Copyright: Copyright ® 1994 In Touch Software


Contents
  WinPLOT  1.1    Contents:

The Contents lists Help topics available for WinPLOT.

To learn how to use Help, press F1 or choose Using Help from the Help menu

About:

Installation & Registration:

Data File Format

Operation:

Automated Operation:

Signal Processing:


Installing & Registering WinPLOT
  WinPLOT    Installation & Registration:

Installation

WinPLOT Files

Warranty

Registration Instructions

Registration Form

Questionnaire Form


About WinPLOT
 About WinPLOT:

WinPLOT Features:

 Interactive operation including Zoom-Pan-Scroll along with point-by-point analysis.

 Cartesian, Polar and LOG scales with up to 16 signals by 32000 samples.

 Customizable line/symbol color, size and type with postscript quality printer output.

 Batch file like automatic operation for use with data acquisition systems or your own programs.

 Basic signal processing including: spectral analysis, integration, differentiation and various statistics.

Focus:

WinPLOT was written out of a need for a simple yet effective data analysis tool for engineers and scientists.  WinPLOT was designed specifically for basic graphical data analysis, and thus is easy to use and inexpensive.  WinPLOT combines some of the best features from an assortment of other more expensive data graphing and analysis products.  On the other hand, WinPLOT is not intended for business type presentation graphics and thus does not support fancy 3-D bar charts etc.

Shareware:

WinPLOT is a shareware product and thus you are encouraged to copy and distribute this program.  You may not however alter the contents of any file or distribute known passwords.  You are encouraged to use this product for a trial period and see if it suits you needs.  If you find this program worth the minimal cost then you should register it so that I can continue to improve it.  Your feedback - registration or otherwise - is greatly appreciated.

WinPLOT   Version: 1.1

Written by:	Paul Woodworth      (CompuServe 75330,746)
In Touch Software
27934 Redwood Glen Rd.
Valencia, CA 91354

See Also

Version - Features

Warranty


Version - Features
Version - Features:

Version	Date	Major refinements/improvements

0.7	5/1/93	First public release

0.8	10/1/93	Relaxed shareware restrictions

Fixed interactive operation

Improved performance of plotting by 30%

Settings for Active and Symbol size are now saved

Added data header editing capabilities

Added data statistics window.

Added Signal Processing

Spectrum, Integration, Differentiation

Added signal generator selection application

0.9	11/1/93	Replaced installation software to not require VBRUN300 in source directory

Fixed possible file load error

1.0	12/6/93	Fixed printer setup dialog issues.

1.1	6/10/94	Added DDE Paste Link functionality.

More general data input file format.

Statistics is now based on currently displayed points (zoom-in mode)

Added multi display naming and positioning capabilities

Added DISPLAY and OPERATION functions to data header.

Display overlap repaint now operates correctly.
Display precision has been increased to 12 digits.

Numerous minor fixes and improvements.

See Also

Known Anomalies

Warranty


Installation
Installation:

This program requires Microsoft Windows 3.0 or above running standard or enhanced mode to operate.

Automatic installation:

WinPLOT can be automatically installed by running the INSTALL program on the WinPLOT disk:

From the Program Manager:  <File> <Run>

   A:INSTALL

Manual installation:

Copy the uncompressed files to any existing directory.

(Note: it is best not to copy the files directly into your DOS or Windows directories)

COPY a:\*.* c:\winplot\

COPY a:\vbrun300.dll 	c:\windows\system\

COPY a:\grid.vbx     	c:\windows\system\

COPY a:\cmmdlg.dll 	c:\windows\system\

COPY a:\cmdialog.vbx 	c:\windows\system\

Then from any existing window group in the Program Manager press:

menu <File>  item <New>  option <Item>  button <Browse> then select WINPLOT.EXE

See Also

WinPLOT  Files

Registration


WinPLOT Files
WinPLOT Files:

WinPLOT files: (files copied to your directory of choice)

WINPLOT.HLP	  66 Kb	   The help document you are reading

WINPLOT.EXE	350 Kb	   The Win PLOT Visual Basic program

DATA_EXL.XLS	   Excel data set    (Input to EXCEL)

DATA_EXL.CSV	   Text file data set (Output from EXCEL)

DATA_FFT.BAS*	   BASIC source code example for FFT

DATA_FFT.CSV	   Text file data set (Output from .BAS file)

DATA_GEN.BAS*	   BASIC source code example for generating signals.

DATA_LST.EXE	   A small program used to select .BAS & .CSV signal files

  *note: these files require a BASIC development system such as MS QBASIC included with MS DOS 5.0.

System required file: (copied to your system directory if they don't already exist)

Note: these files are supplied from Microsoft or other third party vendors.

