PSM Comm2

Data Logging Software

User Manual

Manual constructed using Software version v1_1c

Revision 1.1

25th Sept 2018

 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

PSMComm2 is a self-contained executable software program for

use with the N4L PSM17xx and PSM37xx series Phase Sensitive
Multimeters.

Accordingly, this manual first describes the general features and

specification of the software as a whole; and then describes the
individual functions in detail.

Each function is described in turn, in its own chapter, with details

of the principles on which it is based, how to use it, the options
available, display options etc.

Revision: 1.1

This manual is copyright © 2004-2017 Newtons4th Ltd.

and all rights are reserved. No part may be copied or
reproduced in any form without prior written consent.

25th Sept 2018

2
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Table of Contents

1 Introduction .............................................................. 5
1.1 Introduction to PSMComm2 ..................................... 5
1.2 Minimum Requirements .......................................... 5
2 Getting Started .......................................................... 6
2.1 Download .............................................................. 6
2.2 Installation ............................................................ 6
2.3 Software Settings .................................................. 6
3 Connecting ................................................................ 9
3.1 Preparing the PSM .................................................. 9
3.2 Connecting to your PSM ......................................... 11
4 Configuration Panel ................................................. 13
4.1 Using the Configuration Panel ................................. 13
5 The Display Menu .................................................... 15
5.1 Using the Display Menu.......................................... 15
5.2 Save to Bitmap ..................................................... 17
5.3 Copy to Clipboard ................................................. 18
6 FRA Mode ................................................................ 19
6.1 Real-Time FRA Measurements ................................ 19
6.2 Performing an FRA Sweep ...................................... 19
6.3 Exporting an FRA Sweep to CSV.............................. 22
6.4 Exporting an FRA Sweep to Excel ............................ 24
7 LCR Mode ................................................................. 25
7.1 Real-Time LCR Measurements ................................ 25
7.2 Performing an LCR Sweep ...................................... 25
7.3 Graph Settings ..................................................... 28
7.4 Exporting LCR to CSV ............................................ 33
7.5 Exporting LCR to Excel ........................................... 34
8 Piezo Mode .............................................................. 35
8.1 Introduction to Piezo Mode ..................................... 35
8.2 Performing a Piezo Sweep ...................................... 35

3
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

8.3 Exporting Piezo Data to CSV ................................... 37

8.4 Exporting Piezo Data to Excel ................................. 38
8.5 Importing into Piezo mode ..................................... 41
8.6 Piezo mode Calculate function ................................ 42
9 EIS Mode ................................................................. 43
9.1 Introduction to EIS Mode ....................................... 43
9.2 Performing an EIS Sweep ....................................... 43
9.3 Graph Settings ..................................................... 45
9.4 Exporting EIS Data to CSV ..................................... 47
9.5 Exporting EIS Data to Excel .................................... 48
9.6 Importing into EIS mode. ....................................... 52
9.7 EIS mode Calculate function ................................... 53
10 PSMComm2 Database .............................................. 54
10.1 Introduction to the PSMComm2 Database .............. 54
10.2 Adding a Session to the database ......................... 55
10.3 Adding a Test to the Database .............................. 56
10.4 Removing a Test from the Database ...................... 58
10.5 Exporting a Database Test to CSV ......................... 59
10.6 Exporting a Database Test to Excel ....................... 62
10.7 Graphing a Database Test .................................... 63
10.8 Database Graph Settings ..................................... 65
10.9 Finding the Gain/Phase Margins ............................ 69
10.10 Calculating Multiple Feedback Loop Response ......... 70
11 Capture Mode .......................................................... 74
11.1 Downloading a screenshot from a PSM. ................. 74
12 Using PSMComm2 CSV Files..................................... 76
12.1 Importing CSV Files into Excel .............................. 76

Appendices

Appendix A: Contact Details

4
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

1 Introduction

1.1 Introduction to PSMComm2

PSMComm2 is a self-contained executable software program

written in C++ using the Microsoft win32 graphics set.

PSMComm2 has the ability to connect to the PSM series of

instruments via RS232, USB, and LAN. The software includes all
measurement modes to reflect instrument operation.

