WaveView
andWaveCalWaveView
Introduction …… 1
Software Startup & Sample Acquisition…… 3
Startup WaveView…… 3
Configure Channels…… 5
Configure Acquisition…… 6
Collect and View Data…… 6
Store Data [and View File Data]…… 7

WaveView, A Detailed Reference ……8Toolbar Buttons…… 8
Pull-down Menu Commannds …… 8
Input Channel Configuration…… 12

Data Conversion…… 21
Acquisition Configuration…… 22
General Information ….. 22
Trigger Types ….. 23
External Clock and Counter-Timer …… 24
Digital Pattern Trigger…… 25
Pulse Trigger …… 26

Scope Window…… 27
Direct-To-Disk Window… 30
Meters…… 32
Bar Graph Meters …… 32
Analog Meters ……33
Digital Meters …… 34

CH …… 13Module Type……13
On/Off……13
Label……13
Readings……13
Units……14
Range……15
Auto Zero……15
LPF Mode……15
LPF Cutoff……15
HPF Cutoff……16
Source Level……16
Bridge Type……16
Invert……16*
Counter Mode ……17
- Counter……17- Totalize……17- Frequency……18- Period……18- PulseWidth……18- Timing Mode……19- Encoder……19*
Edge Level ……19*
Edge Type ……20*
Debounce Time ……20*
Debounce Edge Detection ……20*Tick Duration ……20*
Timing Intervals ……21*

The asterisk indicates that the mode applies
only to WBK17 applications.

Introduction
WaveView is a graphical Windows-based program for use in WaveBook applications. The program allows
users to acquire data for immediate viewing or for storage to the PC's hard disk. No previous programming
knowledge is required.
From WaveView you can:
•
•
•
•
•

WaveView

Set up all analog or digital input parameters.
Acquire and save data to disk.
View the acquisition in real-time.
Send data to other Windows applications, such as spreadsheets and databases.
Launch an independent post-data acquisition application, such as DIAdem, PostView, or
eZ-View, to view file data recorded by WaveView. Refer to the applicable document module
for detailed information.

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 1

WaveView Configuration Main Window

WaveView Configuration Main Window, Button Identification

WaveView, pg. 2

See
Page…

#

Item

Description

1

ModuleConfiguration

The Module Configuration column displays the current inventory of WaveBooks
and relevant WBK options. Note that the WaveView Configuration main window
provides a means of setting certain parameters for WBK options, e.g.., LPF
Type and LPF cutoff for WBK12 and WBK13, and excitation source amplitude
and offset for WBK14. When applicable, the WBK options will be listed in the
Module Type column.

102Acquisition
Configuration

Opens the Acquisition Configuration display window to allow selection of thenumber of scans, scan rate, and the triggering method to be used for starting
the scan.

22

3

Scope Window

Opens the Scope Window to display data acquisition waveforms in real-time.

27

4

Direct to Disk
Window

Provides a means of writing acquired data to disk files.

75View File Data

Starts an independent, post-data acquisition viewing program.

7

6

Bar Graph
MetersUsed to display one or more channels in bar graph format.

32

7

Analog Meters

Used to display one or more channels in analog meter format.

33

8

Digital Meters

9

WBK16 Sensor
Calibration

Used to display one or more channels in digital meter format.
Use of this button temporarily disables WaveView and opens a sensor
calibration spreadsheet so that each channel on a WBK16 can be calibrated tothe specifications of the sensor in use.
Note: This selection is available only if WaveView detects a WBK16 module.

10

WBK16 Shunt
Mode

With shunt mode enabled WBK16 channels are set to their shunt position for all
acquisition operations if they were most recently calibrated using the shuntmethod.

See
WBK16
Document
Module11

Enable [Disable]
Spreadsheet
Readings
ColumnThis is an Enable/Disable toggle button. Use of this button to “enable” causes
all channels that are “On” to display an actual reading of the input signal in thechannel reading column. The readings column is updated about twice persecond. A status indicator “READINGS” appears above the spreadsheet when
the column is enabled. Since this is a toggle button, pressing it while thereadings column is enabled will disable it.

--

03-05-02

34
See
WBK16
Document
ModuleWaveView

WaveView Configuration Main Window, Button Identification
See
Page…

#

Item

Description

12

Make All
Channels
ActiveMakes all channels active. When this button is pressed, the word “On” appears
in the On/Off column for every channel.

--

13

Make All
Channels
Inactive--

14

Fill Down

Makes all channels inactive. When this button is pressed, the word “Off”
appears in the On/Off column for every channel. If your channel scan includes
only a few channels, it may be easier to make all of the channels inactive, thenturn on the few desired channels.
When multiple cells within a column are selected, this command takes the topmost selected cell and copies its contents to the selected cells below.

15

Auto Zero Active
Channels

16

Clear All Zero
Offsets

17

Hide Inactive
Channel Rows

18

Show All Rows

19

Customize
ColumnLayoutOpens a Customize Column Layout window that allows you to select thecolumns that you want to have displayed. This feature allows you to hidecolumns that do not apply to your application. For example, WBK17 users may
want remove the Auto Zero, Source Level, Bridge Type, and Invert columns.

--

20Show All
Columns

When this push-push button is depressed, all spreadsheet columns are shownand the button remains indented. Pushing the button again shows the
spreadsheet with the customized column layout, as set up using button 19.

--

21

Copy Visible
Cells toNotepadPlaces a tab-delimited text version of the spreadsheet into Microsoft’s Notepad
application. The information can be imported into various spreadsheet
programs, such as Microsoft Excel.

9--This button zeros out a DC offset signal on all channels that are “On” and have
Auto Zero set to “Yes.” Note that Auto Zero does not apply to WBK17.
This button clears the zero offset that was set with the Auto Zero Active Channel
button. Note that Auto Zero does not apply to WBK17.
Hides all inactive channels, thus only the active (On) channels are displayed.
A status indicator “HIDDEN ROWS” appears above the spreadsheet when one
or more channels are hidden.
Note: When a channel is hidden, its configuration settings cannot be changed.
Block operations and other “All” actions, like the Make All Channels Active
menu item, have no effect on hidden channels.
Makes all channel rows visible. Can be used to restore the full spreadsheet
after a Hide Inactive Channels action has been performed.

----

--

Software Startup & Sample Acquisition
The program installation CD-ROM contains both a 16-bit and a 32-bit version of WaveView. The figures inthis document module reflect the 32-bit version, only. Note that the 16-bit version has fewer toolbar
buttons and exhibits minor screen differences.

Startup WaveView
Start WaveView by double-clicking on its icon. WaveView holds user-configured parameters that can besaved to disk. The default configuration filename is WAVEVIEW.CFG. When WaveView starts up, it searches
the working directory for this configuration file. One of the following situations will occur:• If the default configuration file is found, all the required setup information is extracted from it, andthe application’s main window opens.
• If the default configuration file is not found, WaveView attempts to connect with WaveBook using
the following default parameters: Printer Port LPT1, Interrupt Level 7, and 4-bit Standard Protocol. If
this fails, the program tries LPT2 and Interrupt Level 5.
• If connection is established, WaveView’s main window opens.
Note: If connection to the device can not beestablished, a WaveView StartUp box
appears with the following options:
Retry, Select Device, Load File, and Exit.
WaveView StartUp Box

WaveView

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 3

Reference Note:
Refer to the WaveBook User Manual’s Troubleshooting chapter for advice regarding connection
problems.
• If no user-configuration file is found, or if no communication established, a dialog box prompts you
to choose an actual WaveBook from the device inventory, or to select a simulated device.

Select Device Box
Simulated WaveBook. If the hardware is not available, or if you just want to practice using the software,
select Simulated Device. The Simulated Device allows you to run various software functions with nohardware concerns.
The Simulated mode is also available from WaveView’s pull-down menu. To select the simulated mode:
1. Choose Select Device from the System pull-down menu.
2. Select Simulated Device from the Available Devices list.
WaveBook Attached. If the WaveBook hardware is connected and switched on, select the applicable
WaveBook device. Then click on the Properties button to view the Device Properties screen (see following
figure).

Devices Properties (example)
After you have selected the device parameters, click Close.
WaveView attempts to find the WaveBook at the specified port. One of the following situations will occur:• The hardware is found, the WaveView main window opens.
• The hardware is not found, a dialog box informs you and provides another chance to selectparameters.

WaveView, pg. 403-05-02

WaveView

If WaveView cannot identify the hardware, and you have verified that the selected hardware
parameters are correct, exit WaveView and then use the “Test Hardware” feature of theDaq* Configuration control panel. A discussion of System Testing is included in the
System Setup and Power Options chapters of WaveBook Manuals 481-0901 and 489-0901.
WaveView interrogates the hardware after it starts up to see what options and expansion modules are
actually connected to the WaveBook. The number of channels (shown on the configuration menu)
represents the number of channels actually connected to WaveBook.

Configure Channels
Once WaveView determines the options and expansion modules, the individual channels can be configured,as described in the text that follows.

Configuring Channels from WaveView’s Main Window (Partial View)•

On/Off - To acquire data with WaveView, channels must be properly connected to signal sources, andmust be enabled (On). Channels can be enabled as follows:(1) Click in a channel’s On/Off cell, then select "On" from the drop-down menu (that appears
above the range column), or(2) Double-click in a channel’s On/Off cell to toggle to “On.” Note that the on/off status willchange with each double-click, or(3) Click on the toolbar’s “On” button (Make All Channels Active) to turn all channels on. Notethat the “Off” button (Make All Channels Inactive) turns all channels off.

•Label - Channels have default labels, such as CH05. You can change the label by clicking on the cell,then typing in the new label. Labels must be unique, i.e., each channel must have its own label.
Attempts to use duplicate labels, or use no label will result in a warning message.

•

Readings - Not user configurable. This column displays values of enabled channels.

•

Units - Select a channel’s units in one of two ways.
(1) Click in a channel’s Units cell, then select the desired units from the pull-down menu.
(2) Double-click in a channel’s Units cell to cycle through the units. Note that when the mX+b
dialog box appears you need to click “OK” to continue cycling.
Note: You can enter user-defined units from the mX+b dialog box, and you can use the mX+b
equation to adjust a channel’s scale and offset. Refer to Units on page 14 for more information
and an example of the mX + b equation being used.

•

WaveView

Range - Select a channel’s range in one of two ways.
(1) Click in a channel’s Range cell, then select the desired range from the drop-down menu.
(2) Continue to double-click in the applicable channel’s Range cell to cycle through the available
ranges. Stop double-clicking when the desired range is indicated.

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 5

Configure Acquisition
The following text describes how to configure an acquisition.
After completing channel configuration, select the Acquisition Configuration option from the View menu or
the tool bar. The following figure represents the Acquisition Configuration dialog box. The parameters
shown are a result of the values entered below.