VBRUN300.DLL	395 Kb	   Required to run Visual Basic (3.0) programs.

COMMDLG.DLL	  89 Kb	   Required for common dialog functions.

CMDIALOG.VBX	  19 Kb    Required for common dialog functions.

GRID.VBX	  45 Kb	   Required Visual Basic eXtension for grids.

Install files: (these files can remain on your the installation disk)

INSTALL.EXE	The installation program

SETUPKIT.DLL	required for the install program

VER.DLL	required for the install program


WinPLOT Data Format
  WinPLOT    Data File Format:

Data File Format

WinPLOT data Header

DADiSP compatibility

Math CAD

MAT  LAB

EXCEL

Custom Applications

Signal Generation


Data File Format
Data File Formats:

Data for WinPLOT can be imported from an ASCII file in a row-column format.  At the top of the data file is the data header.  This data header is very important and is the key to efficient WinPLOT utilization. (See WinPLOT Data header)  Below the DATA keyword starts the actual data.  Each row (line) is one set of data points while each column defines each signal.  Each column is separated by a either comma (ASCII 44), tab (ASCII 9) or a series of spaces (ASCII 32)  and each line is separated by a carriage return - line feed (ASCII 13 - 10).

Example:

ASCII Text File:   (space character separation)

comment  This is a test of a ASCII data set  <-- comment line (spaces allowed)

signals  time	range    altitude

units    sec	miles    feet

DATA	                                       <-- required if header included

           1     23.123    9.99e-099

           2    224.005    8.80e-088

           3    625.701    7.00e-077

           4   1026.409    6.00e-006

Note: At a minimum you must leave space for the sign and a space to separate the numbers. (2 spaces)

Note: Earlier versions of WinPLOT parsed only the first line and required that all other rows be bound (column wise) by the first row.  This was done for speed so that each line would not have to be parsed.  Current versions of WinPLOT parse and check each line.  This extra parsing will however cause slower file loading.

ASCII Text File:   (comma or tab character separation)

If the columns are separated by commas or tabs then the file is said to be a comma or tab delimited file.  These file formats are very common and can be produced by almost any application.  If the columns are separated by commas it is said to be a Comma Separated Values (.CSV) file.  An advantage of delimited files are that blank or default values can be properly handled. In WinPLOT for example, a blank starting column is allowed in the data for descriptive purposes but is ignored during import.  See the Excel data file section for an example.

DATA	or	DATA

2.00,23.123,999999<crlf>	 	2.00<tab>23.123<tab>999999<crlf>

-1.20,25.7,7000<crlf>	-1.20<tab>25.7<tab>7000<crlf>

2.3e4,26.4,6666<crlf>	2.34e4<tab>26.4<tab>6666<crlf>


MathCAD
MathCAD:

Data can be imported form MathCAD using the WRITEPRN command.  Note that the PRNCOLWIDTH must be greater that the PRNPRECISION so that the data columns are right justified.  Thus to include the sign (1), the exponent (5) and space (1):

PRNCOLWIDTH >= PRNPRECISION + 7

PRNCOLWIDTH and PRNPRECISION are Built-In Variables available under the Math menu.

See Also

ASCII File Format


MATLAB
MATLAB:

Data can be imported form MATLAB using the SAVE command.

save file variable /ascii	 	for 8-digit ASCII output

save file variable /ascii /double	for 16-digit ASCII output

where file is the output file name and variable is the MATLAB variable to be output.

See Also

ASCII File Format


EXCEL
EXCEL:

Data is imported from EXCEL as a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file using File Save As. An example of an EXCEL (v. 3.0) file for use in WinPLOT is contained in the file DATAEXCL.XLS.  Note that if the first column is blank it will be ignored automatically.

Below is an example of an EXCEL .CSV file: (Note comma place holders and blank first column.)

COMMENT,This is an example of an EXCEL data set,,

DATASET,Data Set 1,,

DATE,2/18/93,,

TIME,1:23:45.6789,,

PLOT_TYPE,rectangular, ,

OPERATION,,,

SET_Y,-0.3,1.1,

PRINT,5,7,L

DISPLAY,50,50,400,600

SIGNALS,X,Y1:Sin(X)/X,y2:-diff(Y)

UNITS,sec,feet,feet/sec

DATA,,,

,-6.2832,2.30E-06,-2.30E-06

,-5.8832,-6.62E-02,6.62E-02

,-5.4832,-0.13083,6.46E-02

,-5.0832,-0.18336,5.25E-02

,-4.6832,-0.21344,3.01E-02

,-4.2832,-0.2123,-1.14E-03

...