PSMComm2 supports the ability to export text files in CSV format

as well as export directly to Microsoft Excel.

This guide was written using a PSM3750 with Firmware version

V1.36

1.2 Minimum Requirements

The minimum requirements to run the PSMComm2 Software are

as follows:

 Windows XP (Service Pack 3) or later

 At least 1GHz Processor
 Minimum of 1GB RAM
 10MB of Hard Drive space.

5
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

2 Getting Started

2.1 Download

As with all N4L Software, it is available for free download from

our website. See www.newtons4th.com/support for more details.
Once registered and your account has been activated you will
have access to the software downloads section.

2.2 Installation

Wherever possible, at N4L we try to develop software that

enables the engineer to be ready and performing tests as soon
as possible. With this in mind, we have made PSMComm2’s
installation method as simple as possible.

To install PSMComm2, simply download the .exe file onto your

PC’s hard drive or an external drive such as a USB memory stick
and run it straight away.

2.3 Software Settings

To access the Settings window go to Configure and click

“Settings…” from the drop-down menu

This brings up the Software Options window which allows you to

change settings that affect everything in PSMComm2.

The Software Options window:

6
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Export Number Format allows you to change the format in which

PSMComm2 will export numbers to CSV and to Excel.
This is initially set to “Default”, which will take the number
format settings for your PC’s locale settings.

The other options are:

 UK/US (forced) which attempts to export with the UK/US
number format which uses ‘.’ as a decimal separator and ‘,’ as
a thousand separator

 France (forced) which attempts to export with the French

number format which uses ‘,’ as a decimal separator and ‘ ’ as
a thousand separator

 Germany (forced) which attempts to export with the German

number format which uses ‘,’ as a decimal separator and ‘.’ as
a thousand separator

 Custom which allows you to set your own decimal and

thousand separator

For most cases, this should be left as “Default”.

7
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Debug Mode

PSMComm2’s Debug mode can be accessed from the Configure

Menu:

When entering Debug Mode, PSMComm2 will ask for a location

to store the debug log file, select a file location and press OK to
enter Debug Mode

While in Debug Mode, PSMComm2 will create a log of all

communication with the connected PSM in a log file.

8
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

3 Connecting

3.1 Preparing the PSM

Before the software can connect, the PSM must be ready to
accept the connection. To prepare your PSM for connection with
PSMComm2, ensure the unit is powered on and the cables are
connected.

Next, you must ensure the Instrument is correctly set up to

reflect the type of connection you are using. To do this, access
the COMMS menu on the unit; navigate to the Interface option
and select the interface you are using to connect to the software:
RS232, USB, or LAN.

If you select RS232, you will need to additionally set the Baud
Rate of the cable you intend to use

9
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

For LAN you’ll need to set an IP Address for the Instrument.

Please note that the GPIB option is for connecting the PSM to
other equipment, and not for communicating with PSMComm2.

10
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

3.2 Connecting to your PSM

To begin connecting to an instrument, click on Configure and

select “Connection…” from the drop-down menu.

This brings up the communications window where you’ll set up

how you’re connecting to the instrument.

Enter the PSM’s communication details by selecting the

communication method (Serial, USB or LAN).

If you selected LAN you’ll need to enter the same IP as you set
your unit to.
If you selected USB or Serial you’ll need to select the COM port
that windows assigned to your cable. Additionally, if you select
Serial you’ll need to set your cable’s Baud Rate.

To check the connection settings are correct, press the Test

button to attempt a connection. This will then bring up a
message telling you if the connection was successful.

11
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

If you failed to connect, it will bring up a message telling you the

connection failed

If the connection was successful, the message will tell you the
details of the instrument you are connected to, such as its model,
serial number, and firmware level.

If you want PSMComm2 to remember your current connection

settings and reload every time you open the connection window,
you can do so by pressing the Save as Default button.

If this is the first time you’ve used PSMComm2, you will need to
enter an Unlock Code, if you haven’t received an Unlock Code
contact your local Newtons4th Distributor or our support team.

Once you press Connect (or Unlock) the software will then
connect to and download the Configuration settings for each
instrument it is able to connect to.

