Testlab Software Reference

Testlab Software Reference -

Calculations, Functions and Formulas
V1.02

© Copyright 2014 Pavetest Pty. Ltd.

This document is protected by copyright and the information it contains are the
property of Pavetest Pty. Ltd. The document may not be copied and the information
herein may not be disclosed except by written permission of a duly authorized officer
of Pavetest Pty. Ltd.

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Testlab Software Reference

1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 3

1.1 Testlab Software Introduction ........................................................................ 3

1.2 Using This Reference Manual ......................................................................... 3

2 FUNCTIONS AND FORMULAS ............................................................... 4

2.1 Functions ........................................................................................................... 4

2.1.1 Input Channel Functions ................................................................................ 4
2.1.2 Input Parameter Functions ............................................................................. 5
2.1.3 Maths Functions ............................................................................................. 6
2.1.4 Special Functions ........................................................................................... 7
2.1.5 Logical Operators......................................................................................... 10

2.2 Formulas ......................................................................................................... 10

2.2.1 Pre-Define Formulas .................................................................................... 10
2.2.2 User Defined Formulas ................................................................................ 10

2.3 Calculations .................................................................................................... 10

2.3.1 Syntax Highlighting ..................................................................................... 11
2.3.1.1 Reserved Words ................................................................................... 11
2.3.1.2 Comments ............................................................................................ 11
2.3.1.3 Values .................................................................................................. 11
2.3.2 IFC Condition useage .................................................................................. 11
2.3.3 IF Condition useage ..................................................................................... 11
2.3.4 Self Referencing Expression ........................................................................ 11
2.3.5 Variable Calculation Considerations ........................................................... 11

2.4 Scripting .......................................................................................................... 12

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1 Introduction
1.1 Testlab Software Introduction

The Testlabmaterials testing software, developed by Pavetest Pty. Ltd. is a universal

approach to materials testingand is designed to interface the CDAS Control and Data
Acquisition Systems and the DTS series of pneumatic or hydraulic loading
machines.Test methods are predefined in "Method Files". A Testlab Manager
interface allows the user to easily and efficiently locate the necessary method file to
load and execute.

This complete system provides users with a tool capable of performing a wide range
of materials tests on both bound and unbound construction materials such as asphalt,
unbound granular material, steel, concrete etc.

This manual details the basic infrastructure available to design these tests. For a more
detailed description on setting up and running a test based on a specific Method file,
please refer to that tests Method file reference.For a more detailed description of the
DTS loading frame, CDAS and other hardware components the reader should refer to
the relevant hardware reference manuals.

1.2 Using This Reference Manual

This manual will be generally supplied in pdf format, with active bookmarks to aid
navigation though the document.

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2 Functions and Formulas

2.1 Functions
2.1.1 Input Channel Functions
Avg
useage:Avg(Cxx). This function returns the AVERAGE value of the Cxx channel for
the current acquisition scan cycle

First
useage: First(Cxx). This function returns the FIRST value of the Cxx channel for the
current acquisition scan cycle.

FirstN
useage:FirstN(Cxx). This function returns the FIRST value of the Cxx channel for the
PREVIOUS acquisition scan cycle.

Get
useage:Get(Cxx). This function returns the value of the Cxx channel continuous time
acquisition scan.

GetT
useage:GetT(Cxx). This function returns the timeseries for the Cxx channel when in
cyclic acquisition mode and timeseries capture us enabled.

Last
useage:Last(Cxx). This function returns the LAST value of the Cxx channel for the
current acquisition scan cycle.

LastN
useage:LastN(Cxx). This function returns the LAST value of the Cxx channel for the
PREVIOUS acquisition scan cycle.

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Max
useage:Max(Cxx). This function returns the MAXIMUM value of the Cxx channel for
the current acquisition scan cycle.

MaxN
useage:MaxN(Cxx). This function returns the MAXIMUM value of the Cxx channel
for the PREVIOUS acquisition scan cycle.

Min
useage:Min(Cxx). This function returns the MINIMUM value of the Cxx channel for
the current acquisition scan cycle.

MinN
useage:MinN(Cxx). This function returns the MINIMUM value of the Cxx channel
for the PREVIOUS acquisition scan cycle.

Zero
useage:Zero(Cxx). This function returns the Zero capture value of the Cxx channel
obtained from the zero capture acquisition mode.

2.1.2 Input Parameter Functions

Area
useage:Area or Area(). This function returns the average specimen AREA.

Density
Useage; Density or Density(). This function returns the average specimen DENSITY.

Diameter
Useage; Diameter or Diameter(). This function returns the average specimen
DIAMETER

Height
Useage; Height or Height(). This function returns the average specimen HEIGHT.

Length
Useage; Length or Length(). This function returns the average specimen LENGTH

Mass
Useage; Mass or Mass(). This function returns the average specimen MASS.