See Also

ASCII File Format


Custom Aplicaitons
Custom Applications:

If you have an application that is not compatible with WinPLOT's data format we can either add its format to WinPLOT (if their are a number of requests for a particular format) or write a simple conversion program for you.  In order for us to work on a compatibility mode or conversion routine we will need the following:

1) Document describing the Application and its file format

2) Some known and documented sample files on a floppy disk

3) Completed registration and questionnaire forms

Questionnaire Form

Registration Form

Data File Format


Signal Generation

Signals can be generated easily using BASIC such as QBASIC which is included with MS DOS 5.0.

  Open "C:\WINPLOT\DATA.CSV" For Output As #1	' Open your output file

  Print #1, "COMMENT, This is a BASIC generated file"

  Print #1, "SIGNALS, x, sin(3x), cos(x), x/10, sqr(x)/2"

  Print #1, "DATA"

  For x = -1.5 To 5 Step .01	' Define X range and resolution

    Print #1, x; ","; 	' output X axis

    Print #1, Sin(3 * x); ",";	' Y1

    Print #1,  .5 * Cos(x); ",";	' Y2

    Print #1, x / 10; ",";	' Y3

    Print #1, Sqr(Abs(x)) / 2	' Y4  Note:last signal has no ';",";'

  Next x

  Close #1

See Also

ASCII File Format


WinPLOT Data Header
The WinPLOT data header:

One of the most important items to consider using WinPLOT is the data header of the import file.  The data header can be used to specify most all important aspects of your signal plotting and display.  The WinPLOT data header is loosely based on the data header used by DADiSP. (see: differences between WinPLOT and DADiSP).  WinPLOT has two basic modes of file import operation -user specified X-axis values or a sample based generated X-axis.

NOTES:

Keywords must start in the first column.

Keywords and items are not case sensitive.

Keywords are not order dependent except for keyword DATA just before first line of data.

Not specifying a keyword causes the default to be used.

Some Keywords accept multiple items, the DATA keyword has no items.

Keywords and items can be separated by commas, tabs or spaces.

Commas and tabs can be used as place holders - spaces cannot

Do not use spaces or commas in individual item names, except for the COMMENT line.

Do not mix spaces and commas or tabs on the same line since a comma or tab has higher priority than a space.

Do not use the '=' character except for the first delimiter. For example: SET_X=0,6.28

Option 1: Standard user defined X and Y axis

Keyword	Example-Item	Default-Item	Description

COMMENT*	This is a comment	-none-	General comment

DATE*	11/10/62	(today)	Date stamp

TIME*	10:50:00	(now)	Time stamp

DATASET	Test# 107-A 	instance sequence	Data/Test set name (no '.' char allowed)

PLOT_TYPE	POLAR, NOGRID	rectangular,grid,legend	Set plot type, grid display,legend display

OPERATION	SPECTRUM	-none-	Data Operation before plotting

SET_X	0, 6.28	autoscaling,linear	Set X axis start, end and type.

SET_Y	-10, 10, log	autoscaling,linear	Set Y axis start, end and type

SIGNALS*	Time, Range, Alt...	samples,signal_1,...	Define signal names

UNITS*	Sec, Miles, Feet,...	-none-	Define signal units.

DISPLAY	0,0,300,500	`	last save settings	Display Top,Left,Height,Width in pixels

DATA	PRINT,3,5	-none-,7,5	Print plot, width, height

Keyword DATA required for the header

Use PRINT only for batch mode operation

* NOTE: These items can be edited using the Data Header (F3) window.

Option 2: Sample based defined X-axis (DADiSP compatible)

The following item are used in addition to the above keywords to define a data set that automatically generates an X axis based on a uniform sample defined by the INTERVAL keyword.  Note that the keywords VERT_UNITS and HORZ_UNITS replace the keyword UNITS.

VERT_UNITS	Miles, Feet,...	signal_1,signal_2,...	(Replace keyword UNITS)

HORZ_UNITS	Sec	samples	(Add)

INTERVAL	0.01,5	1,0	(Add) Define X-axis values (sec.) interval, offset

See Also

ASCII File Format

DADiSP File Format

Automated Control:


Operating WinPLOT
  WinPLOT   Operation:

Running (Starting) WinPLOT

File:	Data:	Type:	Display:

Open File... (F2)		Paste Link (F3)		Rectangular ±		Redraw  (F5)
New Session		Edit File... (F4)		Histo Bar ±		Rescale (F6)
Print Plot...		Statistics...		Polar Angle ±		Auto Redraw  (F7) ±
Save Settings		Header...		X Log ±		Active (F8) ±
Exit		Spectrum		Y Log ±		Break Points »
		Integrate				Skip Points   »
		Differentiate				Symbols... (F9)
						Grid (F11) ±
						Legend (F12) ±
						Maximize
						Minimize

±   = toggle (on/off)

...  = opens screen

»   = menu options

Limits

Known Anomalies

Future Features


Running WinPLOT

WinPLOT is run (started) by simply double clicking on the WinPLOT icon.

