Implemented pCASL labeling/control preparation modules (a), single-/multi-band EPI pCASL sequence diagram (b), and illustration of imaging slice groups, shimming volume and labeling plane positions (c). Slice groups of MB-EPI with an acceleration factor 6 (MB6) are overlaid with the slice group matched by SB-EPI (in blue) in the comparison study 1. The time interval for Hanning-windowed hard pulses and RF pulse duration are 920 and 500 us, respectively. The maximal magnitude of slice-selective gradient is 0.6 G/cm, and the mean gradient amplitude for control preparation is 0.1 G/cm.