An x-ray tube comprises an envelope, an anode target rotatably mounted within the envelope, and a cathode and window assembly mounted within the envelope and spaced relative to the anode. The cathode and window assembly includes an electrically insulative ceramic base defining an x-ray transmissive window therethrough, a recess formed within the electrically insulative base adjacent to a peripheral portion of the x-ray transmissive window, a filamentary electrode received within the recess, first and second metalized conductive surfaces formed on a surface of the recess on opposite sides of the filamentary electrode and substantially electrically isolated relative to one another, a first terminal electrically connected to the first metalized conductive surface, a second terminal electrically connected to the second metalized conductive surface, and a high voltage cable receptacle located on a second side of the electrically insulative ceramic base.