TECHNICAL BULLETIN
(Service Note)
Technical Bulletin
SN1399957
Unique Identifier
Title ASIC Linearization Error Message
Subject ASIC Linearization Error Message Causing Unnecessary Module Replacement
Applicability All VCT and HD systems, PET Discovery VCT, PET Discovery 690, and PET Discovery
(e.g. affected product, process) 690 Elite
Date (DD-MMM-YYYY) 9-AUG-2013
Healthcare Systems (HCS)
Originating Business Healthcare Information Technology (HCIT)
(select one) Life Sciences (LS)
Other:_________________________
Originating Modality CT–MKE
Detector Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) linearization error messages
Details are causing unnecessary detector module replacement when no image quality
artifacts are present
Tracking Number NA
Discovery CT750 HD: 5343532-2EN,
Affected Service LightSpeed 7.x (XTe, XT, VCT, Select, Pro32): 5338260-8EN,
Publications PET/CT Discovery (DVCT LS7.x): 5365917-8EN
PET/CT Discovery 690 & Elite: 5389390-8EN
Resolution:
ASIC linearization error messages are caused due to variation in ASIC calibration vectors. An
example error message in the System Log may appear as follows:
Wed Jan 7 08:40:45 2009 Error: 260132753
Host: orp Process: orp_subsys
File: [Link] Line: 890
Wed Jan 7 08:40:44 2009
Host : Das Ermes # : 260132753
Exception Class : Abort Severity : Secondary
File : [Link] Line# : 890
Function : No System Function Reported
Scan Type : Axial Scan: 50018/1/3
Digital Interface Board(s) Encountered An Error During ASIC Linearization
DIFB : 21
A/D Board: 41
Chan : 3369
Stage : 3
Coeff : 22
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TECHNICAL BULLETIN
(Service Note)
Based on historical Engineering data, this type of error message typically has no impact on image
quality. If no image artifacts are present, detector module replacement is not necessary. If an Image
Quality (IQ) issue is present due to linearization it would typically be a ring or band artifact.
Linearization error messages can happen in any one of the three calibration vectors, and may occur
on any VCT, HD and PET/CT system using a 64 or 32-slice detector.
Troubleshooting:
This error is typically caused by the digital module and is identified in the error message as either A/D
board or Digital Module failures (both are the physical module location). If no image artifacts are
present, detector module replacement is not necessary.
If there is an image artifact such as a ring or a band, the Field Engineer should first try a Fast
Calibration, which includes an mA ratio test, to determine if bad or low-performing pixels can be
mapped or locked out.
If a Fast Calibration does not resolve the issue, the only troubleshooting that will confirm the root
cause is to move the identified Digital Interface Board (DIFB) to another slot and see if the problem
stays with the module, or follows the DIFB.
If the image artifact persists and a digital module replacement does not solve the problem, another
potential cause may be the presence of plastic shavings in the backplane connector for the digital
cable. Plastic shavings can cause intermittent signal issues. The shavings are sometimes formed
from the connector shell if the digital cable is forced into the connector at an angle during module
installation.
It may be necessary to pull out the two neighboring modules to provide enough room for a close look
at the backplane socket with a flashlight. This also provides room to reach in and pull out any plastic
shavings that may be found during inspection.
The only troubleshooting that will confirm the root cause is to move the identified Digital Interface
Board (DIFB) to another slot and see if the problem stays with the module, or follows the DIFB.
George Farmer
MICT Service Engineering
Page 2 of 2 DOC1399957 (Rev. 1)
PROPRIETARY TO GE. GE RESTRICTED. DISCLOSURE TO NON-GE PARTIES PROHIBITED.
* Printed copies are uncontrolled unless otherwise identified *
Before using this document, consult MyWorkshop for the latest revision.
GE Healthcare Confidential