Volume
Useage; Volume or Volume(). This function returns the average specimen VOLUME.

Width
Useage; Width or Width(). This function returns the average specimen WIDTH

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2.1.3 Maths Functions

Note: All trigonometric functions are based on radians

ABS
useage:ABS(x). This function returns the ABSOLUTE value of (x).

ACOS
Useage; ACOS(x). This function returns the INVERSE COSINE value of
(x).(radians)

ASIN
Useage; ASIN(x). This function returns the INVERSE SINE value of (x).(radians)

ATAN
Useage; ATAN(x). This function returns the INVERSE TANGENT value of
(x).(radians)

COS
Useage; COS(x). This function returns the COSINE value of (x).(radians)

EXP
Useage; e(x). This function returns the EXPONENTIAL value of (x).

LN
Useage; ln(x). This function returns the NATURAL LOGARITHMIC value of (x).

LOG
Useage; log(x). This function returns the LOGARITHMIC base 10 value of (x).

PI
Useage; π. This is an irrational number found by dividing the circumference of a
circle by its diameter. The value may be expressed as 3.141.

POWER

SIN
Useage; SIN(x). This function returns the SINE value of (x).(radians)

SQR
Useage; (x)2. This function returns the SQUARE of (x).

SQRT
Useage; √(x). This function returns the SQUARE ROOT of (x).

TAN
Useage; TAN(x). This function returns the TANGENT value of (x).(radians)

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2.1.4 Special Functions

Adapt
useage: Adapt(Index,Request,Actual,Limit_factor).This function returns an adaptive
multiplier value, for the specified index. The adaptive algorithm is generally called
recursively and is calculated based on the Requested value compared with the Actual
value. The Limit_Factor value prevents the adaptive algorithm from growing to large
values. An Adaptive limit of 5 is generally sufficient. This means that the algorithm
can allow the returned result to grow to a 5 times the original value in order to achieve
the request value. This function is used in adaptive control algorithms.
example: V08*Adapt(0,L23,V23,5)

Break
useage: Break(Threshold, Max, Current,%Unload).

CurrSeq
useage: CurrSeq(). This function returns the Current Sequence number.

CurrState
useage: CurrState(). This function returns the Current Test State number.

Cycles
useage: Cycles(). This function returns the total number of Cycles.

CyclesSeq
useage: CyclesSeq(). This function returns the total number of Cycles for the current
sequence.

CyclicModify
useage: CyclicModify(Axis, Block, Min, Max). This function performs a real time
update of the Min and Max values in the specified Axis and Block number of the
loading system

RateModify
useage: Modify(Axis, Block, RateValue,Interval). This function performs a real time
update of the Rate Value in the specified Axis and Block number of the loading
system. The interval (in secs), provides a means of controlling how often to update.

HoldModify
useage: HoldModify(Axis, Block, HoldValue, Interval). This function performs a real
time update of the Hold Value in the specified Axis and Block number of the loading
system. The interval (in secs), provides a means of controlling how often to update.

IF
useage: IF(condition, (True) Statement1, (False) Statement2).
This logical IF statement tests a condition for True or False. It is typically used with
the logical operators. Based on the result oneof two statements are executed. If the test
condition is True, Statement1 is executed else Statement2 is executed.

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IFC
useage: IF(condition, (True) statement).
The IFC statement tests a condition for True. If the condition is True, the statement is
execute otherwise not.

LoadFactor
useage: LoadFactor(Cxx,%Thmin)
This special function compares (symmetry) the two halves (via integral) of a signal
waveshape. For instance, if signal is a haversinewaveshape, the are from %Thmin to
peak on the rising edge is compared to the area of peak to %Thmin on the trailing
edge. A load factor of 0.5 would represent perfect symmetry.

NextSeq()
useage: NextSeq() This function forces the test to download acquisitioin and control
parameters and run the next sequence for a multi-sequenced test.

Phase(Cxx,Cxx)
useage: Phase(Cxx,Cxx) This function compares the phase of a sinusoidal type
waveform at the peak point of loading. The response is a time between the first Cxx
signal peak and the subsequence Cxx signal peak.

PhaseX
useage: PhaseX(Cxx,Cxx,%Reference) This function compares the phase of a
sinusoidal type waveform at the specified "X" reference. When a value of 50% is
used, it reflects the zero crossing point and will generally give the most accurate
phase measurement. The response is a time between the first CxxX point and the
subsequence CxxX point signal.

Risetime
useage: Risetime(Cxx,%Thmin,%Thmax) This function computes the signal risetime
as measured from the %Thmin point (threshold min) to the %Thmax of a sinusoidal
type waveform at the specified "X" reference. When a value of 50% is used, it reflects
the zero crossing point and will generally give the most accurate phase measurement.
The response is a time between the first Cxx X point and the subsequence Cxx X
point signal.

