Abstract:
Processing instrumentation comprises a processing element (2) for performing a substantially same processing operation on each of a plurality of substantially identical items (6) and a control element (4) configured to control the processing element (2) to operate at a first cadency selected to make available a predetermined maximum number of processing operations of the processing element (2) in a predetermined operating period. The control element (4) is further configured to selectably control the processing element (2) to operate at a second, different cadency whilst maintaining the number of processing operations available in the predetermined operating period at the predetermined maximum number.