Windows based program for the creation, editing, translation and management of waveforms includes standard waveforms, mathematical expressions and freehand drawing
Waveform Manager Plus, new from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments), is a Windows based program for the creation, editing, translation and management of waveforms.
It is intended for use with the full TTi range of arbitrary waveform generation products.
The program incorporates a complete suite of tools for waveform creation and editing, including standard waveforms, mathematical expressions and freehand drawing.
Virtually any waveform can be created using combinations of these tools.
The sophisticated mathematical expression editor allows geometric, logarithmic and pulse functions to be combined to create exact representations of complex signals.
Different expressions can be used for different sections of a waveform, and can be combined with imported waveforms or drawn waveforms where mathematical representation is not possible.
Waveform cut and paste using the windows clipboard is included, enabling waveforms to be exported to, or imported from, other programs including Excel and MathCad. Waveforms of up to 65,536 horizontal points can be created with a vertical resolution of up to 16 bits.
The program can adjust both the vertical and horizontal scales of the waveform so that, for example, a 4000-point waveform of 8-bit vertical resolution could be translated into a 8192-point waveform of 12-bit vertical resolution, or vice versa.
Vertical amplitude is fully scaleable with adjustable offset.
Waveform Manager Plus can import and display waveform files from popular digital storage oscilloscopes.
It can then translate the data into a format suitable for use with any of the TTi range of arbitrary waveform generators.
Imported waveforms can be manipulated in exactly the same manner as waveforms created within the program.
They can also be downloaded back to the oscilloscope from which they were uploaded for use as reference waveforms.
Waveforms can be saved in a variety of file types including Ascii.
All formats used by TTi products and programs are supported including Vips, WaveCad, and Waveform Manager Standard.
All TTi products with an arbitrary waveform capability can be used with the program.
Waveforms can be organised into 'projects', allowing libraries of waveforms to be created.
Waveforms that were created mathematically retain their formulae, enabling them to be rapidly modified when they are re-used.
Connection to the arbitrary generator (and to a DSO if required) is normally made via the computer's RS232 ports (Com1 or Com2), and full control of the I/O parameters is available from the program.
A simple configuration menu provides selection of the upload source and the download target by model number.
For DSOs which incorporate a floppy disk drive, files can be transferred on disk, eliminating any need for interconnection.
Connection via GPIB (IEEE-488) is also supported.
Waveform Manager is supplied complete with an RS232 connection cable, and costs £195 (plus VAT).