The new programmable zone plate option available for the PHABRIX Sx range of test and measurement instruments adds pre-programmed moving zone plate patterns to the standard pattern set of 32. With user defined controls over several parameters, broadcast engineers can create additional unique moving zone plate patterns which can be saved to any number of custom buffers.

In use the zone plate can be used to test a range of video processing requirements using horizontal, vertical and temporal (time) controls. Temporal control is particularly useful for testing up/down converters and applications which compress signals. Aspect ratios can be tested using the horizontal and vertical controls.

Frequency sweep is particularly useful and also available using this option. By feeding in the signal generated, the output of the device can be sent back into the Sx’s waveform monitor to determine the usable bandwidth of the system.

Paul Nicholls, PHABRIX’s sales and marketing manager commented, ‘PHABRIX continues to support its existing user base by regularly adding test patterns supplied from its users worldwide. Some patterns useful in Europe are different to those more generally in use in Japan for instance. This new option now extends the engineer’s control over the type of moving zone plate created so that he/she can focus on a specific area of signal analysis.’

The zone plate upgrade is available from PHABRIX upon purchase of a software key.