Acquisition Configuration Dialog Box
Triggering
Type: Manual
Scanning Duration
Convention: Scans
Pre-Trigger: 1000 scans
Post-Trigger: 5000 scans
Scanning Rate
Clock: Internal
Convention: Frequency
Pre-Trigger: 50 kHz
Post-Trigger: 50 kHz
After entering the values, click the Close button to set the acquisition parameters.

Collect and View Data
The following text describes how to collect data for a sample acquisition, and how to view a graphic
representation of the data.
To read and view a graphic representation of WaveBook data, select the Scope option from the View menu
or use the toolbar button. This accesses the WaveView Scope window. Complete the acquisition setup as
follows:• Number of Charts. First, the Scope window should be configured to display 4 charts since 4 channels
were previously selected for the acquisition. Select the Number of Charts option from the Charts menu
item. When the flyout appears showing a selection of up to 8 channels for display, click on 4.
• Arm and Trigger. The system is now set to start collecting data. At this point, you may acquire one
acquisition or continuous acquisitions. For this sample acquisition, click the Arm button, then click the
Trigger button.
• Data Acquisition. The system has now collected 1000 pre-trigger scans and 5000 post-trigger scans.

WaveView, pg. 603-05-02

WaveViewIf desired, you may modify the current Scope window display as follows:• View additional channels (up to 8) simultaneously by changing the entry in the Number of Chartsmenu.
• Change the channels viewed. Use the channel select list box at the right of the waveforms to display
waveforms of other active channels.
• To scale the waveforms, click on the Scale All Charts button. All 4 waveforms should then be visible.
• Examine the waveforms at any point along the timeline by using the horizontal scroll-bar.
• Vary the number of scans displayed by using the Zoom In or Zoom Out buttons.
..

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

WaveView Scope Window
Item1

Description

Item

Description

Save

7

Stop Rearming

2

Print Window

8

Zoom In

3

Arm

9

Zoom Out

4

Trigger

10

Scale All Charts

5

Stop Acquiring

11

Toggle Cross Hairs

6

Auto-Rearm

12

Toggle GridsStore Data [and View File Data], Option
Data to be viewed with the post acquisition data viewer must be in the appropriate
binary format. From WaveView, you can select the format by navigating as follows:
WaveView Main Window ⇒ File ⇒ Data Conversion Preferences and check theappropriate box.
Save collected data to disk by clicking on the Save button ("floppy disk" or left-most button) of the
WaveView Scope window, and then giving the file a name. Note that you can analyze the saved data with apost-acquisition data-viewer program, such as PostView, DIAdem, or eZ-View.
To open an installed post-acquisition data viewer application, return to the WaveView Configuration main
window then click on the View File Data toolbar button (button 9 in the following figure).
Reference Note:
For detailed information regarding post acquisition data analysis programs, refer to theapplicable document module(s), e.g., DIAdem, PostView, or eZ-View.

WaveView

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 7

WaveView, A Detailed Reference
When WaveView starts it interrogates the system hardware to see what options and expansion modules are
actually connected to the WaveBook. Unless you are using WaveView’s simulated mode, the channels
displayed on the WaveView.cfg window correspond to actual connected channels.
WaveView functions are initiated through toolbar buttons and pull-down menu selections. The toolbar
buttons were identified on page 2. An explanation of menu functions, in order of the menu structure, begins
in the "Pull-down Menu Commands" section, below.

Toolbar Buttons
Reference Note:
Toolbar buttons are identified and explained in the figure of the WaveView
Configuration Main Window, and in the related table. Both can be seen on page 2.

Pull-Down Menu Commands
The following menu descriptions apply to corresponding toolbar buttons (as depicted in the WaveView
Configuration Main Window, and in the related table (as seen on page 2). Note that some menu items haveno corresponding toolbar button.

File
New
Open
Save
Save As
Convert Data Files
Data Conversion
Preferences
Open WBK16
Calibration File
(WBK16 Only)
About
Exit

WaveView, pg. 8

Sets all parameters to their default startup settings.
Loads a saved configuration.
Saves the existing configuration for later recall.
Prompts for a file name and saves the current configuration to that file name.
Runs the File Converter, which converts any acquired data file to any of the supported datatypes.
Opens a dialog box, which lets you set the data file conversion options that WaveView will
apply automatically whenever you acquire data.
Loads a WBK16 sensor calibration table. This command loads saved WBK16 calibration
data.
Note: This selection is not available unless WaveView detects the presence of a WBK16.
Provides software version number and provides access to a list of device properties.
Closes WaveView.
Note: Before WaveView exits, it saves the current configuration in a file named
WAVEVIEW.CFG. The next time you run WaveView, this file is loaded automatically.

03-05-02

WaveView

Edit
Make All Channels
ActiveMake All Channels
Inactive
Fill Down
Hide Rows of Inactive
Channels

Show All Rows
Customize Column
LayoutReset Column Layout

Show All Columns

Copy Visible Cells to
NotepadThis command places an “On” in the “On/Off” field of all channels.
This command places an “Off” in the “On/Off” field of all channels. If your channel scan
includes only a few channels, it may be easier to make all of the channels inactive, thenturn on only those few channels that you want.
When multiple cells within a column are selected, this command takes the top-mostselected cell and copies its contents to the selected cells below.
Temporarily removes all inactive channels from the channel configuration spreadsheet. If
there are inactive (“Off”) channels, this results in a smaller spreadsheet showing just thecurrently active channels. A status indicator “HIDDEN ROWS” appears above thespreadsheet when one or more channels are hidden.
Note: When a channel is hidden, its configuration settings cannot be changed. Block
operations and other “All” actions, like the Make All Channels Active menu item, haveno effect on hidden channels.
Makes all channel rows visible. Can be used to restore the full spreadsheet after a Hide
Inactive Channels action.
Opens a Customize Column Layout window that allows you to select the columns that you
want to have displayed. This feature allows you to hide columns that do not apply to yourapplication. For example, WBK17 users may want remove the Auto Zero, Source Level,
Bridge Type, and Invert columns.
This resets the custom column layout settings to the default values. All adjustments tocolumn widths will be lost and hidden columns will return to the spreadsheet. Once thecolumn layout is reset, there is no automatic recovery of the customized layout. Compare
this command with “Show All Columns.”
Displays all columns, including the Module Type column, which is typically not displayed.
This button and the Customize Column Layout button can be used to switch back-andforth between the full view of the spreadsheet (all columns) and the customized layout.
Places a tab-delimited text version of the spreadsheet into Microsoft’s Notepad application.
The information can be imported into various spreadsheet programs, such as Microsoft
Excel.

An Example of Visible Cells Copied to Notepad
Enable Spreadsheet
Reading Column

Auto Zero Active
Channels
Clear All Offsets

WaveView

This causes all channels that are “On” to display an actual reading of the input signal in thechannel reading column. This column is updated with new readings about twice persecond. A status indicator “READINGS” appears above the spreadsheet when thereading column is enabled.
This zeros out a DC offset signal on all channels that are “On” and have Auto Zero set to“Yes.” Note that Auto Zero does not apply to WBK17.
This clears the zero offset that was set via the Auto Zero Active Channel.
Note that Auto Zero does not apply to WBK17.

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 9

View
Module Configuration

Displays the current inventory of expansion modules that are in the WaveBook system. In
addition, the window provides a means of setting certain expansion module parameters,i.e., LPF Type and LPF cutoff for WBK12 and WBK13 options and excitation source
amplitude and offset for WBK14. The following figure provides two examples.

Two Examples of the Module Configuration Display Window
The window can be accessed from the View pull-down menu or by using theassociated toolbar button (1).
Opens the display window to allow selection of the number/speed of the scan and thetriggering method to start the scan.
Opens the display window to allow real-time viewing of the acquired data.
Opens the display window to allow the writing of acquisition data to disk files.

Acquisition
Configuration
Scope Window
Direct to Disk
Window
View File Data
Bar Graph Meters

Used to display one or more channels in bar graph format.

Analog Meters

Used to display one or more channels in analog meter format.

Digital Meters

Used to display one or more channels in digital meter format.

Starts the independent application to view file data.

SystemSelect Device
Options

Brings up a dialog box that lets you select a WaveBook device. It also provides access to
the Simulated Device, which is listed as an option.
Brings up the WaveView System Options dialog box. From there, you can enable or disable
WaveView options. The options dialog box has three tabs: Performance, Memory
Module, and WBK17. The three tab selections are discussed, following this table.

Note: The following System selections apply only to WBK16 and are only available if a WBK16 module is detected.
Refer to the WBK16 document module [in the 489-0902 WBK options manual] for additional information.
WBK16 Sensor
Calibration
WBK16 Shunt Mode

WBK16 LPF Corner
Frequencies

WaveView, pg. 10

This command runs the sensor calibration program. Selecting this option will temporarily
disable WaveView and open a sensor calibration spreadsheet so that each channel on a
WBK16 can be calibrated to the specifications of the sensor in use.
This command places WaveView in a shunt mode. When in this mode, all enabled WBK16
channels are set to their shunt position for all acquisition operations, providing that thechannels were last calibrated using the shunt method.
During shunt mode operation, spreadsheet updating, scope window operations, analog
meter operations, and direct-to-disk operations result in data that represents the raw
value of the shunt resistor.
Note that the shunt mode can be used to verify that the acquired shunt value agrees withthe expected shunt value.
This command brings up a dialog box to select new cutoff frequencies for the LPF on a
WBK16. The WBK16 has a Low Pass Filter with two selectable cutoff frequencies.
Although the frequencies are factory configured at 10 Hz and 1 kHz, changing the resistor
packs inside the WBK16 can modify them. After the cutoff frequencies are altered, thevalues that WaveView displays can then be modified to match the LPF frequencies using
this command.

03-05-02

WaveView

System …

Options“Performance” TabzAcquisition Data Packing(WaveBook/512 and /512H Only):
WaveBook/512 and /512H devices acquire 12-bit data andtransfer it to WaveView in 16-bit words. Data can becompressed so four 12-bit samples are packed into three
16-bit words. This reduces transfer time and data storage
requirements. Use packed data if buffer overrun errors
occur. Disadvantages include extra processing time forunpacking data and some loss in resolution (less than ½
LSB).
The Data Packing option does not apply to the
WaveBook/516, /512A, /516A, or to WavePorts,
and is disabled for these devices.

•

Calibration:
Factory Calibration Table (default), the software uses thefactory generated calibration constants of each systemcomponent to achieve calibration of the system. This isuseful if the system calibration changes often.
User Calibration Table, the WaveCal program lets you
perform a calibration of the complete signal path from input
to A/D stage. The cal constants are stored in the Calibration
Table on the WaveBook main board. Recalibration isrequired when any part of the signal path changes. Thismethod is useful when the configuration remains stable andyou want slightly better accuracy.