Alternatively you can pass WinPLOT a data file to load from the command line:

WINPLOT filename "caption"

Where WINPLOT is the WINPLOT.EXE application and filename is the file to load - including path if necessary and "caption" is the caption title that will become part of the application title.  Note that either parameter is optional but must be in the order shown.  This feature allows simple batch operation control.  To utilize this option under the Windows File Manager you should use File Associate under the Windows Program Manager.  This will allow you to invoke WinPLOT for particular data file extensions.

Note:	The filename must have a period '.' character in it while the caption must not have a '.'.

NOTE: 	When you first run WinPLOT it will initialize itself with your operation system which will generate a unique 3 digit installation number.  To register your copy see the Registration section

Return to: Operation


Loading a data file
Loading a Data File:

File Open: (F2)

Use <File> <Open> to access the data file import screen.  To help in selecting your files there are filter options that can be selected.  The first two filter option are *.CSV and *.TXT.  The third filter option is variable (custom) and is set to the current data file extension.  You can change the current custom filter by double clicking on it. If there is no current custom filter it will be labeled '*.???'.

Abort Loading

During a file load you can stop the process by pressing the period key "."

Return to: Operation


DDE Paste Link
DDE Paste Link:

Paste Link: (F3)

DDE works in the same way a regular file would except the data is transferred via the computers clipboard directly from the data source application.  The added benefit of using DDE is that WinPLOT will automatically respond to any changes to this linked data.

From the data source application select the area/report for output (DDE) and then select <Edit><Copy>.  If the application is DDE compatible, this will place a data message in the clipboard.  Then from WinPLOT select <Data><Paste Line>

The simplest example of a DDE compatible application is EXCEL.  You can use the DATA_EXL.XLS file provided for an example.

Note that the DDE link with WinPLOT is 'Automatic' if the display Auto Redraw is on. In this mode any change to the data at the source will cause WinPLOT to respond by redrawing the display.  To stop WinPLOT from constantly redrawing set the display Auto Redraw off.

Note: DDE data sets are limited to 64k of data and they will be slower loading than a file.

Return to: Operation


Editing a Data File
Editing a Data File:

Edit File: (F4)

This will open the current file and place it into the Windows Write application.  Make sure when you save the file you don't change its output format from 'Text Files (*.txt)'.  If you have made changes to the file you must then reload (F2) the file to view the results.

If the 'data file' is via a DDE connection you can still view a data snapshot but all changes should, of course, be made at the DDE data source.

Return to: Operation


Printing
Printing:

WinPLOT uses the print drivers available under Windows, thus the printout will be at the highest possible resolution or your printer.  Select the width and height of your plot area - the titles and scaling numbers etc. will be outside of this area.  Note that the current page orientation and size is displayed in the status box.

Center Plot	Center the plot otherwise defaulted to the upper left corner.

Solid Lines	Allows a wider solid line to be printed so it stands out from the grid.

Use symbols to differentiate your signals in this case.

Information	Allows data set information to be printed below the plot

Form Dump	Does a Screen Dump of the WinPLOT application to the printer.

Return to: Operation


Save Settings
Save Settings:

The Save Settings menu item will save the following current settings:

Path, file, file extension*

Active mode  on/off

Auto-redraw  on/off

Plot type*

X, Y scaling  log/lin*

Grid  on/off*

Legend  on/off*

Symbol & line size, style, type and color

Display location and size*

Display Break Point division

NOTE: 	Items marked with a * will be superseded if they are specified in the data file header.

(Default data header items do not override current defaults.)

Return to: Operation


Multiple WinPLOT sessions
Multiple WinPLOT sessions:

To view multiple data sets simply run another session of WinPLOT.  Type menu <File><New Session>.  Windows supports as many instances of any program until system resources run out.

The first instance if WinPLOT is labeled:	WinPLOT - 1

The next instance is labeled:	WinPLOT - 2

and so on ...

If you specify a caption title the application title will become: WinPLOT - Your Title Here

If you do not specify a title, alter you load a data file the title will become: WinPLOT - filename.ext

Note: 	Unregistered WinPLOT users will get a instance label of:   WinPLOT - unregistered

Return to: Operation


Data Information
Data Information:

Information (Statics) on the current data set (view) is displayed.  Note that the information is based on the current 'X' range of samples displayed.

current data file

# of signals

# of samples

--- for each signal ---

Max.