Fit
useage:Fit(Cxx). This function forces the fitting of a equation model to the raw data
of Cxx channel. The equation model is A+Bx+CCos()+DSin(). The raw data should
be sinusoidal or haversine based data.

Fitted
useage:Fitted(Cxx,Tag). This retrieves the fitted function calculation specified by Tag
equation model is A+Bx+CCos()+DSin().
Tag options: Amp= 1/2 amplitude of the waveform function fitted to Cxx
FPhase= phase reference of waveform function fitted to Cxx
StdErr= Standard Error of waveform function fitted to Cxx
Drift= phase reference of waveform function fitted to Cxx

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RegressionCoeff
useage: RegressionCoeff(Cxx,CoeffIdx)
This retrieves the fitted function coefficioent of the model equation specified by Tag
equation model is A+Bx+CCos()+DSin().
Tag options: 0= A coefficient
1= B coefficient
2= C coefficient
3= D coefficient
SetState
useage: SetState(x) This function forces the current Test State to the specified "x" test
state.

SetZero
useage: SetZero(Cxx) This function forces the zero level command to be send to the
CDAS for the specified channel. It should only be used when a true zero condition is
guaranteed. an example of use for this function may be combined with a SideBar
button to "Tare" the current load before starting the test.

Span
useage: Span(Cxx). This function returns the span of the allocated transducer
calibration record to the input channel Cxx.

Stop
useage: Stop(<'message string'>). This function causes the test to go into the stopped
test state. An optional <...> message string can be specified which will then be
displayed when this function is executed. In this way a user can be informed of the
reason why the the Test stopped.For example:

Stop('Test Stopped --Maximum loading cycles reached')

Time
useage: Time(). This function returns the total test time in seconds.

TimeSeq
useage: Time(). This function returns the test time in seconds for the current
sequence.

Timeseries
useage: Timeseries(). This is a special function for chart functionality. It nominates
that the assigned Vxx variable is to be used as the base variable on the bottom axes
for use with charting of timeseries variables (specified with GetT(Cxx) function).

Restrict
useage: Restrict(Id, Interval). This function provides an restrictive function to control
the processing rate of an expression or number of expressions It returns a 0 or 1
(True/False) value indicating whether the restriction is in place or not.
example: V23:Restrict0=Restrict(0,4) # index 0, 4 seconds
V22:IFC(Restrict0,HoldModify(1,3,V20,0)

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Restrict0 is true once every 4 seconds, thus V22 is processed once every 4 seconds

SetSol
useage: SetSol(Sxx, State). This function sets the specified solenoid channel Sxx
output State. State=0 , OFF ; State=1, ON

GetButton
useage: GetButton(Bxx). This function returns the state of SideBar Button Bxx.

GetBlock
useage: GetBlock(Axis). This function returns the current block number of the
specified axis.

SetBlock
useage: SetBlock(Axis, Block). This function forces the tranfser to the nominated
loading control block number of the specified axis.

2.1.5 Logical Operators

Equals =
Greater than >
Less than <
Greater than or Equal >=
Less than or Equal <=
Not Equal < >

2.2 Formulas
2.2.1 Pre-Define Formulas

2.2.2 User Defined Formulas

2.3 Calculations

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2.3.1 Syntax Highlighting

The Test Designer expression edit window has a full syntax and reserved word
highlight feature.

2.3.1.1 Reserved Words

Reserved words and function names are show in burgundy color.
2.3.1.2 Comments
Comments are entered using a prefix symbol of "#"

2.3.1.3 Values
Values are shown in bright red color

2.3.2 IFC Condition useage

2.3.3 IF Condition useage

2.3.4 Self Referencing Expression

It is possible to have expressions "self reference". This is important to perform

integration or accumulation functions. The example shown above is a self referenced
expression equivalent to V45= V45+(Energy/100). The correct useage for this case is
that the self referenced variable must always appear first in the expression.

2.3.5 Variable Calculation Considerations

The program decides the category type of a Vxx at run time..

All variables (not just Vxx) that refer to a Lxx will be identified as a loading variable.

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At any point, the processing engine decides if a Vxx needs to be reset.. eg, at loading,
it only resets Vxx in relation to loading.

If a variable refers to function 'GETT' and 'TIMESERIES', it will be identified as

TimeSeries variable. All TimeSeries variables will be reset at each time interval.

A variable refers to function like 'AVG', 'FIRST', 'FIRSTN', 'LAST', 'LASTN',

'MAX', 'MAXN', 'MIN', 'MINN', 'SPAN', 'GET', 'PHASE', 'PHASEX', 'RISETIME',
'LOADFACTOR', 'ADAPT', 'CYCLICMODIFY' will be identified as Cyclic
variable.. All Cyclic variables will be reset on cycle data processing

All other variables not in the categories will remain their value between Test States

2.4 Scripting
Scripting feature not yet available.

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