12
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

4 Configuration Panel

4.1 Using the Configuration Panel

The connected instrument’s settings are stored in the
configuration panel and can be edited and sent back to the
instrument.

Before changing any settings in the Control Panel you should

always press READ PSM this enables the software to download
that PSM’s settings to ensure the software is configured with any
changes that have been made to the PSM’s settings on the
instrument’s front panel.

Then choose which settings menu to look at and edit, the

individual instruments settings can be modified in the
Configuration Control Panel.

The Generator Monitor can be found in the Configuration Control

Panel. This displays the PSM generator waveform settings and
status. It is constantly updated to indicate if the generator
output is ON or OFF. The display changes to reflect the waveform
selected from the dropdown in the output menu.

The waveforms available are dependent on the PSM model

connected to the software.

13
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

The menus in PSMComm2 are designed to mimic the

Instrument’s settings panels. For more information on what each
setting does, check the respective Instrument’s User Manual.

Finally, the changes you made need to be communicated to the

Instrument; any amended settings are sent by pressing the
SETUP PSM button. The changes must be sent to the
instrument for the instrument to be configured correctly.

Additionally, you can hide and show the Configuration Panel by

pressing the Hide Settings and Show Settings button.

14
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

5 The Display Menu

5.1 Using the Display Menu
The Display menu is used to save the displayed screen as a
picture.

The following are examples of screens that can be saved:

FRA’s Real Time display

FRA’s Graph

LCR’s Real Time display

15
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

LCR’s Bode graph

LCR
and

EIS’s Nyquist Graph

Piezo’s Graph

16
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Capture Mode’s Screenshot

5.2 Save to Bitmap

Save to Bitmap allows you to save the current screen as a .bmp

image.
After the Save to Bitmap menu item has been clicked,
PSMComm2 will need a file location to save the image to.

Note: to save your .bmp file, remove the * and replace with your file name before
clicking on save

17
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Once a location has been selected, press the Save button to save
the screenshot.

5.3 Copy to Clipboard

Copy to clipboard saves the image in your windows clipboard.

The screenshot can then be pasted anywhere that you’d
normally use an image such as an Email, a Picture Editor (eg.
MS Paint, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, etc.)

18
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

6 FRA Mode

6.1 Real-Time FRA Measurements

To see the real-time data gathered by the PSM, ensure you’re in

FRA Mode by pressing the FRA button at the top of PSMComm2.

PSMComm2 will reload all the settings from the connected PSM.

To read in data from the PSM in real-time, change the view mode
to REALTIME

And press START to begin logging and PSMComm2’s data display

will update with the latest values from the connected PSM.
6.2 Performing an FRA Sweep

19
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

To perform an FRA sweep, ensure you’re in FRA Mode by

pressing the FRA button at the top of PSMComm2

PSMComm2 will reload all the settings from the connected PSM.
To start a sweep, change the view mode to GRAPH or TABLE

And press SWEEP button to bring up the Test Details window

which allows you to set up an FRA sweep.

20
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

You can select to perform a Single Test, Repeating Test or a Real

Time Sweep.

Selecting a Repeating Test brings up some additional options

where you can set the number of Tests to run and the Interval
between sweeps starting.

The Real-Time Sweep option builds up the graphical display point

by point or populates the table as the sweep progresses.

The Sweep Setup details can be checked and updated if

necessary.

FRA Sweeps can be Saved to the Database; to save a sweep to

the Database it will need a Current Session, Project Name, Test
Name and (optionally) a Test Description. You can start a new
session by pressing the Add Session Button which will bring up
this window

21
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Enter the session details and press the Create Session button to
save the sessions to the database.

Once the sweep has been set up, press the Start Sweep button
and PSMComm2 will start to get the connected PSM to sweep.

6.3 Exporting an FRA Sweep to CSV

To export to CSV, once the sweep is completed press the Export

button.

And select Export to CSV

Press OK and PSMComm2 will ask for a file location:

22
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Select a file location for the data to be stored in and set a file
name; finally, press Save.

23
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

6.4 Exporting an FRA Sweep to Excel

To export to Excel, once the sweep is completed press the Export

button.