Average

Min

Zero crossings	if available

Local extreme	if available

Return to: Operation


Data Header Information
Data Header Edit:

The data header editor allow you to edit various signal information:

Comment:
Dataset Name
Date &Time

For each signal:  Signal	Name	Units

Return to: Operation


Display Manual Redraw
Manual Redraw:

Display Manual Redraw: (F5)

Forces a redrawing of the display.

This function is necessary if the Auto Redraw option is turned off.

Aborting Plotting

During drawing you can stop further drawing by pressing the period key "."

Return to: Operation


Display Rescale to fit
Rescale:

Display Rescale to fit: (F6)

Forces a automatic rescale of the display axis

Alternatively the plot area can be scaled in other ways:

1) Specify the X or Y values in the data header.

2) Manually change the X or Y values in the plot

3) Use the mouse to select the area to view (Zooming)

Return to: Operation


Auto Redraw
Auto Redraw:

Setting Auto Redraw on will insure that the display is always up-to-date with any changes.

The following changes will force a redrawing of the display:

1) Changing the data
2) Changing the plot type or axis
3) Changing the symbols or grid options
4) Changing the size of the display

This option works in conjunction with the display Break Points options.

Turning off the Auto Redraw option can be used to save considerable time if you have a very large data set and you are making multiple changes to the display.

Return to: Operation


Symbols
Symbols:

Data points, Line styles, and Colors: (F9)

The data points can be seen by setting their symbol types. i.e. box, cross etc.

The lines can be differentiated by line styles. i.e. dot, dash etc.

The data and line colors can be selected

The physical size of the symbol depends on the physical size of the X-axis, however, the relative symbol sizes can be selected between a range of 1 to 4.

Return to: Operation


Display points, lines and colors
Skipping Data Points:

You can select this option if your data is over sampled or if you want to speed up your plots.

Return to: Operation


Display Break Points
Display Break Points:

The Display Break Points set the number of divisions each plot is broken into for display refresh purposes.  During a display break the user also can issue a cancel operation by pressing the period '.' key.

Options	Speed	Comment

Full Line	fastest	Only one break per plot

10 Breaks	fast	10 breaks per plot

20 breaks	moderate	20 breaks per plot

All points	slow	breaks at each point

Note: If the display Auto Redraw option is off the display shows all the points being drawn and there is not as much speed penalty.

Return to:Operation


Grid Display
Display Grid:(F11)

The grid is automatically scaled based on the range of the values and the plot type.

Linear:

The WinPLOT grid spacing will automatically adjusted to either a unit (1.0) or a half unit (0.5) spacing offset from the 0,0 origin.  Thus you will see anywhere from 4 to 20 grid lines along an axis.  The value of the grid spacing is displayed along side of the axis as "xxx/div.".

Log:

WinPLOT will always display 10 lines per decade for a log scale.  The grid spacing along the axis will be labeled as "log". Note that there is a limit of 10 decades for Log scaling.

Polar:

For a POLAR plot the angular displacement(θ) is marked in 10° divisions while the magnitude (r) is displayed as either Linear or Log scaling as shown above.

Return to: Operation


Log Scaling
Log Scaling:

WinPLOT can scale the axis in a logarithmic scale

There is a limit of 10 decades over which the data must be scaled.

If the data is scaled to 0 or a negative number then WinPLOT will choose a positive number (one of the axis) and then display 10 decades.  A warning message will be displayed if this occurs.

Return to: Operation


Display Legend
Display Legend:(F12)

You can turn off the display of the legend with this option.  The legend will appear inside of your plot area and can be moved (dragged) out of the way of a signal if necessary. (Note that the plot must be Active to move the Legend.)  During printing the legend will appear outside of your plot starting at the upper right corner.

Return to: Operation


Active Display
Display Active:(F8)

NOTE: 	To use interactive investigation of the data points, the Display must be Active.

For key operation to operate the plot must have the focus.  To set the focus simply click on the plot area.

For standard file input the plot will automatically have the focus after drawing, however, in DDE mode the focus will remain with the data source.

Operation	key	mouse

Next signal set	<Up arrow>

Previous signal set	<Down arrow>

Previous data point	<left arrow>	move mouse to the left

Next data point	<right arrow>	move mouse to the right

First data point	<Home>

Last data point	<End>

Zoom in about current point	<Insert>	drag mouse across area

Pan back form current point	<Delete>

Return to: Operation


Display Minimize and Maximize
Display Minimize and Maximize:

This allows you to Minimize or Maximize your display.

There is a minimum display size which WinPLOT limits to avoid screen object overlap.

