Special Report
differing standards in broadcast, we wanted two to three button clicks. As engineer’s
the Sx to launch supporting the new 3G ourselves at Phabrix we designed the kind of
standard alongside HD and SD, more parts product we’d like to use ourselves.
of the Swiss Army knife. One really The control of the unit is via 8 ‘soft’
interesting feature of the Sx is its ability to buttons beneath the display with navigational
generate at one standard whilst analysing and input selection using the circular
at others; the multiplicity inherent in the mounted selection buttons to the right. This
design allowed this unique function. The enables right thumb control while holding the
integrated generator/analyser is closed loop unit, the left thumb controlling the button
for control and the Sx has auto Bi-level, functions under the screen. This type of
Tri-level and SDI genlock with cross lock control has kept the screen completely free for
capability - an important feature often display and makes the Sx easy to control
missed particularly when out in the field Pre-polytunnel days: a young Phillip Adams while hand held. Instrument configurations
where access to other equipment is (foreground) in the control room at Granada. can be saved to memory and the scripting
restricted. generation, video RX analysis and capture, facility enables repeat test conditions to be
We chose Linux as the operating system video scaling (for the artefact free display of implemented whilst storing results in data
for the Sx providing the advantages of open all 3G/HD/SD-SDI video formats on a 4.3" logs. These can be accessed from the main
source development, upgrade simplicity, a TFT display), video keying and mixing, screen or from a remote unit using the Sx’s
mature system environment and enhanced EDH/CRC insertion and analysis, scrambling, remote facility if the unit is connected to a
networking facilities which have been word alignment, TFT display driving, network.
implemented in the Sx’s remote control waveform monitor, vectorscope, audio As a portable device, part of the design
functions. Of course one of the downsides metering, PLL control and clock generation, brief was to ensure the unit met the challenge
of using an open source system is the first audio embedding, audio de-embedding, audio of power usage and function. To overcome
thing an engineer wants to do is add stuff processing, sine wave and white noise audio this challenge the unit employs sophisticated
themselves so we decided early on to make it generation amongst others. Bit of a mouthful power management powering down circuits
specific to the task in hand - anyone looking but it gives you an idea of the platform when not in use. Its integral battery is high
for a sophisticated MP3 and games player will technology. density and the Sx can of course by driven
have to look elsewhere. Mind you it’s The Sx supports the full 16 channels of using a separate power supply. The unit
something we could add; such is the embedded audio with visual PPM’s. typically draws just 8 Watts when generating
versatility of the platform. Additionally the SxA model provides the and analysing 3G-SDI waveforms.
As was touched on before, the function of embed and de-embed via two AES One of the most satisfying feedbacks we’ve
development engineering consists largely of ports allowing engineers to fully analyse AES had is the design of the Sx and the quality of
modular FPGA design allowing rapid re-use signals and, if required, strip an AES pair for build.
of the technology. The FPGA’s perform video external audio analysis. The design of the Sx developed from in-
test pattern generation and TX, zone plate We took a long time over the menu house discussions which were then presented
structure and the control to an industrial designer. The unit was
of the Sx. It’s no good subsequently ‘ruggedised’ within a unique
having all the great tools aluminium extrusion able to contain the two
on a product if you can’t board design and to secure the high
find them or have to resolution, low power consuming 4.3"16:9
press a million buttons colour TFT screen. The design of the Sx has
to find anything. the extrusion capped off with two distinct
The interface of the rubber end caps which are moulded out of a
Phabrix Sx has been rubber material to allow the unit to ‘self
carefully developed to support’ on the bench. It also takes some of
make it as intuitive as the shock and vibration out of the unit in use.
possible. The user can So there you have it. Phabrix is up and
return to the main screen running as a company and our first product
at any time by pressing the Sx is set to be shipping by IBC. If you’re
the main menu button so at the exhibition please come along to Hall 8
aiding in set up and not E05 and say hello, and maybe take some time
confusing the operator. to have a play with the Sx. We’re pleased with
Each of the functions of the feedback so far but it helps when a lot of
the generator, analyser engineers contribute their thoughts. We also
and monitor are colour have some new products that have developed
coded and all function out of the Sx platform which may turn a few
requirements are within heads.
Phabrix SxA Block
Oh, and should anyone have a need for
Diagram.
several polytunnels please let me know!
76 IBE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008
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