System Options
Performance Tab Selected

WavePort devices should only be calibrated at the factory, or by a factory-authorized service representative.
In regard to WavePort devices, leave the Calibration Radio Button selected to Factory Calibration Table.
WBK17 modules should only be calibrated at the factory, or by a factory-authorized service representative.
For WBK17, leave the Calibration Radio Button selected to Factory Calibration Table.

z

Acquisition Buffer Size:
Allows you to set a new buffer size for data acquisition. The dialog displays the maximum size of the acquisitionbuffer. The buffer is never sized larger than needed by the acquisition. For a one-channel, 1000 scan acquisition
the buffer will be 2000 bytes, not the size shown in the dialog.

“Memory Module” Tab
Note: The WaveView System Memory Module Option settings
are only pertinent if a WBK30 Memory module option
card is installed in your WaveBook.

•

Pre-Trigger Mode: This allows you to use the full•

Overflow Protection: This preserves and transfers all

bandwidth of your instrument regardless of the computer's
data transfer speed. Note that when Pre-Trigger is ineffect, certain conditions apply: (1) The entire acquisition
must fit in the WBK30's internal memory, (2) The scancount will not update during acquisition, and (3) The PreTrigger Mode selection only applies if pre-trigger is used.

data in the instrument when an acquisition ends early due toan error or manual disarm.
This option should not be used if you: (1) Never want tosave data from an incomplete acquisition, or (2) You want
the option to work like it does without a WBK30 installed.

System Options
Memory Module Tab Selected

WaveView

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 11

“WBK17” Tab
The “WBK17” tab provides a means of setting the Readings column to run at the post-trigger scan rate.
This system option applies only to WBK17 modules and impacts the Readings Column of WaveView’s
main window.
Setting the Readings column to run at the post-trigger scan rate does not directly affect therate at which the Readings column is updated; However, implementing this feature may
affect the overall performance of WaveView while the Readings column is enabled.

System Options, WBK17 Tab Selected

Input Channel Configuration

Source Level
Applies to: WBK14 and WBK16HPF Cutoff
Applies to: WBK14,
WBK16, and WBK17

LPF Mode and LPF Cutoff
Apply to: WBK12, WBK13,
WBK14, WBK16, and WBK17

Bridge Type and Invert
Apply to: WBK16 only

Columns of the Channel Configuration Spreadsheet
Reference Note:
The above figure does not include WBK17-exclusive columns. See page 17 in regard to additional
columns that are dedicated specifically to the WBK17 module.

WaveView’s configuration spreadsheet provides is used to configure channels and display channel readings.
The top few rows are used for the high-speed digital input and other non-analog channels. The remaining
rows (up to 72) are used for analog input channels. The number of rows varies depending on system
configuration.
WaveView, pg. 12

03-05-02

WaveView

The various columns contain the configuration information for each channel. Some columns allow blocks ofcells to be altered simultaneously, while others allow one cell to be changed at a time. Some columns may
be static and cannot be altered. Clicking a column header will select the entire column if applicable.
A discussion of each column follows.

CH - The channel number column labeled CH is static and cannot be altered. This column identifies theanalog (or digital) input channel to be configured in that row. This number includes all channel numbers
from the WaveBook and any attached expansion chassis (WBK10/10H, WBK14, WBK15, WBK16, and
WBK17). The channels are numbered as follows:
CH
CtrLo
CtrHi
Dig
0-1 to 0-8
1-1 to 1-8
2-1 to 2-8
etc.

Description
External Clock Period (Lo); Applies to WaveBook/516, /512A, /516A
External Clock Period (Hi); Applies to WaveBook/516, /512A, /516A
WaveBook Digital Channel
WaveBook Analog Channels
First Expansion Channels
Second Expansion Channels
etc.

Default Label
CtrLo
CtrHi
Dig
CH01 to CH08
CH09 to CH16
CH17 to CH24
etc.

Module Type – This column is hidden by default, but can be displayed by selecting it in the“Customize Column Layout Window” that is activated by toolbar button (17), or by clicking the “Show All
Columns” button (18). The column identifies the types of modules and their installed option cards, if
applicable. The column’s information is automatically derived from the WaveBook system’s actual
hardware.

On/Off - This column allows you to enable and disable channels. Double-clicking a cell in this column
will toggle the channel status, i.e., On to Off and visa versa. The Make All Channels Active andMake All Channels Inactive menu items under the Edit menu can be used to simultaneously enable ordisable all channels.

➪WBK17 Note -The On/Off column will contain a list of 8 different On/Off combinations, i.e., one foreach combination of the analog, counter low word, and counter high word values that can be acquired foreach WBK17 channel. The selected 16-bit values will be written to acquisition files and be available fordisplay in the Scope window. Only one of the selected values will be shown in WaveView’s Readings
Column. The complete contents of the “On/Off” list are: “Off”, “Volts (V)”, “CtrLo (L)”, “CtrHi (H)”,“Volts and CtrLo (VL)”, “Volts and CtrHi (VH)”, “CtrLo and CtrHi (LH)”, and “Volts and CtrLo and
CltrHi (VLH)”. Long strings will fit in the selection list, but the On/Off column itself would use anabbreviation, as follows: “Off”, “On;V”, “On:L” , “On:H” , “On:VL” , “On:VH” , “On:LH” , “On:VLH.”

Label - This column contains a descriptive name for the input channel. By default, it contains a labelthat is similar to its channel number, but this can be changed to any combination of 8 characters. Click on
the desired cell, and type in the desired label name.

➪WBK17 Note -There will only be one user-defined label for all three 16-bit values. To distinguishbetween the values: Volts, Counter Low, and Counter High, a “-V”, “-L” or “-H” is appended to the label.

Readings - Not user configurable. This column displays values for all enabled channels.
➪WBK17 Note -The Readings column will show, at most, one 16-bit value associated with the channel.
If the On/Off column selection indicates multiple 16-bit values, WaveView will make an automatic
selection of which value to display in the Readings column. This automatic selection will be according to
the following rule: the CtrLo value is preferred over the Volts value, and the CtrHi value is preferred over
the CtrLo value.
Unlike the Readings Column, acquisition data will include all selected WBK17 16-bit data channels.
For example, if “Volts and CtrLo and CtrHi” were selected as the “On/Off” value for all 8 channels of a
WBK17, the acquisition data file would contain data from twenty-four 16-bit channels.

WaveView

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 13

Units - This column allows you to change the voltage scale setting of each analog channel displayedwhen the Scope option is selected. When a cell is selected, a selection box gives you a choice between volts(V) or millivolts (mV). You can also enter user units and mX+b scales from this point. Making a selection
sets the choice into the individual cell or block of cells. This option has no effect on the Digital Input
channel. A discussion of mX +b follows.

Customize Engineering Units Dialog Box

From the Customize Engineering Units dialog box, you can enter values for m and b components of theequation that will be applied to the data. There is also an entry field that allows you to enter a label for the
new units that may result from the mX+b calculation.
An example of mX + b equation use follows.
Engineering Units Conversion Using mx + b
Most of our data acquisition products allow the user to convert a raw signal input (for example, one that isin volts) to a value that is in engineering units (for example, pressure in psi). The products accomplish thisby allowing the user to enter scale and offset numbers for each input channel, using the software associatedwith the product. Then the software uses these numbers to convert the raw signals into engineering units
using the following “mx + b” equation:

Engineering Units = m(Raw Signal) + b(1)

The user must, however, determine the proper values of scale (m) and offset (b) for the application inquestion. To do the calculation, the user needs to identify two known values: (1) the raw signal values, and(2) the engineering units that correspond to the raw signal values. After this, the scale and offset parameters
can be calculated by solving two equations for the two unknowns. This method is made clear by thefollowing example.
ExampleAn engineer has a pressure transducer that produces a voltage output of 10.5 volts when the measured
pressure is 3200 psi. The same transducer produces an output of 0.5 volt when the pressure is 0 psi.
Knowing these facts, m and b are calculated as follows.
A - Write a pair of equations, representing the two known points:

3200 = m(10.5) + b(2)

0 = m(0.5) + b(3)

B - Solve for m by first subtracting each element in equation (3) from equation (2):3200 - 0 = m(10.5 – 0.5) + (b - b)
WaveView, pg. 14

03-05-02(4)
WaveView

Simplifying gives you:This means:

3200 = m(10)(5)

m = 320(6)

C - Substitute the value for m into equation (3) to determine the value for b:So:

0 = 320 (0.5) + b(7)b = - 160

(8)

Now it is possible to rewrite the general equation (1) using the specific values for m and b that we justdetermined:

Engineering Units = 320(Raw Signal) - 160(9)

The user can then enter the values of m and b into the appropriate location using the facilities provided bycompatible data acquisition software, for example: WaveView, DaqView, Personal DaqView, LogView,
and TempView. The software uses equation (9) to calculate signal values in engineering units from thatpoint on.

Range – This column allows you to set the gain and polarity for the selected channel(s). Clicking themouse in any of the analog channel Range boxes brings up the "Select Range" selection box.
The range of gains available in the selection box depends on the hardware installed in thesystem. Double-clicking on a channel’s Range box will cycle through the available ranges.
The Range selections have no effect on the Digital Input channel.

5B Type – If a 5B module is being used, the type will be displayed when this column is visible.
Auto Zero (32-Bit WaveView Only). Auto-zero is used to null out any DC offset that might bepresent in a channel. WaveView nulls out the offsets of all channels set to “Yes” in the Auto Zero column,
providing the channels are enabled (“On”).

➪WBK17 Note - The Auto Zero function does not apply to WBK17.
LPF Mode - Applies to: WBK12, WBK13, WBK14, WBK16, and WBK17. This column allows
you to include or bypass a channel’s low-pass filter. The bypass mode is the default. Double-clicking a cellin the LPF Mode column will cycle through the available options, i.e., “On” and “Bypass.”➪WBK12 and WBK13 Note – The LPF type (linear or elliptic) is set in the Module Configuration
window, accessible via the associated toolbar button “1,” or from the View pull-down menu. The LPF type
and Cutoff settings apply to channel banks, not to individual channels. WBK12 and WBK13 each have twobanks of four channels. Setting one channel of a bank updates the banks remaining channels.
➪WBK14 Note – For WBK14 applications, the LPF Mode column allows you to select “On”, “Bypass”,
or “External.” The later is used to select an external filter.
LPF Cutoff – Applies to: WBK12, WBK13, WBK14, WBK16, and WBK17. This column allows
you to set the low-pass filter cut-off frequency for the selected channel(s). Since the WBK12 and WBK13
filters are assigned to banks, setting one channel of a bank updates the banks remaining channels. Note that
LPF Cutoff can only be set in the Module Configuration window accessible via the associated toolbar
button (1) and the View pull-down menu.

