Hello RussellSenior,
Typically, you draw a signal (Y channel) over reference values (X channel). This is often the clock rate (time), but can also be the frequency, length or something else. This is necessary to be able to plot, compare, calculate or analyze the data in a physical correct manner. But it is of course also possible to use just an index as X channel. In this case there is no reference to a physical quantity – the X channel is just a serial number.
In DIAdem we try to support an ease of use for the users and we try to support the mostly used situations. For VIEW and REPORT this is drag and drop for the channels. Currently we have the following options:
Simple numeric channels and plotting Y over X:
The first clicked channel is the X channel and all other selected channels are the Y channels
Numeric waveform channels and plotting Y over X:
Each waveform channel contains the X data in some channel properties so that these type of channel knows the reference. All selected waveform channels are plotted over its waveform data – the first selected channel is not used as X channel. (With reference to the waveform properties of a channel, DIAdem generates a hidden X channel in the background – for the user it is not necessary keeping attention to the X channel.)
Simple numeric channels plotting just a Y channel:
To be able to draw just a Y channel, DIAdem supports a special case. If you drag & drop just one Y channel (and this channel is not a waveform) then DIAdem generates a hidden X channel in the background. This is an index channel and for the user it is not necessary keeping attention to the X channel. This is only possible for a single selected channel. If you select more channels one of the above cases is used.
If you would like to draw multiple Y channels over the index you have two options:
Drag & drop each channel separate
Generate an index channel in ANALYSIS (channel functions, generate numeric channel) and the first option above can be used.
Greetings
Walter