The FullMetrics Analyzer provides advanced analysis functions through the use of Formulas and Computations. These functions provide a way to have simple to complex calculations automatically performed and immediately displayed. Even more powerful is the ability to create new formulas and computations for data already recorded. This means you can focus on collecting the data on-site and be confident that even if you didn't think of a calculation at the time, you can always go back and add it later.

Formulas
Formulas are user-defined functions applied to one or a combination of channels or even other formulas. Formula results get plotted along with their source traces in the Profile Analyzer display. Since formulas are always calculated, they may be viewed immediately with their source signals.

One of the most popular uses of formulas is to plot derivatives. For instance, Velocity can be derived from a simple position input.

Depending on the type of function, you may also apply a constant multiplier for scaling and define a moving range of data points to average for each plot point of the formula. Averaging data points can help when you have a noisy signal or to smooth out some bumpy derivative traces. You may also specify either hard display limits or have the application auto-scale for display purposes.

Computations
Computations are user-defined measurements that produce one value per shot for each defined computation, thereby continually generating statistical data for analysis purposes. Once created, computations are actively calculated during data acquisition and may be run directly into the SPC charting feature, providing "real-time" SPC. Computations may also be modified and then recomputed as analysis progresses.

Computations can also be used to trigger outputs on limit exception. Both high and low limits may be defined for each computation, as well as the output port. Outputs can be used to trigger warning lights or even reverse the direction of a conveyer belt for bad parts.

Computation measurements are performed on a selected channel or formula within a defined range. Options for defining the computation depend on the type of measurement function selected. The three types include time-based, cycle time, and engineering value.

Time-based Computation
Time-based functions measure the total duration in time between defined start and stop conditions. The start condition can be defined using any of the following:

• The defined acquisition Trigger.
• The active or inactive edge of any digital input.
• The minimum, maximum, or specified value of any analog input.

The stop condition may be defined with the same options except for trigger. Note that the stop basis channel does not need to be the same as the start basis channel, further expanding the possibilities for complex ranges to be defined.

Cycle Time
This function is actually an automated time-based measure that returns the total time for the cycle. As such, there are no measurement option settings required.

Engineering Value Computation
This type of computation produces a value in units of measure of the primary basis channel or formula, and provides the most flexible and complex types of calculations.

Engineering functions include average, minimum, maximum, range, and area under the curve, all measured between a defined range. Engineering functions also include the function value at delay, which returns the value of the trace at a defined delay from the start condition.

While engineering computations may define ranges using the same options as Time-based computations, they may also use cursor positions to define ranges. This provides a means for automating measurements that would otherwise be impossible with other systems.