WaveView

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 15

HPF Cutoff – Applies to: WBK14, WBK16, and WBK17. This column allows you to set the highpass filter cut-off frequency for the selected channel(s), or in the case of the WBK17, to select AC or DC
coupling. When a spreadsheet cell is selected [in the HPF cutoff column], a selection box above thespreadsheet will display the options available for configuring the filters. Double-clicking a cell in thiscolumn will toggle the cut-off frequency status. A change in the high-pass filter cut-off frequency for one
channel will appropriately update other affected channels.
HPF Cutoff Options
WBK14

WBK16

WBK17

0.1 Hz

DC

Off

10 Hz

1 Hz

AC

--

--

DC

WBK17 users should note that each WBK17 channel has a programmable input-coupling feature. Input
coupling can be turned off, or be selected for AC or DC coupling. The inclusion [or exclusion] of DC
offsets is important when calculating the appropriate comparator threshold for the input waveform.
In regard to WBK17’s AC coupling option – select “AC” to reject unwanted DC offsets. In other words,
to prevent DC offsets from reaching the comparator. AC coupling works well when the input is constantly
changing. If the input stops for longer than one second, it will appear as DC and may cause the comparator
to switch on the decaying DC input.
In regard to WBK17’s DC coupling option – use “DC” coupling when both AC and DC components areto be presented as input to the comparator DC coupling does not reject anything. If the input can haveperiods of stability longer than one second, use DC coupling so the comparator does not switch on a
decaying DC input.

Source Level – Applies to: WBK14 and WBK16. This column allows you to apply or remove thesource level for the selected channel(s). When selecting a cell or block of cells in this column, a selection
box above the spreadsheet may or may not appear, depending upon your particular hardware. If theselection box appears, it will display the appropriate source level selections (such as “Off”, “2 mA”, or“4 mA” for a WBK14 or an excitation voltage level for a WBK16) allowed by your hardware to configure asource or block of sources. Double-clicking a cell in this column will toggle the source level status. Achange in the source level for one channel will appropriately update any other affected channels.

➪WBK14 Note – For WBK14, when using an ICP transducer, either 2 mA or 4 mA must be selected.
Set the current-source level to “Off” before measuring voltage.

Bridge Type – Applies to WBK16 Only. This column allows you to select the specific bridge
configuration for a strain gage or load cell sensor. When a cell is selected, a selection box above thespreadsheet will display the appropriate bridge configuration selections (such as Full Bridge, Half-Bridge
and Quarter-Bridge). Double-clicking a cell in this column toggles the Bridge Type. Detailed information
is included in the WBK16 Document Module.

Invert – Applies to: WBK16 Only. This column allows you to invert the signal level of a channel.
When a cell is selected, the selection box above the spreadsheet allows “Yes” or “No” options to determine
whether the channel is inverted. Double-clicking a cell in this column will toggle the invert status.

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03-05-02

WaveView

The remaining columns apply only to the WBK17 module.
Reference Note:
Refer to the WBK17 Document Module (in the WBK Option Cards and Modules User’s Manual,p/n 489-0902) for detailed information regarding the various modes. The WBK17 document
module includes explanations, block diagrams, and examples.
These 7 columns apply only to WBK17 modules.
Detailed information regarding operational aspects
is provided in the WBK17 document module.

WaveView Configuration Window Showing WBK17-Dedicated Columns

Counter Mode – Applies to WBK17 Only.
WaveView supports several counter modes and can receive input
from up to two encoders (in 1X, 2X, or 4X modes).
All WBK17 modes are detailed in the WBK17 Document Module.
Note:

Counter Mode Pull-Down List•

The Encoder Mode can only be selected on WBK17
channels x-1 and x-5. Inputs “B” and “Z” must beconnected to the next consecutive channels.
Reference Note:
Refer to the WBK17 Document Module (in the WBKOption Cards and Modules User’s Manual,p/n 489-0902) for additional information regarding thefollowing counter modes.

Counter
The counter makes use of a 16-bit counter (Counter Low), or a 32-bit counter (Counter High). Whilein this mode, the channel’s input increments the counter. The counter is cleared at the beginning ofeach scan, and the value [just prior to clearing] is latched and returned to the WaveBook/516, /512A,
or WaveBook/516A. See the upcoming Programmer Note.

•

Totalize
The totalize mode makes use of a 16-bit counter (Counter Low), or a 32-bit counter (Counter High).
While in this mode, the channel’s input increments the counter and rolls it over, resulting in acumulative total for the counter value. (see the following Programmer Note)
Programmer Note:
In regard to programming, the “Counter Mode” involves selecting the “Clear on Read” option
within a single “Counter/Totalize Mode;” and the “Totalize Mode” involves selecting the“Totalize” option. In WaveView, the Counter and Totalize modes are treated as two distinct
modes. Note that the “Clear on Read” mode is not available when using an external clock.
Refer to the WBK17 Document Module (in the WBK Option Cards and Modules User’s Manual,p/n 489-0902) for additional information.

WaveView

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 17•Frequency
This mode provides a means of displaying the frequency of the channel input, even though the WBK17
does not actually supply frequency data. This is possible since frequency is reciprocal function of theperiod, i.e., “1 divided by period.” When the frequency mode is selected, WaveView automatically
performs the conversion (1/period).
The frequency data is latched as it becomes available and the data is sent to the Wavebook/516, /512A,
or /516A at the scan rate. Therefore, if the scan period is much faster than the input waveform, there
will be a great deal of repetition in the frequency values.
The “Timing Intervals” feature, page 21, determines the number of periods to time [per measurement].
This relates to frequency since the frequency reading is the reciprocal of the period value. Possible
timing interval values are: 1, 10, 100, and 1000. The “Timing Intervals” feature only applies to the
Period and Frequency modes.
Note: Frequency is 1/Period. The Timing Interval and Tick Duration set the Period Range.
Reference Note:
Refer to the Period Mode section of the WBK17 Document Module for additional informationthat pertains to frequency (1/period).

Counter Mode (continued) – Applies to WBK17 Only.
• PeriodThis mode allows for period measurement of the channel input. The measurement period is thetime from edge-to-edge, either both rising or both falling. Period data is latched as it becomes
available and the data is sent to the Wavebook/512A, /516A, or /516 at the scan rate. Therefore,
if the scan period is much faster than the input waveform, there will be a great deal of repetitionin the period values. This repetition is due to the fact that updates take place only when anotherfull period becomes available.
The “Timing Intervals” feature, page 21, determines the number of periods to time [permeasurement]. Possible values are: 1, 10, 100, and 1000. The “Timing Intervals” feature only
applies to the Period and Frequency modes. The frequency mode makes use of the reciprocal of
the period value.
Note: The Timing Interval and Tick Duration set the Period Range. Details are included in the
WBK17 Document Module.
Reference Note:
Refer to the Period Mode section of the WBK17 Document Module for additional information.

•

PulsewidthThis mode provides a means of measuring a channel’s pulsewidth. The measurement is the timefrom the rising edge to the falling edge, or visa versa. The measurement will be either pulsewidth
low, or pulsewidth high, depending upon the edge polarity set in the debounce module.
Every time the pulsewidth measurement is latched from the counter, the counter is immediately
cleared and enabled to count the time for the next pulsewidth. The pulsewidth measurements arelatched as they become available.
Note: If the scan period is much slower than the input period, then the acquisitions will misssome pulsewidths. Decreasing the scan period will increase the number of different
pulsewidths received.
Note: The Tick Duration sets the Pulsewidth Range. Details are included in the WBK17
Document Module.
Reference Note:
Refer to the Pulsewidth Mode section of the WBK17 Document Module for additional information.

WaveView, pg. 18

03-05-02

WaveView• Timing Mode
This mode provides a means of measuring time between two subsequent events, i.e., the edge of
one channel with respect to the edge of another channel. The edge selection is done in eachchannel’s debounce setup. Whenever the time measurement is latched from the counter, thecounter is immediately cleared and enabled for accepting the subsequent time period, which starts
with the next edge on the main channel.
The data returned is interpreted as time measured in ticks. This data represents the number ofticksize intervals counted during the timing measurement. There are four timebase settings:
20 ns, 200 ns, 2 µs, and 20 µs. These are often referred to as tick-sizes. The WBK17 uses
a 50 MHz, 10 ppm oscillator as a timing source.
If the input signal has a poor slew rate the timing mode will provide variant results,
dependant upon the comparator threshold.
In timing mode, time can be measured with a 16-bit (Counter Low), or a 32-bit (Counter High)counter. Since the time measurements always have a “stop at the top” option enabled, the 16-bit
and 32-bit options dictate whether the measurement has a range of 0 to 65535 ticks or 0 to
4,294,967,295 ticks.
Reference Note:
Refer to the Timing Mode section of the WBK17 Document Module for additional information.

• Encoder
The encoder mode allows the WBK17 to make use of data from optical incremental quadrature
encoders. When in the encoder mode, the WBK17 accepts either differential or single-ended
inputs and provides power for up to four encoders. When reading phase A, phase B, and index Z
signals, the WBK17 provides positioning, direction, and velocity data.
The WBK17 can receive input from up to four encoders; however, the WaveView dataacquisition program can accept input from only one or two encoders. To receive input
from three or four encoders [with one WBK17] refer to the Programmer’s Manual(p/n 1008-0901).
The WBK17 supports quadrature encoders with a 16-bit or 32-bit counter, 5 MHz frequency, andx1, x2, and x4 count modes. With only phase A and phase B signals, 4 channels are supported;with phase A, phase B, and index Z signals, 2 channels are supported.
Reference Note:
Refer to the Encoder Mode section of the WBK17 Document Module for additional information.
This completes the Counter Mode section of the WaveView Document Module.
The WBK17 Document Module contains additional information regarding each counter mode.

Edge Level – Applies to: WBK17 Only. Each WBK17 channel has its own comparator that can be
programmed for comparator threshold. WaveView’s Edge Level column is used to set the comparator input
threshold to a value within the range of -12.5 to +12.5 Volts. Each channel can have a different thresholdsetting. The effects of different comparator thresholds can be easily observed since the counter output andanalog waveform can be scanned together.
The comparator threshold should be set such that ringing on the waveform does not cause extraneous
switching of the comparator, causing false counts to be measured. Ideally, the comparator threshold should
be set so that the comparator switches at the point of fastest slew rate on the input waveform.
Amplitude modulated noise may also cause false switching of the comparator. The effects of amplitude
modulated noise can be minimized by setting the threshold at the point of fastest slew rate on the input
waveform.
Reference Note:
Refer to the Comparator section of the WBK17 Document Module for additional information
regarding edge level.
WaveView

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 19

Edge Type – Applies to WBK17 Only. The Edge Type column is used to set the edge to be detected
as a “Rising” or “Falling” edge. Each WBK17 channel’s edge type setting is independent of the settings forthe other channels.

