During each scan, both the magnitude and the phase of a particular electric field component at a plane are measured. Measured data can easily be interpreted and understood when displayed as 2D or 3D graphs. Visualization of the [[NeoScan]] scan data are realized by LabVIEW based programs. It plots the amplitude and the phase of the measured field distribution on a horizontal plane after the scan. [[NeoScan]] Visualization Utility includes three pages: Settings, Near Field Maps, and Far Field Patterns.
[[Image:icon_Plot.png|right]] Open the [[NeoScan]] Visualization Utility program from Desktop or Windows Explorer by double clicking on the NeoScanVisual icon[[Image:icon_Plot_small.png]]. By default, [[NeoScan]] Visualization Utility program opens up with âSettingsâ page (Figure 5.1). <center>[[Image:neoscanfig_5_1.png|thumb|center|600px|<i><b>Figure 5.1</b>: NeoScan Visualizarion Utility Program.</i>]]</center> ==== Settings Page ====
5.1.1 Settings Page
By default [[NeoScan]] Visualization Utility program consider the âProject Folderâ:
C:\Users\[[NeoScan|neoscan]]\Documents\[[NeoScan]]\Projects
In order to view the plots of scan data:
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Press âOpen File 1â button as shown in Figure 5.1. This opens up the dialog window, where direct you to the project in parent folder where you want to open a data file, see Figure 5.2.
<center>[[Image:neoscanfig_5_2.png|thumb|center|600px|<i><b>Figure 5.2</b>: Selecting a data file (E_X_Dir.DAT) from project folder (patch2.349GHZ) from the dialog window.</i>]]</center>
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Choose the desired data file â e.g., E_X_Dir.DAT in project folder patch2.349GHz â and then press âOKâ button in the dialog window.
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âInformation Panelâ and âProject Descriptionâ will display all scan information regarding the selected project and scan (Figure 5.3).
Similarly, the user can open file 2, and <center>[[Image:neoscanfig_5_3.png|thumb|center|600px|<i><b>Figure 5.3 to display simultaneously</b>: Project Description Panel and Information Panel in NeoScan Visualization Utility program.</i>]]</center></p></li></ul>
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Similarly, the user can open file 2, and 3 to display simultaneously.
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Press âNear Field Mapsâ tab from [[NeoScan]] Visualization Utility program to view the plots.
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==== Near Field Maps Page ====
5.1.2 Near Field Maps Page
[[NeoScan]] Near Field Maps page displays either 2D or 3D plots of the amplitude and phase distribution of the scanned field from saved files. It includes 2D Plot page and 3D Plot page.
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â==== 2D Plots Page ====
When you enter â2D Plotâ page, 2D contour plots for amplitude and phase distributions of the scanned field are plotted and the maximum and minimum of their values are displayed in the boxes next to the graphs (Figure 5.14).3 2D Plots Page
<center>[[Image:neoscanfig_5_4.png|thumb|center|600px|<i><b>Figure 5.4</b>: 2D plots in NeoScan Near Field Maps Page.</i>]]</center>
When you enter â2D Plotâ page, 2D contour plots for amplitude and phase distributions of the scanned field are plotted and the maximum and minimum of their values are displayed in the boxes next to the graphs (Figure 5.4). <ul><li><p>
By default, the program plots fields in V/m units. You can use the key labeled âAmplitude Unit?â to display them in dBV/m (Figures 5.4 and 5.5).
<center>[[Image:neoscanfig_5_5.png|thumb|center|600px|<i><b>Figure 5.5</b>: 2D Amplitude graphs in units of dBV/m (left) and V/m (right).</i>]]</center>
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The âPhase Shiftâ knob adds an angular shift (in degree) to the phase distribution (Figure 5.6).
<center>[[Image:neoscanfig_5_6.png|thumb|center|600px|<i><b>Figure 5.6</b>: Effect of 90° phase shift on 2D Phase graph.</i>]]</center>
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The Phase Threshold knob will sets any phase below a minimum field threshold (in V/m) to zero. Figure 5.7 compares the 2D Phase graph without a phase threshold (left) with the one with a phase threshold when the minimum field is set to 10 V/m (right).
<center>[[Image:neoscanfig_5_7.png|thumb|center|600px|<i><b>Figure 5.7</b>: 2D Phase graphs without (left) and with a phase threshold, setting the minimum field to 10 V/m (right).</i>]]</center></p></li><li><p> By default, [[NeoScan]] Visualization Utility program fits the 2D graphs into the square window. If the DUT is other than a circle or regular polygon such as square, equilateral triangle, etc. you must choose the âMaintain Ratioâ option in âView Fit?â in order to keep the object proportional. As an illustration, Figure 5.8 presents the comparison of 2D amplitude plots for field distribution of a 12 mm à 220 mm (rectangular) slotted waveguide antenna with different view options when âView Fit?â key is set to âFit to Windowâ (left plot) and when âMaintain Ratioâ option is chosen (right plot).
<center>[[Image:neoscanfig_5_8.png|thumb|center|600px|<i><b>Figure 5.8</b>: Comparison of 2D amplitude plots for field distribution of a slotted rectangular waveguide antenna with different view options; When âView Fit?â key is set to âFit to Windowâ (left plot) and when âMaintain Ratioâ option is chosen (right plot).</i>]]</center>
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Press âSave Graphsâ button to save all plots. The plots associated with a project are saved in a folder called âPlotsâ within the same folder.
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You can zoom in and out the graphs by clicking on the zoom button (Figure 5.4).
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==== 3D Plots Page====
To view 3D plots, press the â3D Plotsâ tab in Near Field Maps page (Figure 5.9).