119, Arcovis DRF and PLX C22.
Frequently asked questions
How many kW does a C-arm need?
A compact generator of around 5 kW is common for orthopaedic and general use, while interventional and demanding spine work often benefits from 20 to 25 kW configurations.
What are heat units on a C-arm?
Heat units measure how much heat the tube anode or housing can store. Higher values and faster cooling allow longer continuous fluoroscopy.
Which detector size is better, 9 or 12 inch?
A 9 inch detector is more compact and adequate for single-level work. A 12 inch detector or a 21 x 21 or 30 x 30 cm panel shows a wider field.
What is pixel pitch?
Pixel pitch is the size of each detector element. A smaller pitch can deliver finer detail, but overall image quality also depends on detector efficiency and processing.
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