Debounce Time – Applies to WBK17 Only. Each WBK17 channel has its own programmabledebounce module. The modules can be used to eliminate switch-induced transients that are typicallyassociated with electro-mechanical devices including relays, proximity switches, and encoders. The
16 possible selections for debounce time reside within the range of 500ns to 25.5ms [inclusive].
Debounce times should be set according to the amount of instability expected in the input signal. Setting adebounce time that is too short may result in unwanted glitches clocking the counter. Setting a debounce
time too long may result in an input signal being rejected entirely. Some experimentation may be required
to find the appropriate debounce time for a particular application.
To see the effects of different debounce time settings, simply view the analog waveform along with thecounter output.
Reference Note:
Refer to the Debounce Module section of the WBK17 Document Module for additional
information.

Debounce Edge Detection – Applies to WBK17 Only. The Debounce Edge Detection column
allows for one of two debounce trigger-mode selections. These are: (1) after stable, and (2) before stable.
The “trigger after stable” mode behaves like a traditional debounce function, i.e., rejecting glitches andonly passing state transitions after a specified period of stability (the debounce time). Trigger after stablemode is used with electro-mechanical devices like encoders and mechanical switches to reject switch
bounce and disturbances due to a vibrating encoder that is not otherwise moving. The debounce timeshould be set short enough to accept the desired input pulse but longer than the period of the undesired
disturbance.
In the “trigger before stable” mode, the output of the debounce module immediately changes state, but will
not change state again until a period of stability has passed. For this reason the mode can be used to detectglitches.
Use the trigger before stable mode when the input signal has groups of glitches and each group is to be
counted as one. The trigger before stable mode will recognize and count the first glitch within a group but
reject the subsequent glitches within the group if the debounce time is set accordingly. In this case thedebounce time should be set to encompass one entire group of glitches.
Reference Note:
Refer to the Debounce Module section of the WBK17 Document Module for detailed
information.

Tick Duration – Applies to WBK17 Only. The “tick duration,” also referred to as “ticksize,” is afundamental unit of time. WaveView’s Tick Duration column permits four possible settings: 20ns, 200ns,
2000ns, 20000ns. For measurements that require a timebase reference, such as period or pulsewidth, theticksize is the basic unit of time. The count value returned in the scan is the number of ticks that make up
the time measurement.
Reference Note:
Refer to the WBK17 Document Module for explanation on how the tick duration affects therange for period, pulsewidth, and timing modes.

WaveView, pg. 20

03-05-02

WaveView

Timing Intervals – Applies to: WBK17’s Period and Frequency Modes Only. The WBK17 has
the ability to measure 1, 10, 100 or 1000 periods (Timing Intervals). This allows the device to divide
sampling error by 1, 10, 100, or 1000, accordingly. Because this division is done within the WBK17, theneed averaging to be done in the PC may be eliminated. For high accuracy on high frequency inputs,
multiple period measurement and PC-based averaging can be done.
Reference Note:
Refer to the WBK17 Document Module for explanation on how the timing interval affects therange of the period mode. Frequency is 1/period.

Data Conversion
WaveView contains a file converter capable of converting raw binary data to other file formats. From theFile pull-down menu, select Data Conversion Preferences to choose the desired file formats. Note that theapplication for viewing file data is selected by default. The following window is displayed:

File Converter Preferences, Accessed via the File Pull-Down Menu
Check any box to set the file conversion options that WaveView will apply automatically to acquired data.
WaveView’s Convert Data Files option of the File menu allows you to run the File Converter on previously
acquired data. A dialog box is displayed for you to select files from:

Convert Data Files Option, Accessed via the File Pull-Down Menu
During the conversion, a “Converting File” box shows an animated completion bar, theformat of the source and target files, and the file paths of the source and target.

WaveView

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 21

Acquisition Configuration
Reference Note:
For additional trigger-related information refer to the WaveBook User’s Manual chapter entitled,
WaveBook Operation Reference.

General Information
You can access the Acquisition Configuration dialog box
from the main window’s View pull-down menu or toolbar.
The Duration column has text-boxes for pre-trigger scans,post-trigger scans, and convention (number of scans ortime period).
The following formula determines the maximum number ofscans that can be stored for use in the Scope mode.
This does not apply to storage to disk.

(Scan duration) * (# of Channels) * 4 < Available PC Memory

A scan includes all channels that are set to “On” in theanalog input configuration spreadsheet.
The Rate column allows you to set pre-trigger andpost-trigger scan rates. Timebase settings can be forFrequency or Period.
Timebase units are as follows:

Acquisition Configuration (Internal Clock)Note: The check-box for “Use Post-Trigger rate for
Readings Column acquisitions” is, by default,
not checked. The option is intended for WBK17
counter mode applications and forces
WaveView’s Readings column to update at the
Post-Trigger rate.

Frequency - Hz, kHz, or MHz.
Period - seconds, milliseconds, or microseconds.
The scan rate can also be driven by the External clock of
the digital input port. With this option, enabled scans occur
as pulses are input on the external clock pin. The scan rate
is set as a fraction of the external clock rate by the Clock
Divider setting. The fastest scan rate is obtained from aclock divider setting of 1. A setting of 10 would take one
scan every tenth pulse.
Acquisition Configuration (External Clock)

In addition to the acquisition configuration aspects just discussed, WaveBook/516, /512A, and /516A
include a pin for receiving external clock input, a counter-timer, Digital-Pattern Trigger, and a Pulse
Trigger. Since these features do not apply to the WaveBook/512 or /512H, they are discussed separately inthe following section.

WaveView, pg. 22

03-05-02

WaveView

Trigger Types
The Trigger selection pull-down list allows you to selectthe triggering method to start the scan. The figure shows
the various triggering options available.

Immediate
Triggering starts immediately when the Arm toolbar
button of WaveView Scope is clicked.

ManualPrior to acquiring data, the system must first be
armed by clicking on the Arm toolbar button of
WaveView Scope. Triggering starts when the
Trigger button is clicked.

Trigger Source Pull-Down List
(On Acquisition Configuration Dialog Box)
Provides the means of selecting the desired Trigger Type.

Digital
Selecting Digital brings 2 triggering options to the
Trigger selection box, allowing you to select either a"Rising" or "Falling" edge trigger. The TTL trigger
signal connects to pin (TTLTRG) of the Digital I/O& Trigger port on the WaveBook front panel.

Digital Trigger
With Digital Trigger, the user must indicate Rising or
Falling Edge.

Channel 1 Analog
This option allows you to set up additionalparameters for the acquisition of analog data.
Several new items are added to the Trigger selection
box, including options for the Trigger Condition
and Trigger Threshold.
The selections for trigger correspond to thefollowing trigger conditions:(1) "Rising Edge",
where the signal level must have a positive slope as
it crosses the trigger threshold, or(2) "Falling Edge", where the signal level must havea negative slope as it crosses the trigger threshold.

Channel 1 Analog Trigger
Allows you to set a Trigger Threshold Value and indicate
whether the signal is to be Rising or Falling in relation to
the trigger line.

Note: Channel 1 Analog triggering is only valid forchannel 1.

Multiple Ch Analog
This Trigger Source provides a scroll list of Trigger
Conditions for use with AND, or OR Logical
Operators, as follows:(1) Selecting "OR channels" causes the acquisition
to trigger when any of the selected channel
conditions become true(2) Selecting "AND channels" issues a trigger when
all the selected channel conditions become true.
If Multiple Ch Analog is selected, the Trigger
Condition option has the following choices:

WaveView◊

No Trigger. The channel will not be included in
the list of channels to examine for trigger
conditions.

◊

Rising Edge. The signal level must first go below the trigger level by the user-set hysteresis amount.
Then, the trigger channel is valid whenever the signal level is above the trigger level and stays valid
until the signal level goes below the trigger level by at least the hysteresis amount.

03-05-02

Multiple Ch Analog
Provides a variety of Trigger Conditions and the use of
And or Or Logic Operators.

WaveView, pg. 23

◊Falling Edge. The signal level must first go below the trigger level by the user-set hysteresis amount.
Then, the trigger channel is valid whenever the signal level is below the trigger level and stays valid
until the signal level goes above the trigger level by at least the hysteresis amount.

◊

Above Thresh. A trigger channel is valid whenever the signal level is above the trigger level and stays
valid until the signal level goes below the trigger level by at least the user-set hysteresis amount.

◊

Below Thresh. A trigger channel is valid whenever the signal level is below the trigger level and stays
valid until the signal level goes above the trigger level by at least the user-set hysteresis amount.

◊

Latch Rising Edge. The signal level must first go below the trigger level by the user-set hysteresis
amount. Then, the trigger channel is valid whenever the signal level is above the trigger level and stays
valid until the acquisition is complete.

◊

Latch Falling Edge. The signal level must first go below the trigger level by the user-set hysteresis
amount. Then, the trigger channel is valid whenever the signal level is below the trigger level and stays
valid until the acquisition is complete.

◊

Latch Above Thresh. A trigger channel is valid whenever the signal level is above the trigger level andstays valid until the acquisition is complete.

◊

Latch Below Thresh. A trigger channel is valid whenever the signal level is below the trigger level andstays valid until the acquisition is complete.

Note: The threshold voltage and hysteresis level may be set for each channel as required. Position the
cursor per channel and enter the desired value(s).

External Clock and Counter-Timer
WaveBook/512A, /516, and /516A can receive an external clock input through pin 20 of the DB25
connector labeled DIGITAL I/O, EXTERNAL CLOCK, TTL TRIGGER. This enables data scanning to becorrelated with an external pulse train. To enable the external clock, select “External” for the Scanning
Rate in the Acquisition Configuration Dialog Box (see following screen shot). When the external clock is
enabled, the WaveBook will begin a scan, only after a rising edge on the TTL level occurs. Optionally,
the external clock may be divided [by a factor of 1 to 255]. This “pre-scaling” allows the user to select a
reduced scan rate.

Note: The Clock Divider can be set
at a value from 1 to 255.

Acquisition Configuration Dialog Box with External Clock Enabled
WaveBook/516, /512A, and /516A each have a 32-bit internal counter that calculates and reports theexternal clock’s period. The counter can be read with each scan of the analog data. This is often beneficial
in later analysis, when there is a need to correlate physical phenomena with speed.
The counter channel actually consists of two independent channels (CtrLo and CtrHi). These can be turned“On” in the Channel Configuration Spreadsheet. When enabled, the low (CtrLo), then high (CtrHi) wordsof the counter will be configured in each scan. Note that the spreadsheet’s Units column can be used toview a predefined period in units of seconds, ms, or µsec.

