DAS
Data Acquisition System. The electronics chain that digitizes the analog signal from the CT detector array — converting per-channel scintillator output into projection data the reconstruction engine consumes. One of the high-value sub-assemblies of a CT scanner.
Why it matters to buyers: Ring-artifact, banding, and channel-dropout failures on CT almost always trace to DAS or detector. DAS condition is a meaningful refurb price-determining variable. Shared part numbers across GE LightSpeed VCT variants make parts-recovery economics favorable on legacy platforms; modern Stellar / Stellar Infinity / UFC / Gemstone platforms have their own module-level swap markets.
Why it matters to engineers: Isolate failures by slice / channel using service-mode tools before pulling boards. Reseat flex cables and connectors first — many "ring artifact" calls resolve at the connector. Channel-health diagnostics catch silent dropouts before they become clinical artifacts.