Working with Traces

A trace in a 2D or 3D report defines one or more curves on a graph. A trace in a data table defines part of the displayed matrix of text values.

Note:

Boolean Outputs that are (enum-type) can only be plotted in digital plots or in data tables.

The values used for a plot’s axes (which may be X, Y, Z, phi, theta, or R, depending on the display type) can be variables in the design, such as frequency, or functions and expressions based on the design’s solutions. If you have solved one or more variables at several values, you can “sweep” over some or all of those values, resulting in a curve in 2D or 3D space.

A report can include any number of traces, and for 2D rectangular and rectangular contour plots up to 20 independent y-axes. Traces appear in the Project tree under their report. They can be selected, copied and pasted. When you move the cursor over a trace in a report, it changes to the color of the trace to show that it can be selected. Similarly, when you move the cursor close to a trace, the quantity name of that trace displays in a box that appears next to the cursor. When you move the mouse cursor over a trace listed in the Curve Info box, the corresponding trace changes color.

In general, to add a trace to a report:

Right-click a report in the Project window and select Modify Report.
In the Report dialog box, specify the Y component information.

Specify the category of information you want to plot from the drop-down menu.

The Category drop-down menu lists the available categories for the solution type and the current design. Selecting a category changes the quantity and function lists to represent what is available for that category.

Specify the quantity you want to plot by selecting from the Quantity list.

The selected quantity appears in the Value field, operated on any selected function.

Select the function to apply to the specified quantity.
The Value field shows the trace being readied for plotting on the Y-axis. This field is editable when the text cursor is present. You can modify the information to be plotted by typing the name of the quantity or sweep variable to plot along an axis directly in the text boxes.
Note:
Color shows valid expression: blue for valid, red for invalid.

In the Report dialog box, specify the X-axis information (for example, primary sweep).
Click Add Trace.

A trace appears in the traces list under its report icon in the Project tree. The trace represents the function of the quantity you selected and will be plotted against other quantities or swept variable values. Selecting a trace in the Project tree displays the Properties window for that trace. Selecting a trace in the report or legend displays the Properties window for that trace.

Trace icons can be selected, copied, and pasted for their definitions or their data. They can be selected and deleted from the Project tree.

By default, the trace name is the definition (the category, quantity, and function). The trace will be visible in the report when you click Add Trace.

You can edit trace properties in their Properties windows or the Report dialog box. To change the name or definition of a trace, see Editing Trace Properties. To edit other display properties of a trace, see Editing the Display Properties of Traces.

Working with Traces

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