Measurements are plotted on a variety of graphical and numerical displays and can be manipulated using arbitrary mathematical expressions in real-time. These basic measurements, called measurables , can either be displayed directly or included in equations, called traces , to form more complex measurements.
Traces are like virtual channels that serve to extend the measurement capability of the system.
Trace equations typically consist of one or more measurables but can also be mathematical expressions having little to do with measurements. The second trace named TheoreticalAcc has little to do with making measurements but rather approximates the theoretical acceleration of a DC motor. The equation for the trace named TheoreticalAcc is constructed using a system variable called time which takes on the values of the sample times of an acquisition. A likely use for the trace TheoreticalAcc would be to plot it with an actual measured acceleration to assist in exploration and analysis. Acquiring and Displaying Data Data that is acquired and computed is presented in displays that inhabit a Window called a Timebase.