PHABRIX’s enhanced remote control option released at NAB gives users full remote control of their PHABRIX Sx product via TCP/IP Sockets allowing any aspect of the unit to be modified or queried.

Paul Nicholls, PHABRIX’s sales and marketing manager explained;

‘This new option for the Sx range allows quite complex applications to be created to perform test and measurement functions such as automated testing of routers or other broadcast equipment. PHABRIX products act as a server and listen on a port waiting for incoming requests from clients such as a PC. Using this method of communication the Sx range can provide a variety of information to the control device it is connected to and be controlled in specified areas of the product using the command details included.’

The control structure can also be selected as Passive or Active.

Passive allows simple remote control where the host PC is in control and sends commands when it wants to change data or get information. It is this method which is the most popular use for remote control.

Active control is when the PHABRIX unit synchronizes with the host PC. Any changes on the PHABRIX unit will result in a message being sent to the host PC. This method is useful for controlling a PHABRIX unit from another unit or via the PC simulator software

The option provides a programming guide with command information and examples on a CD. A Windows™ application for testing the interface is also provided as part of this option.

The new enhanced remote control option is available end of April 2009.