PHABRIX’s new eye and jitter portable video test and measurement instrument the PHABRIX SxE, has attracted enormous interest at NAB prior to its release in July 2009.

This is the first time eye and jitter measurements have been possible on a portable hand held platform due for release in July 2009 at a price point described by PHABRIX as ‘extremely affordable’ and will no doubt place it quickly into mainstream use with budget conscious broadcasters and T&M departments. Unlike any other company offering test and measurement products, PHABRIX has continued to offer all three standards 3G-SDI, HD-SDI and SD-SDI as a standard feature set thus future proofing the product as the roll out for 3G begins. The SxE also encompasses all of the award winning features of the PHABRIX SxA with its combined generator, analyser and monitor plus eye and jitter measurements.

The SxE is contained within a brand new aluminum case which incorporates a new fan, new outlet/inlet grill styling and has distinctive black PHABRIX end caps. This instrument has style as well as function.

Standard PHABRIX SxE

The PHABRIX SxE is available in a standard form with tools focused on confirming compliance to SMPTE specifications. A single screen displays an eye diagram and jitter thermometers providing the engineer with a quick go/no-go indication and is intended as a fast, portable device for engineers. Applications include OB trucks, transmission stations through to large broadcast installations.

Analysis option for SxE only

The analysis option for the PHABRIX SxE adds an additional jitter screen plus enhancements to the eye display and is focused toward broadcast manufacturers who have a need for high end analysis tools at an affordable price. Here the PHABRIX SxE uses hardware and software algorithms usually associated with very expensive bench-bound equipment. Histograms give statistical information which can be used to accurately measure rise time, fall time and amplitude. These automatic accurate measurements can then be logged for extended periods of time. In addition to the standard timing and alignment jitter filters, decade filters are provided allowing an engineer to analyze the frequency content of any jitter present. The number of eyes displayed is adjustable from one eye up to one frame of eyes – a very useful feature for detecting source related power supply problems. Multiple eye selection also enables analysis when serializer jitter is present.

The separate jitter analysis screen incorporated into the advanced option enables the engineer to analyze the nature of jitter present using a graph of jitter versus time. Again, the decade filters are present and the time base can be adjusted from 1 line through to 1 frame. By analyzing jitter in this detailed way an engineer can determine if a signal is in or out of specification and also get a feel for where any problems lie. A spiky waveform could indicate power supply noise and these visual clues aid the diagnosis. Vertical gain and horizontal magnify controls are provided to help further identify problems.

For details about the new PHABRIX SxE contact Paul Nicholls, sales and marketing manager at paul@phabrix.com or visit www.phabrix.com tel: +44 (0) 1635 255494