MTS Multipurpose Elite - Manual (Page 164)

Variable Basics
Variables Overview
A variable is a name associated with a data value. A variable stores one or more values and provides the
ability to store and manipulate data in applications. Variables can represent numeric values, text strings,
and the location of data in memory or on disk and provide test designers with the ability to write flexible
test procedures. The MTS TestSuite applications use variables in test activities, data acquisition activities,
analyzer applications, and reports.
A simple variable can store a single text string, Boolean, or numeric value. An array variable stores a series
of text, numeric, or Boolean values. Various activities such as calculations, operator inputs, and data
acquisition can be used to set the value stored by the variable. System and specimen variables are
predefined, read-only variables that are supplied by the application.
You can create variables from within the Variables editor, or at the point of use within the MTS TestSuite
application. Creating a variable at the point of use is done within the Properties panel of a test activity. You
can add or edit a variable from any window used to manipulate variables, such as the Variables Selection
window, the Select a Variable window, the Calculation Editor, and the DAQ Map Variables form. Right-click
in the window and click New Variable to open the New Variable window, or click Edit Variable to open
the Edit Variable window.
Variables defined in the test are stored with the test. The definition of a given variable, including its name
and type, remains constant throughout the test run, even though its value may change. Each test run saves
a “snapshot” of the test procedure and variable definitions at the time the test run is created.
Typical Uses for Variables
After you create a variable, you can use the variable in activities in the test procedure, in test-run displays,
test reports, analysis applications, and calculations.
Note: MTS supplied templates include pre-configured data acquisition activities and variables that
save data for use in various charts and tables that appear in the test, report templates, and post-test
analysis.
Typical Uses for Variables
Description Item
Most test activity property settings can be entered as a static value or a
variable. You can configure variables for an operator to enter. Other Test Activities
settings are defined by variables so that they can be changed during the
test and in post-test analysis scenarios. Some variables only represent
one value in a given test.
164 | MTS TestSuite
Working with Variables