Hypersignal®-Workstation Updates/Revisions

Macro Language:

Macro language files allow all Hypersignal functions and displays to be invoked and controlled by passing menu parameters and interactive display commands.   The macro language includes procedures, include files, if-then-else constructs, looping, and variables that can be altered and then used as input to menu fields so as to alter functions and display operation.  Variables can be 32-bit integer, 32-bit floating-point, and string.  Built-in macro language functions include file manipulation, math, trig, and transcendental functions, user interface functions (key-board input, test, display) macro debug functions, and delay/scheduling commands (using system clock).

One built-in interactive display command of special interest is the "$MANUAL" command, which allows a macro sequence to temporarily enter "manual mode" inside a display function. The user can then perform any manual commands desired, and eventually resume the automatic macro sequence by exiting the display function.

By passing parameters to a macro via the Macro Manager menu macros become reusable, functioning as "Hypersignal procedures."  An example of this is illustrated in the macro file "SAMCONV," included on distribution CD which converts a waveform sampling frequency either up or down, by invoking difference Equations, FIR Filter Construction, and Convolution in the correct sequence required to "interpolate" or "decimate."  Simply by changing the input and output waveform names and stretch and contract factors that make up the menu input parameters, this macro can be used over and over without any further editing.  Essentially, the Macro Manager menu becomes a "virtual menu" for many different functions.  To further enhance the virtual menu concept, the menu labels can also be customized for each macro.

Also, macro files can be executed remotely by another program, by passing the macro name in the Hypersignal command line.

The next major release of the software will contain a "record" function that allows the user to step through a sequence manually and have the program automatically generate the appropriate macro file for later use.

New Documentation:  The Hypersignal Macro User's Manual has been completed reorganized, revised and updated, making it comprehensive and easier to use.  A new Software Reference Guide has also been created.  The four-volume set is completely by the updated hardware Reference Guide and updated Software Tutorial. On-Line Help Revision:  Reduced in size by 1/3, much of the detailed, non-essential information has been placed in the Users' Manual.   Overall, the on-line Help has been made much easier to use, more concise, and more focused on information needed. Vertical Display:  Limits and dB Value and bottom display control has been installed in frequency domain display functions; either autoscale (zero entry) or explicit entry possible.  Explicit entry of vertical limits in frequency domain displays causes single/dual waveform displays to be displayed relative to a "reference dB value," which can be set via the Spectrum Analyzer analog input calibration function or in the configuration file.  The default value assigns 32767 (full-scale input from a 16-bit A/D converter) to 0 dB. Spectrum Analyzer:  Crosshair CursorInstalled in the Spectrum Analyzer function, a dual-trace crosshair cursor allows frequency and linear/log magnitude readout during real-time display. Spectrum Analyzer Calibration Function:  A calibration function has been installed in the real-time Spectrum Analyzer that can be used to set the system "reference dB value" and the engineering units to be assigned to this value.  Up and down arrow keys or mouse motion can be used to position the crosshair cursor on the peak of a reference tone.  Pressing the "E" key ("Engineering units") causes a prompt to appear, asking for a dB value. Overlaid-Trace Display: An overlaid-trace display option has been installed in the Waveform Display/Edit, Digital Oscilloscope, Magnitude Display, Phase Display, and Spectrum Analyzer functions. Different display colors are used to show the overlaid traces. The TRACE 1 and TRACE 2 selection commands remain active as usual.