Select Export to Excel is selected and press OK.

Excel will open with the step count and all the FRA data from the
sweep. Excel can be used to save the data to a “.xlsx” file.

24
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

7 LCR Mode

7.1 Real-Time LCR Measurements

To see the real-time data gathered by the PSM, ensure you’re in
LCR Mode by pressing the LCR button at the top of PSMComm2.

PSMComm2 will reload all the settings from the connected PSM.

To read in data from the PSM in real-time, change the view mode
to REALTIME

And press START to begin logging and PSMComm2’s data display

will update with the latest values from the connected PSM

7.2 Performing an LCR Sweep

25
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

To perform an LCR sweep, ensure you’re in LCR Mode by

pressing the LCR button at the top of PSMComm2

PSMComm2 will reload all the settings from the connected PSM.

To start a sweep change the View mode to BODE, NYQUIST or

TABLE

And press SWEEP button to bring up the Test Details window

which allows you to set up an FRA sweep.

You can select to perform a Single Test, Repeating Test or a Real

Time Sweep.

Selecting a Repeating Test brings up some additional options

where you can set the number of Tests to run and the Interval
between sweeps starting.

The Real-Time Sweep option builds up the graphical display point

by point or populates the table as the sweep progresses.

The Sweep Setup details can be checked and updated if

necessary.

26
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

27
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

7.3 Graph Settings

To change the visual settings of LCR Graphs, press the Graph

Settings button while the View Mode is either Bode or Nyquist.

Both Bode and Nyquist have their own settings that can be edited separately

This brings up the Graph Settings window. Selecting one of the

Settings View options updates the settings displayed in the
Graph Settings window. Selecting Plot A or Plot B displays the
following settings:

28
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

All the options in the graph settings window are available by right-clicking the graph
The Graph Settings window allows you to choose the style of Y-
Axis Plots, the X-Axis, and the general Graph style, Plot A
controls the left Y-Axis and Plot B controls the right Y-Axis.

Data allows you to select which data the plot will graph. The
actual options included in the drop-down menu depend on the
PSM model being used and the instrument settings.

Axis Scale allows you to edit the scale of the Y-axis; there is the
choice between Linear and Logarithmic. When a Logarithmic
scale is selected the scaling on the graph in the software window
for the left Y-axis can be different to that of the right Y-axis.

Range will allow you to change the Range of both left and right
Y-Axis as well as the X-Axis, while Padding allows you to change
how much relief there is between the plot and the edge of the
graph in both X and Y directions.

29
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

For additional customisation, you can change the colour

(including selecting a custom colour) and weight of both of the
Y plots as well as being able to turn the plot cursors on and off
for both Y plots.

Preview allows you to view the changes on the LCR Graph, and
once you’re happy you can either save it as a new default, reload
the current default, press OK or cancel to leave the graph as it
was.

Note: These settings are ONLY for the graph displayed in the
software. The instrument settings MUST be adjusted in the
Configuration menus in the software or on the instrument and
the READ PSM or SETUP PSM buttons in the software used to
ensure the instrument and software are both using the same
settings. Further details can be found in Section 4.

Bode Plot X-Axis settings:

Selecting X Axis displays the following Bode Graph Settings:

30
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Axis Scale allows you to edit the scale of the Y-axis, there is the
choice between Linear and Logarithmic.

Range allows you to change the Range (sweep start and sweep
end) for the X-Axis. Padding allows you to change how much
relief there is between the plot and the edge of the graph in both
X and Y directions.

Preview allows you to view the changes on the LCR Graph, and
once you’re happy you can either save it as a new default, reload
the current default, press OK or cancel to leave the graph as it
was.
Bode Plot Graph Settings:

31
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

The background colour of the graph can be changed in the Graph

settings. The default colour is black which can be changed to
white.

Preview allows you to view the changes on the LCR Graph, and
once you’re happy you can either save it as a new default, reload
the current default, press OK or cancel to leave the graph as it
was.

Nyquist Graph Settings:

The settings are similar to those for Bode Graphs except there is
no Plot B for the Y-axis.

32
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

7.4 Exporting LCR to CSV

To export to CSV, once the sweep is completed press the Export

button.

