 TestWare-SX Analog Output

The Analog Output process produces an analog voltage to a rear panel Readout connector. This process can be used as a remote set point command for an external device.

Prerequisites

You must configure an output channel for the Programmable function with the Controller Definition program.

You should have an external device connected to the rear panel connector configured for the programmable function.

You need to know what voltage range can be input to the external device.

How it works

An analog output process can set an output voltage for a single output channel. When the process starts, the output steps to the specified voltage level and ends the process. This process executes very quickly. When the process ends, the voltage output remains at the specified level. Create another process to change the output voltage.

About the external device

You need to know some information about the external device that will receive the analog output voltage. The external device should be connected to one of the rear panel Output connectors J71 through J76. These are BNC connectors. Determine the following:

What type of units are appropriate for this device?

What are the minimum and maximum input voltage range of the device?

More Information

The Analog Output Design window names the process and sequences it in a test template. You also access the Channel Setup window from the design window.

The Analog Output Channel Setup  window scales the 10 volt output to a range of units

The Analog Output Parameters window specifies the output level.

You can find detailed information about this process in Chapter 6 of the 790.10 TestWare-SX Application Manual.


Analog Output Design Window

The Analog Output Design window defines what starts and stops the process and scales the output voltage. The information in this window is saved with the test template.

Using the window

Use this window to assign a process location in a test template and to set up the output channel.

1	Name the process with the Label entry field.

2	Select a Start Trigger to sequence the process. This process should be sequenced in parallel with a command process.

3	Use the default End Trigger. This process happens so quickly it is unlikely that another process could stop it.

4	Select an Output Channel. This channel represents the rear panel connector that the external device is connected.

5	Press the Channel Setup pushbutton to scale the output signal.

More Information

You can find detailed information about this process in Chapter 6 of the 790.10 TestWare-SX Application Manual.

Go to How it works for an overview of the process.

After you complete this window, you can double-click the name of this process in the Edit Template window to display the Analog Output Parameters window. This allows you to assign parameters to the default procedure.


Analog Output Parameters Window

You must establish an analog process with the Analog Output Design window and scale the output with the Channel Setup window before you can use this window. The information in this window is saved with the test procedure.

Using the window

Use this window to set the voltage level of the analog output process.

Use the list icon to select the units for the output level.

Type the value for the output level in the entry field

More Information

You can find detailed information about this process in Chapter 6 of the 790.10 TestWare-SX Application Manual.

Go to How it works for an overview of the process.


Analog Output Channel Setup Window

The default settings for this window set the dimension to volts with a range (min/max) of ±10 volts. The information in this window is saved with the test template.

Use this window to scale the voltage output and select the units for an analog output process

You need to know the characteristics of the external device to use this window. Using the window

The Channel Setup window assigns a dimension and defines a range that is used with the Analog Output Parameters  window (where you set the output value).

1	Select the type of dimension for the channel. The type of dimension determines the kinds of units available for the analog output values. Choose a dimension that is appropriate for the device receiving the output.

2	Select a unit for the minimum and maximum values.

3	Enter a minimum value and a minimum voltage. This defines the lowest setting available for the output.

4	Enter a maximum value and a maximum voltage. This defines the hioghest setting available for the output.

For example

Assume you want to output a remote set point to a temperature controller. Also assume that the device accepts a 1-to-5 volt signal representing 0 to 1100° C.

Select temperature as the dimension and deg-C for the units.

Set the minimum value at 0° C and 1 volt. Set the maximum value to 1100° C and 10 volts. This scales the output so 1 volt = 0° C and 10 volts = 1100° C.

You can specify any value between 0° C and 1100° C or 1 volt and 10 volts with the Analog Output Parameters window

More Information

You can find detailed information about this process in Chapter 6 of the 790.10 TestWare-SX Application Manual.

Go to How it works for an overview of the process.