2D and Circuit Selecting a Function

The value of a quantity being plotted depends upon its mathematical function, which you select on theTrace tab Function group box in the Reportwindow. The available, valid functions depend on the type of quantity (real or complex) that is being plotted. The function is applied to the quantity which is implicitly defined by all the swept and current variables. For example, "S(11)" is the value of the S-parameter for every swept combination of variables (e.g., "height", "frequency").

The following functions listed can be applied as Range Functions to previously specified Quantities and Functions using the Set Range Function window. Some of these functions can operate along an entire curve (min, max, integ, avg, rms, pk2pk, cang_deg, cang_rad). Their syntax is as follows:

Note: For all range functions, the second parameter is assumed to be a sweep variable, and if it is not, the following error message results: “Second parameter to functions that apply to a range of values must be a sweep variable ”. You receive this message if you create a range function where the second parameter is a non-variable, such as deriv(dB(S11),dB(S12)). Whereas deriv(dB(S11),F) is acceptable.

You can select on the following functions in the Trace tab Function group box:



Note: Remember that the evaluated value of an expression is always interpreted in SI units. However, when an angle quantity is plotted in a report, you have the option to plot values in units other than SI. If you want to plot the polar angle of a complex simulation result, S11 say, choose between ang_deg(S11) and ang_rad(S11). Both of these return the exact same angle quantity but in degree and radian units respectively.

Note that when used in expressions, some surprising outcomes might result. For example, the expression "1+ang_deg(S11)" represents an ‘angle’ and the number "1" is treated as "1 rad". The angle SI unit is attached to any unitless number that is added/subtracted from an angle value. If you want to treat "1" as degrees, make it explicit and use "1deg + ang_deg(S11)" instead.

If you are interested in unitless degree values, two additional functions exist: ang_deg_val(S11) and cang_deg_val(S11). These return simple numbers and are treated so by any expression. If the complex S11 lies on the positive Y axis say, ang_deg_val(S11) is 90 and "1 + ang_deg_val(S11)" is 91.

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