iPAT

Siemens' parallel-imaging acceleration (integrated Parallel Acquisition Technique). Uses multi-coil spatial information to skip k-space lines, speeding scans.

Why it matters to buyers: Shorter scan times (2×, 4× acceleration typical). Reduces breath-hold burden and motion artifact.

Why it matters to engineers: Parallel imaging increases SNR penalty proportional to acceleration factor. Known as SENSE (Philips) and ASSET (GE) on other platforms.