And select Export to CSV

Press OK and PSMComm2 will ask for a file location:

Select a file location for the data to be stored in and set a file
name; finally, press Save.

33
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

7.5 Exporting LCR to Excel

To export to Excel, once the sweep is completed press the Export

button.

And ensure Export to Excel is selected then press OK.

Excel will open with the step count and all the LCR data from the
sweep. Excel can be used to save the data to a “.xlsx” file.

34
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

8 Piezo Mode

8.1 Introduction to Piezo Mode

Piezo mode is PSMComm2’s mode for modelling a Piezoelectric

Equivalent Circuit. PSMComm2 runs an LCR sweep and will
calculate the values of Ls, Rs, Cs, and Cp.

8.2 Performing a Piezo Sweep

To perform a Piezo sweep, ensure you’re in Piezo Mode by

pressing the Piezo button at the top of PSMComm2.

PSMComm2 will reload all the settings from the connected PSM.

Pressing SWEEP will display the Test Details window:

35
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

You can select to perform a Single Test or a Repeating Test.

Selecting a Repeating Test brings up some additional options
where you can set the number of Tests to run and the Interval
between sweeps starting.

The Sweep Setup details can be checked and updated if

necessary.
Once the sweep has been set up, press the Start Sweep button
and PSMComm2 will start the sweep running on the connected
PSM.

36
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Once the Sweep has been performed and downloaded,

PSMComm2 will show the L, R, C, and Cp values, as well as the
Impedance and Phase, graphed over frequency.

8.3 Exporting Piezo Data to CSV

To export to CSV, once the sweep is completed press the Export

button.

And select Export to CSV

37
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Press OK and PSMComm2 will ask for a file location:

Select a file location for the data to be stored in and set a file
name; finally, press Save.

8.4 Exporting Piezo Data to Excel

To export to Excel, once the sweep is completed press the Export
button.

And ensure Export to Excel is selected then press OK.

38
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Excel will open with a report spread over 3 tabs:

The first tab is a report with a circuit diagram and the calculated
values of Ls, Rs, Cs, and Cp:

The second page is the LCR sweep data:

39
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

And the third tab is the graph:

40
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

8.5 Importing into Piezo mode

To import LCR data into Piezo mode press the Import button

PSMComm2 will then ask for a CSV file, select a Piezo CSV
exported from PSMComm2 to load in as a Piezo sweep.

And PSMComm2 will import it and calculate the Piezo Equivalent

Circuit values.

This data can be re-exported to Excel or CSV.

41
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

8.6 Piezo mode Calculate function

A sweep generated in another mode (other than FRA) can be

viewed in Piezo mode and the values of Ls, Rs, Cs, and Cp
calculated without the requirement to perform another sweep.

Change to Piezo Mode by pressing the Piezo button in the top

corner of the PSMComm2 window. Piezo mode will be displayed
and the graph will be updated using the sweep data from the
previous mode setting.

Click on Calculate to determine the values of Ls, Rs, Cs, and Cp

which will then be displayed.

42
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

9 EIS Mode

9.1 Introduction to EIS Mode

EIS mode is PSMComm2’s Electrochemical Impedance
Spectroscopy mode that is used to model Randles Cell equivalent
circuit values: Rs, Rp, Cp.

In this mode, PSMComm2 automatically sets the following values

on Ch2 of the PSM, (Input=external shunt, Scale factor=1.0 and
the shunt value = 470mOhms)

9.2 Performing an EIS Sweep

To perform an EIS sweep, ensure you’re in EIS Mode by pressing

the EIS button at the top of PSMComm2

PSMComm2 will reload all the settings from the connected PSM.

Press SWEEP to bring up the Test Details window:

43
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

You can select to perform a Single Test or a Repeating Test.

Selecting a Repeating Test brings up some additional options
where you can set the number of Tests to run and the Interval
between sweeps starting.

The Sweep Setup details can be checked and updated if

necessary.
Once the sweep has been set up, press the Start Sweep button
and PSMComm2 will start the sweep running on the connected
PSM.