Return to: Operation


Plot Types
Plot Types:

There are essentially three different ways to view data in WinPLOT:

1. Rectangular:

   A rectangular is a standard Cartesian X,Y plot

2. Histogram:

   A histogram is a bar chart. x,h

3. Polar:

A polar plot is a amplitude (r) angle (θ) display.  The "X" (θ) data must be between 0 (0 deg) and 2π (360 deg) or the plot will wrap around itself.

The X or Y axis data can be viewed as a linear or logarithmic format.  Note that in POLAR you cannot select a Y-log option.  Also a negative value to be displayed in a LOG format will generate an error condition.

Return to: Operation


Limitations
Limitations:

Currently only 16 signals can be defined.*

Currently only 32767 points per signal can be used.*

Log scale is limited to 10 decades.

Signals & Unit names are cut after 12 characters.

Currently single precision is being used, thus a Max. range of data is ≈  ±3E±38

* NOTE: An unregistered copy of WinPLOT is limited to 2 signals at 200 samples.

Return to: Operation

See Also

Known Anomalies


Known Anomalies
Known Anomalies:

When installing WinPLOT under Norton Desktop, a DDE error may occur after initial installation.  Simply select close connection when the error prompt occurs.

The X-axis bounds are not checked on a printout and thus one extra data sample will appear in your printouts if your X data points exceed the X-axis scaling.

A polar plot requires that the X-axis be equal or larger in physical size (aspect ratio) than the Y-axis.

The polar Y-axis LOG function returns incorrect results.

The PRINT item in the DATA line of your data header is ignored

Return to: Operation

See Also

Warranty


Future features
Features to be added at a later date - version:

PLOT .WMF exporting:

Direct support for Windows Meta Files to allow vector based drawings to be used by other windows applications.

Binary data files:

Binary data files offer significantly better data file compression and speed.  However, the binary data files must be carefully generated for proper operation.  Note also that binary files are not directly transferable across different computer systems where ASCII files are.

Context sensitive on-line Help:

The current on-line help is not contextually connected to the program

See Also

Warranty


DADISP Header Compatibility
Dataset Header compatibility with DADiSP:

The DADiSP data file format is based on a sample based input, thus, the X-axis (signal) is generated during import.  WinPLOT can support both a user specified X-axis or a sample based X-axis.  The key word INTERVAL tells WinPLOT that the X-axis is to be sample generated.

Supported

COMMENT	General comment

DATE	Date stamp

TIME	Time stamp

DATASET	Data set name - shown in WinPLOT title bar

SIGNAL[S]	Define signal names.

VERT_UNITS	Define the Y-axis signal units.

HORZ_UNITS	Defines the X-axis for sample based unit.

INTERVAL	If this line exists then WinPLOT will add a X sample based signal (0) and 	HORZ_UNITS is used to label it. WinPLOT also will support an offset value if 	one is specified.

DATA	Required if header is included

Not Supported = ignored by WinPLOT

VERSION	Version numbers are not used

FILE_TYPE	File type is currently always ASCII

DATA_TYPE	Data import type only for BINARY files

SAMPLE_RATE	Use INTERVAL (INTERVAL=1/SAMPLE_RATE)

CHAN_NAME	Use SIGNAL keyword

STORAGE_MODE	Storage mode is always INTERLACED

NUM_SIGS	The number of signals is determined automatically

NUM_SAMPS	The number of samples is determined automatically

New - WinPLOT only

SET_X	Set X axis start, end and type.

SET_Y	Set Y axis start, end and type

PRINT	Cause a automatic printout if PRINT item one the same line as keyword DATA

PLOT_TYPE	Set plot type

OPERATION	Data operations

DISPLAY	Position and size of current display

UNITS	Define both the X-axis and Y-axis units, the X-axis being the first one specified.

Use this instead of VERT_UNITS and HORT_UNITS

Example of a DADISP and WinPLOT compatible file:

SIGNAL     sin5 sin8

VERT_UNITS 5sin 8sin

HORZ_UNITS sec

NUM_SIGS   2	<- WinPLOT will ignore this line - counting automatically

INTERVAL   0.025

DATA

 .7071068 , .9510565

 1 , .5877852

See Also

WinPLOT Data Header

Automated Controll:


Automated Control
Automated Control:

WinPLOT is designed operate as a standalone application or it can be automatically controlled by other applications.  This feature allows WinPLOT to be used as a graphics display and signal analysis tool for Automated Test Equipment (ATE).  There are two basic approaches to sending data to WinPLOT and controlling its operation.

1) Standard text file operation

As discussed in other sections WinPLOT can be activated and passed a data file parameter and a title parameter.(see Running WinPLOT  The following is a summary of data file Keywords that are most involved in controlling WinPLOT. (See WinPLOT data header for a list of all the Keywords.

