Signal Definition

Another interesting application of the Interpreter is the arbitrary definition of signals to be used as excitation for a circuit. These signals can be assigned to analog generators. User defined waveforms are extremely general and call up an equation editor window where the waveform may be defined as a mathematical expression. To make signal definition even easier, a template which you can modify to create your own signal is provided in the editor window. Note that while TINA’s Interpreter is utilized for signal definition, you access signal definition via the Schematic Editor window, not the Tools/Interpreter menu.

As a simple example of this feature, pick up a voltage generator from the toolbar, place it in the Schematic Editor window, and then double-click on it. The dialog box of the Voltage Generator will appear. Click on Unit Step in the Signal field and then  press the ... button that appears. A new dialog box opens showing the available signals. Now press the rightmost button, User Defined, in the Signal Editor window. The curve and the description of a simple linear time function will appear. To change this into a quadratic function, replace t with t*t in the description on the right side and then press the Test button. The waveform versus time diagram of the new function will appear. Now you can use this new signal with any circuit during transient analysis. For more details of User defined excitations, refer to Signal definition.