WaveView, pg. 24

03-05-02

WaveView

WaveView can be configured to read only the low word of the counter data (CtrLo:“On,” CtrHi: “Off”).
This decreases the minimum scan period by 1 usec. This LoCtr only option can be used only when theexternal clock frequency is greater than 305 Hz (20,000,000 MHz / 65536]. Note that WaveView does notenforce this.

Digital-Pattern Trigger
In addition to digital trigger, each WaveBook/512A, /516, and /516A supports a digital-pattern trigger.
This expanded capability allows data collection to start when a user-defined 16-bit digital pattern ismatched on the digital I/O connector. This feature is useful when trying to capture noise, vibrations orsome other physical disturbance that occurs at a particular point in a digitally-sequenced process (from a
PLC or relay-logic-control system).
When “Digital Pattern” is selected as the Triggering Type, the 16-bit pattern extension appears (as indicatedin the following figure). The Condition box allows the following choices:
Equal To (=) / Not Equal To (< >) – These options treat each digital line as a separate input to becompared to logical 1 or 0. Selecting “Equal To” triggers only on the exact pattern of 1’s and 0’s selected.,
while “Not Equal” triggers on all others. You can also set any of the inputs to “don’t care” (X), which
excludes it from the comparison.
Greater Than (>) / Less Than (<) – These options interpret the digital inputs as a single 16-bit value andallow a threshold trigger.

Acquisition Configuration Dialog Box, with Digital Pattern Extensions
Note: The “Internal” and “External” buttons in the top row of the dialog box are used
to select Internal Clock, or External Clock, respectively.

WaveView

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 25

Pulse Trigger
WaveBook/512A, /516, and /516A each support Pulse Trigger. This allows the use of a high-bandwidth
input for triggering, and the correlation of lower-speed waveforms with the occurrence of a high-speed
pulse. You can set a pulse amplitude to a value between +5 V and -5 V, and set a pulse width to a value
in the range of 10 ns to10 µs.

Pulse Trigger Selected
This option allows you to trigger on analog level “pulses” on either the Channel 1 input or the Pulse Trigger
input. This trigger type is similar to the Channel 1 Analog trigger but places an additional time-based
condition on the signal. Depending on whether the pulse width is set as a minimum or a maximum, thesignal either must or must not cross the threshold again within the given amount of time.
The red horizontal line (Threshold) and blue vertical lines (defining maximum width) will vary according to
the parameter settings. You can specify either one or two thresholds for the level and width settings. The
number of labels matches the number of thresholds and the placement follows the polarity.
••

For positive polarity, the text is “Rise Above... Stay Below.”
For negative polarity, the text is “Fall Below and Stay Above.”

Note: In the triggering section (see figure, above) you can select “Maximum” width to capture
signal pulses. The “Minimum” width selection is useful when you desire to ignore pulses.

WaveView, pg. 26

03-05-02

WaveView

WaveView Scope Window
Scope mode is a WaveView utility that can display data acquisition waveforms in real-time. Before thismode can be enabled, at least one channel must be "ON." Up to eight channels can be displayed at a time.
Note: The following formula determines the maximum number of scans that can be stored for use in the
Scope mode. The formula does not apply to disk storage.
( Total Scans ) * ( # of Channels ) * 4 < Acquisition Buffer Size

..

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

WaveView Scope Window
Item

Description

Item

Description

1

Save

7

Stop Rearming

2

Print Window

8

Zoom In

3

Arm

9

Zoom Out

4

Trigger

10

Scale All Charts

5

Stop Acquiring

11

Toggle Cross Hairs

6

Auto-Rearm

12

Toggle Grids➪WBK17 Note – For Scope applications [pertaining to WBK17], the channels will be identified by thesame names used in the Label column on the WaveView Configuration spreadsheet.
To view additional channels in Scope Display, simply change the entry in the Number ofCharts selection of the Charts pull-down menu. You can simultaneously view up to eightchannels in Scope Display.
A Channel pull-down menu box is located at the right end of each chart and is used to select the desiredchannel. Click on the box to display the channel list; then click on the desired channel.
The waveform display is actually a window looking at a section of the acquisition. The window size may be
increased or decreased and moved to any location on the time-line. The waveforms may be examined during
or after the acquisition.

WaveView

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 27

Menu Items & Toolbar Buttons
You can control the acquisition process and the Scope display from the menu selections and toolbar
buttons. There are more pull-down menu selections available than there are buttons; however, each button
does have a corresponding menu item.

File
Save Data Files
Save Data File As
Print Window
Close Scope

Saves data in the file name and data formats that have been previously assigned.
Prompts you for a name for the data file before saving the data.
Prints the contents of the display screen.
Closes the Scope display and returns to the configuration menu.

AcquireArm

Arms the WaveBook to acquire data. Data acquisition will commence as soon as thetriggering conditions are satisfied.

Trigger

Issues a Software Trigger to the WaveBook. Whenever the WaveBook is armed andwaiting for a trigger, you can take this action to force data acquisition to start.

Stop Acquiring

Ends the current acquisition immediately. All data collected prior to this action will be
retained in memory and displayed in the chart control. If auto-rearm is enabled, thisaction stops the rearming as well.
When enabled, the WaveBook is automatically re-armed whenever an acquisition ends.
With this feature, you can use WaveView like an oscilloscope to display a rapid series ofyour channel inputs.
With auto-rearm enabled, this action stops auto-rearming but allows the current
acquisition to complete. (Pressing “Stop Acquiring” ends the current acquisition
immediately.)

Auto-Rearm

Stop Rearming

ChartsNumber of Charts
Zoom In
Zoom Out
Enable AutoScaling
Scale All Charts
Display Cross Hairs
Display Grids

Sets the number of charts (maximum of 8) to be displayed simultaneously.
Halves the visible timebase. Example: if 10 ms of information is visible, clicking Zoom In
will show 5 ms. Maximum Zoom In is 2 samples.
Doubles the visible timebase. Example: if 10 seconds of information is visible, clicking
Zoom Out will show 20 seconds. Maximum Zoom Out is 2000 samples.
Continuously adjusts the Y-axis for all channels so that the visible waveform fills 90% of
the graph’s range.
Adjusts the Y axis for all channels so that the visible waveform fills 90% of the graph’s
range.
A cross hair is a marker that shows the numerical values of time and amplitude at its
present location in the waveform. Toggle button to turn cross hairs on or off.
Displays a grid for each chart. Toggle button to turn grids on or off.

Individual cross-hairs can be moved by holding down the left mouse button and dragging the selected crosshair to the new location on the chart. Holding the right mouse button and dragging, moves all the cross-hairs
simultaneously to a new location. The voltage and time display at the side changes as you do this.
Cross-hairs are disabled during an acquisition.

WaveView, pg. 28

03-05-02

WaveView

Scope Display
The following figure identifies features of the WaveView Scope display.
ChannelSelect(Note 1)Y-axis Adjust,Upper Limit

Magnitude
Time
Individual
ChannelScaling

Y-axis Adjust,Lower Limit
Time ofFirst Scan
in View

Time ofLast Scan
in View

Trigger Point

Note 1: For Scope applications [pertaining to WBK17], the channels will be identified by the same names
used in the Label column on the WaveView Configuration spreadsheet.

Y-axis Adjust
Individual Channel
ScalingTime of First Scan in
View
Trigger PointTime of Last Scan in
View
Channel SelectMagnitude

Time

Scope Mode Indicators & Descriptions
Allows adjustment of the displayed range. Clicking on the value highlights the number.
Enter desired new value and press Enter.
Adjusts the scaling of the individual channels so that the visible waveform fills 90% of thegraphs range.
Displays the acquisition time of the first scan currently displayed on the chart.
Displays the trigger event.
Note: Depending on the current acquisition parameters and chart display configuration,
the trigger point may or may not appear on the chart.
Displays the acquisition time of the last scan currently displayed on the chart.
Clicking on this control displays the list of all channels selected in the WaveView
configuration menu. A maximum of 8 channels may be displayed at one time with theremaining channels available through the scroll bar.
Displays the magnitude of the signal at the point where the marker cross-hair intersects
the waveform. Moving the marker to different locations on the waveform changes thevalue of the displayed voltage.
Displays the point on the acquisition time-line where the marker cross-hair intersects the
waveform. This value changes as the marker is moved along the X-axis (time scale).

In addition to the above features of the Scope window, there are status bars above and below the charts that
display information about the timebase of the current display and the status of the current acquisition:
Status – Indicates the current acquisition state of the WaveBook. If there is no acquisition in progress, thestatus is Idle. During an acquisition, the status steps through all or part of the following sequence:
Configuring, Waiting For Trigger, Triggered, Transferring, Graphing, and then back to Idle.
Scans – During an acquisition, this field displays the current transfer count. Afterwards, it is the total scans
in the previous acquisition. A percent complete value is shown to the right of the scan count. After anacquisition, this normally reads 100%.
Activity Indicator – During an acquisition, a small window appears next to the status field that shows an
animated sine wave. This indicator is active whenever the acquisition status is not “Idle.”
Scans in View – The number of scans displayed across the X-axis.
Pre-trigger Timebase – The pre-trigger timebase in time units per division. This field is blank when no
pre-trigger data is currently on the chart.
Post-trigger Timebase – The post-trigger timebase in time units per division. This field is blank when no
post-trigger data is currently on the chart.
WaveView

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 29

WaveView Direct-To-Disk Window

1

2

3

4

5

WaveView Direct-to-Disk Window
Item
1
2
3
4
5

Description
Arm
Trigger
Stop Acquiring
Auto-Rearm
Stop Rearming

Control functions in the WaveView Direct-To-Disk window are available through the pull-down menu or the
toolbar. The figure shows the menu, the toolbar, and each tool button. In addition to the tool buttons, there
are status bars that display information about the data file and data conversion:
Status – Indicates the current acquisition state of the WaveBook. If there is no acquisition in progress, thestatus is Idle. During an acquisition, the status steps through all or part of the following sequence:
Configuring, Waiting For Trigger, Triggered, Transferring, Graphing, and then back to Idle.
Scans – During an acquisition, this field displays the current transfer count. Afterwards, it is the total scans
in the previous acquisition. A percent complete value is shown to the right of the scan count. After anacquisition, this normally reads 100%.
Activity Indicator – During an acquisition, a small window appears next to the status field that shows an
animated sine wave. This indicator is active whenever the acquisition status is not “Idle.”
Data File Name – Displays base filename; allows user to input filename using keyboard or Browse button.
Data File Path – Displays the path of the root data directory. All acquired and converted data is placed in
subdirectories of this location. You can press the Browse button to display a tree of all directories available
to your computer.
Subdirectory Tree Display – Shows the directory structure of the location where the data files are stored.
The presence of data subdirectories in the tree indicates the current data conversion setting. For example, if
you see a “DIAdem” subdirectory, you know that your data is automatically converted to the DIAdem
format at the end of every acquisition.
Note: If you double-click on a branch of the tree, Windows Explorer opens a folder view of that
subdirectory.
WaveView, pg. 30

03-05-02

WaveView

Data Conversion Options – Opens a dialog that allows you to set the data file conversion options that
WaveView will apply automatically whenever you acquire data.
Auto Increment Filename checkbox – If checked, allows automatic change to the suffix of the Current
Filename using the base Filename and the numbers in the “Start – End” range. If not checked, Current
Filename will be equal to base Filename. The current Filename is shown at the bottom of the dialog box.
Reset Current Index button – Resets current index and Current Filename to the “Start Index.”
Next Data File - Displays the full path and file name of the next acquisition data file that will be created.
This field is most useful when the Auto-Increment feature is enabled since WaveView constructs thefilenames by combining the User File Name with the current file increment.
Note: During an acquisition this field displays the path of the file that will be created at the end of theacquisition. With auto-increment enabled, as soon as the acquisition has ended the field is updated todisplay the name of the next data file that will be created, not the name of the file just created.
In the following sections, menu functions are explained in order of the menu structure. Note that not allmenu items have a corresponding toolbar button.