DATASET	This allows WinPLOT sessions (instances) to be labeled

Format: Any character combination

Default: The current file name

PLOT_TYPE	This instructs WinPLOT to plot data in a prescribed format

Format: [RECTangular][HISTogram][POLAR] , [][NOGRID] , [][NOLEGEND]

Default: Rectangular, Grid, Legend

OPERATION	This instructs WinPLOT to perform a data operation before plotting

Format: [SPECtrum][INTEGrate][DIFFerentiate]

Default:	no operation

DISPLAY	This instructs WinPLOT to display itself in a specified region.

Format:	 Top,Left,Height,Width (in pixels starting from the Upper Left corner)

Note: 	The Height and Width are optional

Entering [DISPLAY=MAXimum] will force the display to be full screen.

Default: Current display position and size

Note: A default does not override a current setting

2) Send Key operation

You could use send key operaton by setting the keyboard focus to WinPLOT and then issuing key combination commands.

3) Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)

WinPLOT now can accept Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) as well as standard file as an input.

TBD - These commands will be added in a subsiquent release.

Current WinPLOT release will only support a Paste Link operation.

   See the Paste Link section for details.


Digital Signal Processing
Digital Signal Processing:

Any signal analysis by a computer is by definition Digital Signal Processing (DSP).

WinPLOT can perform the following signal operations:

Spectrum	Determine the frequency content of a signal

Integration 	Determine the accumulated amount of a signal.

Differentiation 	Determine the rate of change of a signal.


Spectrum
Spectrum:

WinPLOT will transform each signal to its spectral content.  The "spectrum" is defined as the real part (magnitude) of the first half of the complex frequency transform.

WinPLOT uses the standard Cooley-Tukey Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) which requires that the number of samples (N) be a power of 2. (N=2^M:  ...64, 128, 256, 512, 1024 .... etc.).  Therefore, the sample size (length) will be trimmed to the next lower power of 2.

In general it is assumed that all sampling is based on equally spaced (time) sample points.  It is also very important to use an appropriate sample rate for accurate spectral analysis.

An "S" will be appended to the signal name.

Return to: Operation

See Also

Spectral Analysis

Digital Signal Processing


Spectral Analysis

When using the FFT it is very important to understand the relationship of the signal that is being sampled, the sample rate and the length of the observation.

(See the DATA_FFT.BAS and DATA_FFT.CSV files for the following examples)

1)	The sample rate (frequency) must be at least twice as fast as the signal you are sampling. (Nyquist sampling rate)

Example:

 	If you wish to observe signals that are up to 20 Hz then the sample rate must be at least 40 Hz.

2)	The frequency resolution of the transform is: (number of samples)/(sample rate)

Example:

If the sample frequency is 40 Hz and there are 128 samples then the number of hertz per sample is:    (40 Hz)/(128 samples) = 0.3125 Hz/sample

It is important to note that if the signal does not land directly on a multiple of the frequency sample then the transformed signal will "bleed" across adjacent filters causing sidelobes.

Example:

(5 Hz)/(0.3125 Hz/sample) = 16 or will "land" directly on the 17th sample (1st being 0-DC)

while

(8 Hz)/(0.3125 Hz/sample) = 25.6 and thus "lands" between two samples and will cause "sidelobes".

3)	There is a minimum length (number of samples) required to resolve two adjacent signals

Example: (From the example above)

8Hz - 5Hz = 3Hz resolution. Thus to "see between" these signals you will need a resolution of 1.5Hz.  Therefor the number of samples must be  (40 samples/sec)/(1.5 Hz) = 26.66 or 32 samples

See Also

Digital Signal Processing

Spectrum


Integration
Integration:

WinPLOT will integrate each signal using the Simpson integration algorithm.

Note that the that when integrating on the first four points or the last point if an even point the function will use the appropriate methods of the trapezoidal rule.  As a result, if insufficient sampling is done then appreciable errors can result at the end points.

An "i" will be appended to the signal name.

Return to: Operation

See Also

Differentiation

Digital Signal Processing


Differentiation
Differentiation:

WinPLOT will differentiate each signal using a seventh-order central difference formula.

The points n=1,2,3 and n=N-2,N-1,N are differentiated using a fourth-order approximation.  As a result, the end points can have considerable errors.

A "d" will be appended to the signal name.

Return to: Operation

See Also

Integration

Digital Signal Processing


Warranty & Agreement
Warranty & Agreement:

IN TOUCH SOFTWARE, OR IS OWNERS, DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

SHOULD THIS PROGRAM PROVE DEFECTIVE, THE PURCHASER ASSUMES THE RISK OF PAYING THE ENTIRE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR, OR CONNECTION AND ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

IN NO EVENT WILL IN TOUCH SOFTWARE BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR THE INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT.