44
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

With the Sweep downloaded, PSMComm2 will display the

Nyquist plot of the LCR data and the Rs, Rp, and Cp values

9.3 Graph Settings

To change the visual settings of the EIS Graph, press the Graph
Settings button.

This brings up the Graph Settings window:

45
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

All the options in the graph settings window are available by right-clicking the graph

The Graph Settings window allows you to choose the style of Y-

Axis Plots, the X-Axis, and the general Graph style, Plot A
controls the left Y-Axis and Plot B controls the right Y-Axis. Data
allows you to select which data the plot will graph. Axis Scale
allows you to edit the scale of the Y-axis (Plot A and Plot B) and
the X-Axis; there is the choice between Linear and Logarithmic.
Range will allow you to change the Range of both left and right
Y-Axis as well as the X-Axis, while Padding allows you to change
how much relief there is between the plot and the edge of the
graph in both X and Y directions.

For additional customisation, you can change the colour

(including selecting a custom colour) and weight of both of the
Y plots as well as being able to turn the plot cursors on and off
for both Y plots.

46
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

The background colour of the graph can be changed in the Graph

settings.

Preview allows you to view the changes on the LCR Graph, and
once you’re happy you can either save it as a new default, reload
the current default, press OK or cancel to leave the graph as it
was.

9.4 Exporting EIS Data to CSV

To export to CSV, once the sweep is completed press the Export

button.

And select Export to CSV

Press OK and PSMComm2 will ask for a file location:

47
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Select a file location for the data to be stored in and set a file
name; finally, press Save.

9.5 Exporting EIS Data to Excel

To export to Excel, once the sweep is completed press the Export
button.

And ensure Export to Excel is selected and press OK.

48
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Excel will open with a report spread over 4 tabs:

The first tab is s report with a circuit diagram and the Cp, Rp,
and Rs values on it:

49
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

The second tab is a page with the LCR sweep results on it:

The Third tab is a page with the Imaginary and Real data used
to create the Nyquist plot:

50
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

The final tab is a page with the Nyquist graph on:

51
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

9.6 Importing into EIS mode.

To import LCR data into EIS mode press the Import button

PSMComm2 will then ask for a CSV file, select an EIS CSV
exported from PSMComm2 to load in as an EIS sweep.

And PSMComm2 will import it and calculate the EIS Equivalent

Circuit values.

This data can be re-exported to Excel or CSV.

52
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

9.7 EIS mode Calculate function

A sweep generated in another mode (other than FRA) can be

viewed in EIS mode and the values of Rs, Rp, Cp can be
determined without the requirement to perform another sweep.

Change to EIS Mode by pressing the EIS button in the top corner
of the PSMComm2 window. EIS mode will be displayed and the
graph will be updated using the sweep data from the previous
mode setting.

Click on Calculate to determine the values of Rs, Rp, Cp which will

then be displayed.

53
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

10 PSMComm2 Database
10.1 Introduction to the PSMComm2 Database
PSMComm2’s database is used for storing FRA plots in a reliable
and reusable way. The plots can be exported to CSV & Excel as
well as graphed. Multiple FRA sweeps can be graphed together
and calculations can be run on database FRA plots.

To Access the PSMComm2’s database system, press the

DATABASE button just under the menu.

This will show you the PSMComm2 database view:

When you first open PSMComm2 it will create a new database

for you called “default.db” and place this in the same location as
PSMComm2’s .exe file, however, if you want to make a new
database you can with the New Database button.
Open Database Allows you to swap the database you’re editing
to another database created by PSMComm2.

54
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

10.2 Adding a Session to the database

All tests added to a PSMComm2 database must be part of a

session.

The Create Session button allows you to create a new testing

session for tests to be added to. When Create Session is pressed,
the Create Session window is displayed:

Fill in the details and press Create Session to add the new
session to the database. This will show in the Session Window

55
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Sessions and all related tests can be deleted by using the Delete
Session button.

10.3 Adding a Test to the Database

To Add a test to the PSMComm2 database, an FRA sweep must

be performed, to do this we will need to enter Measure mode
again:

FRA mode will also need to be selected:

Sweeps can only be performed when Graph or Table View modes

are selected:

Click on Sweep to display the Test Details Window:

56
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Check and update the

Test Settings if required.

