PHABRIX SxE 3 in 1 Generator/Analyzer/Monitor with Eye and Jitter, Includes PHSXO-EA and PHSXO-VNC Software Options

The PHABRIX SxE represents the most comprehensive hand held instrument available in the world today. The PHABRIX SxE has the full functions of the PHABRIX SxA plus physical layer analysis. Displaying eye and jitter diagrams with optional filter selection for timing and alignment measurements on its large 4.3 inch best of class 16:9 color TFT screen, it is unique in offering laboratory level testing. Cursors and histogram functions allow detailed measurements to be made.

• Automated eye and jitter measurements as standard
• Advanced option available for histograms, filters, jitter thermometers
• Combined generator, analyzer and monitor
• Full support 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, SD-SDI
• Truly a hand held instrument for an engineer who needs mobility
• Full generator, 32 patterns, moving zone plate and custom
• Analysis includes waveform, vectorscope, data toolsets
• 16 channels embedded audio, level meters
• Full AES audio, 16 independent tones
• Dolby generation and analysis (option)
• Small profile, rugged aluminum case
• Low power consumption (9W)
• Lithium polymer rechargeable battery 2-3 hours tether free operation
• Ethernet upgrade, connect and download for firmware and software
• Cool operation
• UK designed and manufactured

The ability of the SxE to produce eye patterns from a 3G signal is particularly significant for those users requiring a solution to testing high end products in the 3G arena. Jitter too is one of the most important issues in the design and operation of high-speed serial links and the SxE jitter tools can be applied from SD-SDI, HD-SDI to 3G-SDI. These comprehensive features propel the SxE into the domain of much more expensive bench bound products and has resulted in it achieving many technological awards.

Released in 2009 it has been installed in facilities world-wide and has continued to benefit from PHABRIX's lifetime support for software upgrades making it one of the most stable cool running instruments available.

Hand held test and measurement
The PHABRIX SxE provides the ultimate in multi-format handheld SDI test signal generation, analysis and monitoring with the added advantage of automated eye and jitter to SMPTE requirement.

The PHABRIX SxE includes 3G-SDI , HD-SDI and SD-SDI test signal generation and analysis. technologically advanced the instrument has provided engineers with sophisticated physical layer measurement within the convenience of a hand held platform. Since its release in 2009, the PHABRIX SxE has become a mainstream in broadcasting with multiple units in use everyday in many of the world's largest broadcasters. The reliability and feature rich toolset of the SxE remains unsurpassed at a price point that allows multiple units to be purchased whereas only one was typically reserved for the chief engineer.

The PHABRIX SxE instrument combines a generator, analyzer and monitor within a rugged aluminum housing. Comprehensive signal generation may be locked to either bi-level, tri-level or SDI sources. Embedded audio features allow the generation and monitoring of up to 4 groups (16 mono channels) of audio.

With its large 4.3 inch best-in-class TFT screen, images are crisp and clear with easily selected functions made possible through applied ergonomics and color coded menu selection. On-board Ethernet networking enables browser based remote control and monitoring. Internal storage for up to 2GB of test patterns and acquired data provide enhanced user flexibility.

The PHABRIX SxE is powered by an internal lithium polymer rechargeable power pack with a flexible 5V DC external input. A range of software options are available for specific user enhancement. Designed for ease of use and portability, the PHABRIX SxE is the most comprehensive solution to SDI generation, analysis and monitoring on the market today.

Broadcast applications
With portability in mind, the Sx range has been successful in many broadcast sectors.

• Broadcast manufacturing
• Studios
• Outside broadcast facilities, flyaways and trucks
• Production monitoring
• Control room
• Transmission remote control
• 3D application
• Telcos

Easy to use
The first thing that becomes clear when introduced to the PHABRIX SxE is how easy it is to use. The working interface offers the simplest presentation of control and data hiding the complexity behind button presses which are never more than two layers from the top level menu. As a generator, analyzer and monitoring solution, the PHABRIX SxE displays the 'status window' on boot up which presents all of the primary instruments and logging features in one easy to view window. It is also the 'top level menu'.

Technology
The Sx uses ultra reliable Linux as its operating system providing a robust and stable core. Each of the Sx's is assured up to date hardware and software development thanks to its FPGA design which can be simply updated at any time when connected via Ethernet to any open network. Feature enhancements are easily added to the instruments this way and their R&D regularly add requested features to the Sx's in the field. Development is on going with the Sx platform and this results in new toolsets which can be added as options. The Sx can be powered by A/C adapter if required or by integral lithium polymer battery which provides the Sx range with unmatched time of untethered use (1.5- 2hrs) between recharge.

Warranty
The Sx range benefits from a 1 year warranty once registered. Each Sx leaves their UK factory with its own unique list of quality controlled settings to ensure consistency and traceability. Calibration services are available.

Broadcast engineer's toolset
Acknowledged as one of the industry's easiest to use interfaces, Sx instruments have been designed to fully implement the PHABRIX GUI. Engineers can simply and importantly swiftly control their T&M instrument either through clever presets or user selectable configuration.

Each instrument is never more than a two button press away from the main menu.
In addition the Sx range of instruments can be further enhanced with a range of software options available on the platform. A simple software code will unlock these at any time.

• SDI analysis and anciallary packet analyzer
• Command scripts and print report
• Advanced formats
• Programmable moving zone plate
• Dolby E bitstream analyzer
• Dolby E bitstream generator
• Ancillary status
• Enhanced remote control
• Advanced eye/jitter analysis
• Remote control

Typical SxE Applications
Applications for the SxE include, but are not limited to:

• HD-SDI and 3G-SDI waveform quality checking and jitter measurement. Both equipment manufacturers and broadcasters need to be able to ensure the quality of the SDI signal as this affects the distance over-which the signal can be successfully transmitted and subsequently decoded by the receiving equipment without errors. The SxE is an essential tool and in use in over 5000 installations world-wide wherever there is HD or 3G equipment and cabling to ensure that waveform and jitter is within specification.
• Checking what is on the end of the cable. In the equipment bay, studio or outside broadcast environment, knowing what is actually on the end of the cable is probably one of the most important applications. In a world where over 450 video formats are possible, known exactly what is actually on the humble BNC is essential.
• Checking video quality, levels, saturation and cast. Any where there is broadcast equipment, there is a need to be able to check the that the video is correct. The Sx range of handhelds allow closed loop testing of equipment to ensure that video is processed transparently.
• Checking the presence and integrity of metadata. Metadata is used world-wide as a way of transmitting additional program information and can include format information, studio information, closed caption information as well as custom information. Being able to detect whether metadata packets are present and correct can ensure that vital information is passed from one system to another
• Checking video / reference timing. In any environment where a studio reference is being used, the timing or alignment of all video signals needs to be checked. The Sx range allows the video inputs to be measured against the studio reference to ensure that all equipment and feeds are correctly timed.
• Checking Audio levels, channel assignment and integrity. With the introduction of SDI, audio became an integral part of the signal transmitted via BNC. Being able to check the channel assignment, levels and content anywhere can provide a significant level of confidence in any environment.
• Deliberate Error Generation to check the susceptibility of equipment. As a manufacturer you will want to ensure that your equipment can function correctly when presented with common errors. The Sx test pattern generator can be used to introduce known errors into the data stream as well as outputting pathological test patterns.
• Automation and Remote control. Within a manufacturing environment, the Sx hand units can run automatic test routines locally using Scripts and remotely using the PHABRIX Remote Control Protocol. In the broadcast environment where equipment bays can be sited remotely, the ability to connect to a device via structured networking and control it at your desk has significant advantages.