RESALE OF THIS PRODUCT IS NOT PERMITTED - ONLY A NOMINAL CHAREGE MAY BE ACCEPTED FOR DISTRIBUTION.

USE OF THIS PRODUCT FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT AND SUBJECTS YOU TO ITS CONTESTS.

USE. DUPLICATION, OR DISCLOSURE BY THE GOVERNMENT IS SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS AS SET FORTH IN SUBDIVISION (b)(3)(ii) OF THE RIGHTS IN TECHNICAL DATA AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE CLAUSE AT 52.227-7013

THE FEATURES, PERFORMANCE, COST OF THE PRODUCT OR THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE AND DOES NOT REPRESENT A COMMITMENT ON THE PART OF THE AUTHOR OR IN TOUCH SOFTWARE.

DADiSP is a registered product of DSP Development Corporation.

MathCAD is a registered product of MathCAD, Inc.

MATLAB is a registered product of The Math Works, Inc.

MS-DOS, EXCEL, Windows, QBASIC, and Visual Basic are all registered product of Microsoft Corporation

See Also

Registration Instructions


Registration Instructions
Registration Instructions:

In order to keep costs down, we do not provide on-line phone support.  If you have specific questions, problems or would like to see new features, please mail us a letter or contact us via CompuServe at 75330,746.  Because WinPLOT is distributed (marketed) as shareware - try before you buy - there are no refunds provided.  If your purchase is defective (i.e. media failure, wrong password # etc.) In Touch Software will make every effort to correct the situation.  Please note that unless otherwise noted in the Help file, the registered product has no major functionality improvements over the shareware version of the product.

Registration Option 1: Protected - Installation password - No disk provided - Single Installation

After sending in the registration form you will receive a 4 digit password code that will properly activate your copy of WinPLOT.  To activate your installation go to the About section and enter your 4 digit number in place of the four X's (:XXXX) and then press the 'Register' button.  NOTE: If you inadvertently enter the wrong password number and press 'Register' you must then exit WinPLOT and repeat the process.  After password activation is complete, no further passwords or reminder screens will show.  If you inadvertatanly delete Windows and WinPLOT (i.e. a hard disk crash) you can write to us and receive a new password if required.

NOTE: It is absolutely essential that the version # and Installation # are correct as shown on your WinPLOT About screen in order for your password to be correct.

Registration Option 2: Not protected - No password required - Disk provided - 25 Copy license

After sending in the registration form you are provided a personalized disk which is not installation protected.  This disk will allow up to 25 active copies (installations) for use by the registered individual or company.  Note that this copy is not for distribution to the general public and cannot be used for resale purposes without prior written permission.

See Also

Registration form

Questionnaire form


Registration Form
   WinPLOT 1.1 Registration Form:

Mail this form to:	In Touch Software

27934 Redwood Glen Rd.

Valencia, CA 91354

Name:	____________________________________

CompuServe ID 	__ __ __ __ __ , __ __ __  or other E-mail address (optional)

Company:	____________________________________   << Used for Option 2 labeling

Address:	____________________________________

City:	_______________    State: ___  Country ____________  Zip: ________________

Payment Method 1: Check or Money order Enclosed (Payable to In Touch Software in US funds)

Payment Method 2:      Visa     MasterCard

Card #     __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __- __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __     Exp. Date ____________

Signature:______________________________________________________

Registration Option 1: Protected - Installation password  - No disk provided - Single Installation

New owner:	$10

Registered owner upgrade:	$5

WinPLOT Version #: 	__ . __	(should be 1.1)

WinPLOT Installation #:	__ __ __ :XXXX

Registration Option 2: Not protected - No password required - Disk provided - 25 copy license

Disk size: (high density)	  5.25"	 3.5"

New owner:	 $40

Registered owner upgrade:	 $15

California residents add 8.25% sales tax

Shipping and Handling  	Option 1: Code  $2	Option 2: Disk  $5

Total enclosed: _________________


Questionare Form
   WinPLOT 1.1 Questionnaire: (Optional)

General Information:

How did you receive WinPLOT:  ( CompuServe, CD ROM, From a friend etc.)

Would you like to receive notice of significant upgrades to WinPLOT:

What computer system/speed do you use: ( 386/25, 486/66 etc. )

What operating system are you using: (OS/2, Windows NT, Windows 4, etc.)

WinPLOT:

What do you like the best:

What do you like the least:

What applications do you use with WinPLOT or would like to see better integrated:

What specifically do you use WinPLOT for:

What would you like to see added, improved or expanded:

What other applications provide better or similar features:

Bugs, Comments or Suggestions:

The Help System:

Was the help system adequate:

What sections needed more explanation or examples:

The Data Samples Included:

Were the example data files adequate: