User Interface Basics

Viewing Parameter Descriptions

Check in the upper right corner above the parameter configuration table, and then click a parameter cell to display a brief description. The initial state is unchecked.

Working with Cells

The software interface uses cells (similar to a spread sheet) for configuring various parameters. Some cells have discrete settings where you choose from a selection of parameters; others are arbitrary and allow you to enter a value within a designated range.

Discrete Settings

The RF Output parameter uses discrete settings; you must select from either On or Off.

To change a discrete setting, double-click the cell with the parameter name, or double-click the cell containing the current setting of the parameter. Each double-click changes the parameter to the next available selection. All non-default selections appear in bold text.

You can also change a discrete setting by clicking the down arrow of the cell and then moving the mouse pointer to click the desired selection.

Click the Details button to make a discrete setting selection for the Data cell when configuring a channel.

Arbitrary Settings

Frequency and Amplitude parametersuse arbitrary settings. You can enter any value within the designed range.

To change an arbitrary setting, double-click either the cell with the name of the parameter or the setting. This highlights the current setting. When the value is highlighted, enter the new value.

You do not need to type "MHz"; the letter "m" is sufficient. The same is true for GHz and kHz.

Using the Tree View

The left pane of the main window is called the tree view. It is useful for navigating between the quick setups node, the hardware setup nodes, and waveform setup nodes. The right pane of the main window is called the parameter view. This area enables you to select the waveform parameters and instrument settings. Selecting an item in the tree view enables the related elements in the parameter view.

Resizing Window Panes and Cell Columns

You can resize window panes and cell columns for better viewing. As you move the mouse pointer over a border, it changes form, indicating that the border can be moved horizontally or vertically. Hold down the left mouse button and drag the border to its new position.

Collapsing and Expanding Tables

To create more viewing space in a window pane, click the icon to collapse parameter selection tables you are not using. Parameter selection tables have function groups indicated by the or icons.