Enable Save Sweep to

Database

Select a Current Session

from the drop down menu
or use the Create Session
function for this test to be
added.

Enter the remaining test

details.

Press Start Sweep to start

the Sweep running.

Full details on FRA Sweeps can be found in section 6.2

Once the Sweep has finished click on DATABASE to return to the

Database display.

57
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

On the Database screen, select the Session name that the Sweep
was added to:

The new Sweep will have been added to the Database. It will
have the Project Name and Test Name entered when the Sweep
was performed.

The sweep will show in the Test Window

10.4 Removing a Test from the Database

To delete a test from the PSMComm2 Database, select the test

you want to remove and then press the Delete Test button:

58
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

You will be asked to confirm you want to delete the test. Press
“Yes” to delete the test.

The test is then deleted from the database.

10.5 Exporting a Database Test to CSV

To export tests from the PSMComm2 Database to CSV files, first

select the tests to be exported. This can be done by clicking on
the test to be exported and pressing the Add Test to Selection
button:

Multiple tests can be exported so this process should be repeated

until all required tests have been selected. Alternatively, double-
clicking on the test will select it.

59
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

The selected tests will then appear in the lower part of the
Database window, the Selection Window.

Once all the tests to be exported have been selected, press the
Export Selected Tests button:

The Export Tests Window appears. Select CSV format and then
press OK

PSMComm2 will then ask for a folder to place the exported tests
into, navigate to the place where the CSV files are to be saved
and press OK:

60
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

The exported CSV files will be placed in the selected folder and
will be named the same as the Test Name field entered when
running the sweep.

61
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

10.6 Exporting a Database Test to Excel

To export tests from the PSMComm2 Database to Excel, first

select the tests to be exported. This can be done by clicking on
the test to be exported and pressing the Add Test to Selection
button:

Multiple tests can be exported so this process should be repeated

until all required tests have been selected. Alternatively, double-
clicking on the test will select it.

The selected tests will then appear in the lower part of the
Database window, the Selection Window.

Once all the tests to be exported have been selected, press the
Export Selected Tests button:

62
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

The Export Tests Window appears. Select Excel format and then
press OK

PSMComm2 will then export each of the tests into a single excel
document, with the tests placed side by side to each other.

10.7 Graphing a Database Test

The Sweeps stored in the database can be viewed graphically

using the Graph Selected Tests button. This can be done by
clicking on the test to be exported and pressing the Add Test to
Selection button:

63
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Multiple tests can be graphed so this process should be repeated

until all required tests have been selected. Alternatively, double-
clicking on the test will select it.

The selected tests will then appear in the lower part of the
Database window, the Selection Window.

Once all the tests to be graphed have been selected, press the
Graph Selected Tests button bringing up the Database Graph
window:

This example shows a graph displaying the Gain and Phase

responses for 2 tests.

64
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

10.8 Database Graph Settings

The Database Graph can be customized by using the menu

options in the top corner of the Graph Window.

The Graph Appearance and Plot Appearance options feature

drop-down menus that allow various settings to be adjusted:

Graph Appearance > Graph Scaling

The X-axis scaling can be set to Linear or Logarithmic.

Graph Appearance > Gain Range

The Gain range defaults to Auto Scale; this can be changed to

Centred to 0dB or manual ranging.

65
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Graph Appearance > Frequency Range

The Frequency ranging defaults to auto scale but can be

changed to manual ranging.

Graph Appearance > Background Colour

The default graph background is black but can be changed to

White or customised to any colour.

Graph Appearance > Cursor Visibility

The cursors can be displayed or hidden for the Gain and Phase
responses.

66
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

The Plot Appearance menu allows each individual plot to be

customised.

Plot Appearance > Test Name > Visible >

For each test, the user can choose whether or not to display
the Gain or Phase plots.

Plot Appearance > Test Name > Weight > Gain / Phase >

The thickness of each individual Gain and Phase plotline can be

adjusted for each test included on the graph. Default is regular
but this can be changed to Thin or Thick. The selections are also
independent of each other.