AcquireSelecting Acquire [from the WaveView Direct-to-Disk menu bar] displays a pull-down menu with thefollowing command options (see table).

Arm
Trigger
Stop Acquiring

Auto-Rearm

Stop Rearming

Close Direct to Disk

WaveView

Arms the WaveBook to acquire data. Data acquisition will commence as soon as thetriggering conditions are satisfied.
Issues a Software Trigger to the WaveBook. Whenever the WaveBook is armed andwaiting for a trigger, you can take this action to force data acquisition to start.
Ends the current acquisition immediately. All data collected prior to this action will be
retained in memory and displayed in the chart control. If auto-rearm is enabled, thisaction stops the rearming as well.
When enabled, the WaveBook is automatically re-armed whenever an acquisition ends.
When this feature is used in conjunction with the Auto-Increment feature, you can createa series of acquisition files with no user intervention. Once armed, the WaveBook willcontinue to wait for triggers and acquire data unattended until the desired number ofacquisitions has been done.
With auto-rearm enabled, this action stops auto-rearming but allows the current
acquisition to complete. (Pressing “Stop Acquiring” ends the current acquisition
immediately.)
Closes the Direct-To-Disk display and returns to the Configuration menu.

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 31

Meters
Bar Graph Meters
You can use the Bar Graph Meters button or select Bar Graph Meters from WaveView’s View pull-downmenu to access the Bar Graph window. This window displays several channels in bar graph format. To
activate the display, select the Start button (A) from the toolbar. You can select to view up to 32 meters at agiven time.
Note: To view an active meter, at least one active (On) channel must be assigned to the meter, and theReading’s column (on WaveView’s main window) must be enabled.

Bargraph Meters, Shown with 3 Meters Selected for Viewing

The items in this window are as follows:
A - Start
B - StopC - Reset Peak Hold
D - Stay On Top

E - Print
F - Rows x Columns

G - Number of Meters
H - Configuration Pop-Up Menu

These items are discussed in more detail, following the description of Digital Meters.
Configuration Note:…. for Bar Graph Meters
For Bar Graph Meters, configure the meter settings by first clicking the right mouse button anywhere
within the meter display area. A pop-up menu will appear, allowing you to reconfigure the meter inregard to scale, limits, channel selection, adding peak hold indicators, etc. Refer to the upcoming
section entitled Meters Configuration Menu for more detail.

Note 1: Double-clicking the left mouse button in a meters scale area brings up a channel selection pop-up
menu. A single click with the right mouse button in this same area brings up a configuration popup menu (item H). Both of these pop-up menus are discussed in the upcoming section, Meters
Configuration Menu.

WaveView, pg. 32

03-05-02

WaveView

Analog Meters
You can use the Analog Meters button or select Analog Meters from WaveView’s View pull-down menu toaccess the Analog Meters window. This window displays several channels in a dial/gage format. To
activate the display, select the Start button (A) from the toolbar. You can select to view up to 32 meters at agiven time.
Note: To view an active meter, at least one active (On) channel must be assigned to the meter, and theReading’s column (on WaveView’s main window) must be enabled.

Analog Meters, Shown with 4 Meters Selected for Viewing
Double-clicking the left mouse button in a meters scale area brings up a channel selection pop-up menu (notshown). A single-click with the right mouse button in this same area brings up a configuration pop-up menu
(see Bar Graph Meters figure, item H). Both of these pop-up menus are discussed in the section, Meters
Configuration Menu.
The items in this window are as follows:
A- Start
B- StopC - Reset Peak Hold
D - Stay On Top

E - Print
F - Rows x Columns

G - Number of Meters

These items are discussed in more detail, following the description of the Digital Meters.

Configuration Note:…. for Analog Meters
For Analog Meters, configure the meter settings by first clicking the right mouse button anywhere
within the meter display area. A pop-up menu will appear allowing you to reconfigure the meter inregard to scale, limits, channel selection, adding peak hold indicators, etc. Refer to the section
entitled Meters Configuration Menu for more detail.

WaveView

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 33

Digital Meters
Selecting Digital Meters from WaveView’s View pull-down menu brings up the Digital Meters window todisplay several channels in numeric format. To activate the display, select the Start button from thetoolbar. At least one meter must be assigned to an active (On) channel. You can select to view up to
32 meters at a given time.

Digital Meters, Shown with 6 Meters Selected for Viewing
Note: Although the Digital Meters instrument is capable of displaying 6 decimal places, there is not
6-place accuracy in the readings. Due to transducer and transient noises, the accuracy of voltage
readings is ± 0.02%.
Double-clicking the left mouse button in a meters scale area brings up a channel selection pop-up menu.
A single-click with the right mouse button in this same area brings up a configuration pop-up menu
(see Bar Graph Meters figure, item H). Both of these pop-up menus are discussed in the upcoming section,
Meters Configuration Menu.
The items in this window are as follows:
A - Start
B - StopC - N/AD - Stay On Top

E - Print
F - Rows x Columns

G - Number of Meters

Toolbar items A through G are discussed in more detail in the following section, Meter Toolbars.
Configuration Note:…. For Digital Meters

Configure the Digital Meters settings by first clicking the right mouse button anywhere within thedigital meter display area. A pop-up menu will appear allowing you to reconfigure the meter inregard to scale, limits, channel selection, etc. Refer to the section entitled, Configure Meter Settings
for more detail.

WaveView, pg. 34

03-05-02

WaveView

Meter Toolbars
The toolbars for the three meter types are identical, with exception that the Digital Meters toolbar does nothave a Reset Peak Hold button (item C in the following figure).

Meters Toolbar Buttons
Item

Name

FunctionA

Start

Starts the meters.

B

Stop

Stops the meters.

C

Reset Peak Hold
Indicator

Resets the floating markers. Upon reset, the markers will instantly
adjust to indicate the highest and lowest values reached since the timeof the reset. This feature (Item C) does not apply to the Digital
Meters.

D

Stay On Top(Push pin)Locks or unlocks the meter window on top of other windows.

E

Print

Sends the meter(s) display image to connected printer.

F

Rows x Columns

Opens a small menu with “row x column” arrangement options.
Example: When the number of meters is 6 the grid options will be:
6x1, 3x2, 2x3, and 2x4 with the first number being the number ofrows. If you then select 3x2, you will have 3 rows of meters with
2 meters per row.

G

Number of Meters

Specifies the number of meters to appear on the screen.
A maximum number of 32 meters can be selected.

Meter Pull-Down Menus
The meters windows each have a Control and View pull-down menu, as indicated by the following figure.
The functions of these menus can also be implemented by using the toolbar buttons.

Control and View Pull-Down Menus

WaveView

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 35

Meters Configuration Menu
A meters configuration menu (lower left corner of figure) will appear when you place the mouse pointerover a meter and click the right-hand mouse button. The menu allows you to access various dialog boxes
for changing parameters for an individual meter, or simultaneously for a group of meters. The steps forconfiguring a meter are detailed below.
Note: The Show Peak Hold Indicator / Reset Peak Hold Indicator selections are not an option for Digital
Meters and do not appear on the configuration window for digital meters.

Meter Configuration Menu and Related Dialog Boxes

Configuring a Meter
1.
2.
3.

Bring up the desired meter group (Bar Graph, Analog, or Digital).
Place the mouse cursor over the meter you desire to reconfigure.
Click on the right mouse button. A Meters Configuration Menu, similar to that in the above figure, willappear.
Note: The Show Peak Hold Indicator / Reset Peak Hold Indicator selections are not an option for Digital
Meters and do not appear on the configuration window for digital meters.

4.

Select the desired option from the meter configuration menu.

5.

If a dialog box is required, for example, to change a limit, simply enter in the new value in the appropriate
parameter box and press “Apply” or “OK.” Pressing “Apply” implements your changes, but keeps the
dialog box open, allowing you to make additional changes. Pressing “OK” implements your changes andcloses the dialog box.
The following table and the preceding figure serve as a quick reference to meters configuration.

WaveView, pg. 36

03-05-02

WaveView

Function

Configure Meter Settings, Function Descriptions
Description

1

SelectChannel2

Set Scale

3

Show Peak
Hold
Indicator

Select a new channel for display. The selected channel will replace theone currently seen in the meter. Note, double-clicking the left mousebutton in the meter region will also bring up a dialog box that allows you
to select a new channel.
Set the high and low points of the scale, as well as define the decimal placeformat.
Places high and low uni-directional floating markers on the scale toindicate the highest and lowest values reached up to the present time.
This feature does not apply to the Digital Meters selection.

Reset Peak
Hold
Indicator

Resets the floating markers. Upon reset, the markers will instantly adjust
to indicate the highest and lowest values reached since the time of thereset. This feature does not apply to the Digital Meters selection.

4

Show Trend
Indicator

5

Set Limits

Displays a pointer to indicate the direction of the trend. Note, during rapid
meter fluctuations the increase and decrease pointers will appear to blink
simultaneously.
Provides a way of establishing high and low limit set-points.

Show Limits

6

Properties

Displays limits in color (red for high, blue for low). The color is applied
to scale regions > the set limit values. For Digital Meters, the limits areindicated by red numbers and an upper red bar for hitting or exceeding thehigh limit; and blue numbers and a lower blue bar when reaching or
exceeding the low limit.
Allows setting and showing limits, as well as opening the Scale dialog box.

You can access a different dialog box from the one initially selected. For example, from the Set Scaledialog box you can select Limits to access the Set Limits/Show Limits display, as well as select “Misc.” to“Show Trend Indicator” and “Show Peak Hold Indicators.” You can use the Simulated Instrument mode tofamiliarize yourself with various meter configuration options.

WaveView

03-05-02

WaveView, pg. 37

WaveView, pg. 38

03-05-02

WaveView

WaveCal
Overview…… 1
Configuring System Calibration…… 1
Performing System Calibration…… 2
A Note Regarding WaveView and Calibration Tables …… 8
Prior to shipment, each WaveBook-related product (including WavePort) is factory-calibrated to its rated
accuracy. Depending on your operating guidelines, your equipment will require periodic calibration toensure this accuracy is maintained. We recommend that you have your WaveBook system calibrated atleast once a year.

•

Calibration is required whenever a change is made to the signal path, for example,
adding a WBK11 to the system.

•

WavePort Applications: Use of WaveCal for WavePort is not recommended, consult
the factory regarding WavePort calibration.

•

WBK17 Applications: WaveCal is not supportive of WBK17. Consult the factory
regarding WBK17 calibration.

Overview
WaveCal is a Windows-based application intended for periodic calibration of WaveBook systems. The
calibration process makes use of internal references and a voltage source (such as a calibrator) capable ofsupplying all required voltages for WaveBook’s channel ranges.
For each channel, WaveCal uses 2-point linear approximation to calculate Gain and Offset Errors for every
range. WaveCal is installed in the system’s host PC and its icon is generated in the WaveBook program
group during installation of WaveBook software.
You can launch WaveCal from the WaveBook software program group.
The calibration tables are stored physically in the WaveBook. The calibration constants are also stored
within the WBK10 series expansion chassis and the WBK11 simultaneous-sample-and-hold card.

Configuring System Calibration
Upon loading, WaveCal performs a system inventory of all equipment connected to the WaveBook mainchassis. For each WaveBook, the system inventory includes any option cards installed and the date that theunit was last calibrated.
WaveCal’s WaveBook Calibration Tool window (following figure) contains columns that display the
Module Type, Option [option cards] and Last Cal [last known calibration date]. Two additional columns
provide a means of selecting Calibrate and Concurrent. An explanation of these columns follows.
•

Module Type displays the type of
WaveBook main chassis found at the
specified address. Valid entries forthis column include modules such as
WaveBook/512, WaveBook/516, and
WBK10.

•

Option displays the type of card (ifany) that is installed on thecorresponding module. Valid entries
for this column include WBK11,
WBK12 and WBK13.

WaveCal – WaveBook Calibration Tool

Note: If no option cards are used, the column remains blank for the applicable module.
05-22-01

WaveCal, pg. 1

•Last Cal displays the date the system was last calibrated. The date indicates when calibration constants
were last written to WaveBook’s internal EEPROM.

•; Calibrate: Checking the Calibrate check-box informs WaveCal that the applicable module and its
related options are to be calibrated for at least one channel.

•; Concurrent: Checking the Concurrent check-box informs WaveCal that all module channels are to
be calibrated simultaneously, instead of individually. If this box is not checked the 2-point calibration
process calibrates each channel (of the applicable module) on an individual basis.
By using the Concurrent method you will greatly reduce your system’s calibration time.

Make sure all of the system modules and options are properly connected and correctly listed in the
WaveBook Calibration Tool window. After this verification you may select the module(s) to calibrate andwhether their channels are to be individually or concurrently calibrated.

Performing System Calibration
Open the Calibrate pull-down menu and click Start to access a User Calibration box
for the selected module (see following figure).
Aspects of the User Calibration dialog box are discussed on the following page.

The Calibrate
Pull-Down Menu

WaveCal’s WaveBook Calibration Tool and User Calibration Box

WaveCal, pg. 205-22-01

• Title Bar: Identifies the module number and module type.
• Calibrate [button]: Brings up the Calibrate Channel box (see following figure). Calibrate
causes WaveCal to perform a two-point calibration on the selected channel and range as
identified in the Channel Setup portion of the User Calibration box.
• Test [button]: Reads channel data using the current User Calibration Table or the Factory
Calibration Table (whichever is selected). Test is used to verify proper calibration by checking achannel reading with a known source value. The following page contains more detailed
information and includes a screen shot.
• Channel: Identifies the channel (or channels, if concurrent) to be calibrated or tested. The
pull-down arrow provides a means of selecting a specific channel when concurrent is notselected.
• Range: Identifies the range and provides a means of selecting a specific range.
• Next [button]: Proceeds to the next calibration or test. A check-box provides a means to choose
an “automatic next” to occur after each calibration, instead of needing to manually click the“Next” button.
You can use the <ENTER> key of your host PC’s keyboard in place of the computer screen’s
Calibrate or Next button.

Calibrate [button]
Brings up the Calibrate Channel box (see following figure). Calibrate causes WaveCal to perform a
two-point calibration on the selected channel and range, as identified in the Channel Setup portion of theUser Calibration box (previous figure).
WaveCal prompts you to apply a voltage source to the appropriate channel at the level indicated. After thevoltage level has been applied, click the Next button to begin the calibration of the first point. WaveCal willthen prompt you to apply a new voltage level to the channel (for calibration of the second point). After
applying the second-point voltage value, click the Next button. The 2-point calibration for the selectedchannel(s) is now complete.
Note that WaveCal automatically updates the current calibration parameters, depending on their current
settings and user events.

The Calibrate Channel Box (Appears After Clicking the Calibrate Button)

05-22-01

WaveCal, pg. 3

Test [button]
The test button can be used to test channel voltage levels both before and after calibration. The command
causes WaveCal to display the current voltage level for the selected channel(s). If concurrent calibration
has been selected, then the voltage levels for all 8 channels for will be displayed at once, as indicated in thefollowing figure. Otherwise, only the voltage level for the selected individual channel will be displayed.
A sample test is shown below. Note that readings from the User Calibration Table can be compared withthose resulting from the Factory Calibration Table, by toggling between the two radio button options.

WaveCal - Test Voltage Dialog Box with Calibration Results for the “Concurrent” Method

A Calibration Example
The following example includes screen shots taken from calibration of a WaveBook/512. The calibration
process will be the same for other WaveBook systems.
The example makes use of the non-concurrent mode for two channels. With WaveCal running, the steps
are as follows:1.

We have placed a check in the
Calibrate box for Module #0, a
WaveBook/512 (in this example).
The module is now selected forcalibration.
Selecting a Module to Calibrate

2. We pull down the Calibrate menu andselect Start. Note that the <F5> key
can also be used.
The User Calibration Dialog Box
appears as seen in the figure forstep 3.

WaveCal, pg. 4

Selecting Start from the Calibrate Pull-Down Menu

05-22-01

3.

The User Calibration dialog box
indicates the Channel and the Rangethat are currently scheduled forcalibration.
Notice that we have elected to use theAutomatic “Next” feature by placing
a checkmark in the feature’s selectionbox.
At this point, click your keyboard’s<ENTER> key to continue.
Note that using your keyboard’s<ENTER> key has the same result as
if you where to click on the“on-screen” Calibrate button.
After hitting <ENTER>, the Calibrate
Channel box appears for First Point
calibration (see figure for step 4).
The User Calibration Dialog Box Showing
Channel 1, Range –5.0 to 5.0 V
Currently Scheduled for Calibration

4.

Adjust the Calibrator Voltage to therecommended value.
In the example we have a range of-5.0 to +5.0 Volts.
We have set our Calibrator Voltage to- 4.8 Volts, as recommended.

5.

Hit <ENTER> on your keyboard, or
click on the screen’s Next button.
The Calibrate Channel box appears
for the “Second Point” as indicated in
the step 6 figure.

Channel 1, Range –5.0 to 5.0 V
Scheduled forFirst Point Calibration Using –4.8 V

Note: If you input an unacceptable
voltage value, such as -4.8 Volts
when +4.8 Volts is expected,
WaveCal notifies you with a messagebox, as seen to the right.
Message Resulting from Attempting toEnter an Unacceptable Voltage

05-22-01

WaveCal, pg. 5

6.

Apply the recommended calibrator
voltage for the range, then hit<ENTER> on the keyboard (or the
Finish button on your screen).
WaveCal is now ready for the “firstpoint” calibration of the next range(as indicated by the figure for step 7.)

Channel 1, Range –5.0 to 5.0 V
Scheduled for
Second Point Calibration using +4.8 V

7.

WaveCal displays the channel setup
for the next two-point calibration. In
our example this is:
Channel 1, range -2.5 to +2.5 Volts.

8.

Hit <ENTER> on your keyboard, (oruse an on screen button if preferred).
After hitting <ENTER>, theCalibrate Channel box appears forFirst Point calibration (see figure forstep 9).
The User Calibration Dialog Box Showing
Channel 1, Range –2.5 to 2.5 V
Currently Scheduled for Calibration

9.

Adjust the Calibrator Voltage to therecommended value.
In the example we have a range of–2.5 to +2.5 Volts.
We have set our Calibrator Voltage to–2.4 Volts, as recommended.

10. Hit <ENTER> on your keyboard, or
click on the screen’s Next button.
The Calibrate Channel box appears
for the “Second Point” as indicated in
the step 11 figure.

Channel 1, Range –2.5 to 2.5 V
Scheduled forFirst Point Calibration Using –2.4 V
WaveCal, pg. 605-22-01

11. Apply an acceptable “Second Point”
calibrator voltage for the range, thenhit <ENTER> on the keyboard (orthe Finish button on your screen).
WaveCal is now ready for the “firstpoint” calibration of the next range.
12. Continue this method for theremaining ranges and for eachchannel. Remember, if Concurrent isselected (on the Workbook
Calibration Tool window, theChannel box will show 1-8 and theeight channels will be calibrated
simultaneously.
Channel 1, Range –2.5 to 2.5 V
Scheduled for
Second Point Calibration Using +2.4 V

WaveCal allows you to selectindividual channels and ranges forcalibration. For example:
If you have a channel withquestionable values for one range,
but all other channels and ranges
appear fine, you can:a)

Use “non-concurrent” (nocheck-box in Concurrent)b) Select the applicable channel.
c)Select the range that is inquestion.

Channel 1, Range –1.0 to 1.0 V
Selecting a Specific Channel and Range for Calibrationd) Calibrate for First Point.
e)

05-22-01

Calibrate for Second Point.

WaveCal, pg. 7

A Note Regarding WaveView and Calibration Tables
In this section of the document module we are
discussing WaveView, not WaveCal.
WaveView Channel Readings can be adjusted fromeither of two calibration tables (Factory or User).
The determination is made by Selection in
WaveView’s System Options dialog box. System
Options is accessed from the System pull-down menu
in WaveView’s menu toolbar.
The Calibration Table selected does not affect
WaveCal.
Reference Note:
If needed, refer to the WaveView Document
Module regarding selection of the User
Calibration Table.

WaveView Channel Readings can be adjusted from
Either of Two Calibration Tables

WaveCal, pg. 805-22-01