Plot Appearance > Test Name > Gain Phase Margins > Visibility

The user can choose whether or not to display the Gain and/or
Phase margins along with the suboptimal gain/phase points.

67
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Plot Appearance > Test Name > Gain Phase Margins > Colour

The default colour of each of the individual Gain and Phase

margins is white; this can be adjusted to black or customised to
any colour by the user.

Plot Appearance > Test Name > Colour > Gain / Phase >

The colour of each individual Gain and Phase plot can be selected
from the list of colours on the drop-down menu.

68
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

10.9 Finding the Gain/Phase Margins

To get PSMComm2’s Database graph to find and display the

Gain/Phase margins, go to Analyze and select Find Gain/Phase
Margins from the drop-down menu.

PSMComm2 will then find all the Gain/Phase points on each of

the plots in the graph, and display the best pair for each plot.
The gain crossover points are represented with a square, the
phase crossover points are represented with a rhomboid.

69
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

The cursors are placed in the optimal gain/phase points for the
currently selected plot.

All the gain/phase points can be drawn by making the “hidden”

gain/phase margin points visible in the Plot Appearance menu.

10.10 Calculating Multiple Feedback Loop Response

PSMComm2 can calculate the feedback loop response from 2 or

3 loops. With 2 or more plots selected to graph from the
database, go to the Analyze menu on PSMComm2’s database
graph and select “Calculate Multiple Feedback Loop Response”:

70
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

This will bring up the Loop selection window which asks you
which of the plots should be used for the calculation:

To change which plots will be used, click in the text boxes beside
“Response 1”, “Response 2” and the optional “Response 3” and
this window will appear showing you which plots you have to
choose from:

Select the plot you want to use and press “OK” to confirm.

71
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Once the correct plots have been selected, you can have the
calculation performed as if it were an open loop by ticking the
Open Loop tick box.

When all the settings are correct, press OK to have PSMComm2

calculate the Multiple Feedback Loop Response.

There will be 2 new dashed lines on the graph, these are the
gain and phase for the calculated response.

This is a graph of the gain of the two selected plots and the
calculated response:

And the phase of the two selected plots and the calculated
response:

72
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

73
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

11 Capture Mode

11.1 Downloading a screenshot from a PSM.

To switch PSMComm2 to Capture Mode, press the Capture menu

item at the top of PSMComm2.

This puts PSMComm2 into Capture Mode.

To download a screenshot from the PSM display screen, press

the Download button.

PSMComm2 will show the download within a Progress Window

74
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Once the download is complete, the screenshot from the PSM

will be placed on the Canvas.

Now the screenshot can be copied to Clipboard for pasting into

emails, image editors or anywhere else using Copy to Clipboard,
and Saved as a bitmap image using Export to Bitmap.

75
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

12 Using PSMComm2 CSV Files

12.1 Importing CSV Files into Excel

CSV Files exported from any mode in PSMComm2 can be loaded

into Excel as data, creating a spreadsheet from the CSV.

To load the data into Excel, open Excel and select the first cell
to enter the data into

Then go to the Data Tab and click the From Text button.

After navigating to and selecting the file to be loaded into Excel,

press the Import button.

76
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Excel will then ask if the data should be imported as a Delimited

file or Fixed Width. Ensure Delimited is selected and press Next.

Excel will then ask what the data in the file is delimited by.
Ensure that Tab is selected and press Next.

77
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Finally, if you set a custom locale, go to Advanced, and tell Excel

what it should use as Decimal and Thousand separators.

78
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Select the required separators from the drop-down menus. Then

press OK to return to the Text import wizard step 3.

Press the Finish button then press OK on the next window, or set
a new location for the data to be imported to.

Excel will place the CSV into the spreadsheet separated by

column.

79
 PSMComm2 Software User Manual

Contact Details

If you require any further assistance with the operation of

PSMComm2 please do not hesitate to contact your local
distributor or N4L:

Newtons4th Ltd.
1 Bede Island Road
Leicester
LE2 7EA
United Kingdom

E-mail address [email protected]

Tel: (0116) 230 1066 international +44 116 230 1066

Fax: (0116) 230 1061 international +44 116 230 1061

Website: www.newtons4th.com

80