Release Notes 5.4: Difference between revisions

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We are proud to deliver you [[:Category:Version 5.4|Version 5.4]] of our [[RadiMation]] EMC Test software. This 5.4 version is the result of several improvements we have done. RadiMation 5.4 contains an improvement in the multiband radiated emission, which is now capable to show polar and height plots of the emission measurements.  
We are proud to deliver you [[:Category:Version 5.4|Version 5.4]] of our [[RadiMation]] EMC Test software. This 5.4 version is the result of several improvements we have done. RadiMation 5.4 contains an improvement in the multiband radiated emission, which is now capable to show polar and height plots of the emission measurements.  


 
{{:Release Notes/Installation}}
= Installation =
== Backup ==
Before installations make sure you have backed up all critical information like:
* Correction files
* TSF files
* Sequence files
* Device driver configuration files
== Multi version installation ==
From version 4.3.67 and higher it is possible to run different RadiMation versions on the same PC. This functionality can be used to verify the correct functioning of RadiMation, before all EMC tests are going to be performed with the new RadiMation version. This verification can for example be required by internal quality assurance standards. During this verification process, the installation of the older RadiMation version can still be used for all EMC tests.
 
There are some points that need to be enlightened:
* It is not possible to run 2 different versions at the same time. If you want to change versions, first close RadiMation before starting another version. When two different versions of RadiMation are running at the same time, this could result in crashing the software. D.A.R.E!! Development can not be held accountable if information is lost in such a situation.
* The user needs to have the rights as described in chapter '''Installing software updates'''
 
== Installation ==
RadiMation can be installed by starting the ‘SETUP.EXE’ program that is located on the delivered CD. By using the default settings of the setup program it should be very easy to install RadiMation. The setup program will install the RadiMation software in a separate installation folder which allows you to also start any previous RadiMation versions.
 
After the RadiMation version is installed, we strongly advise that the latest device drivers will also be installed. These device drivers can be installed by start the ‘DRIVERS.EXE’ program that is located on the delivered CD. The ‘DRIVERS.EXE’ program will detect the different installed RadiMation versions, and it will present you with a dialog, in which you can select the RadiMation version of which the device drivers should be updated. In this dialog select the correct latest version of RadiMation that was just installed.
 
When both the ‘SETUP.EXE’ program and the ‘DRIVERS.EXE’ program are used to install the software, you have the latest released version of RadiMation.
 
== Verification ==
Each newly build RadiMation version is tested extensively before it is released. We have validated this version on three levels of the four levels that should be done. The fourth level of the validation should be done by the end-user itself.
 
=== Automatic knob pushing program ===
This program simulates a normal end-user to RadiMation and it is run on each RadiMation version. During its simulation it is entering all kind of information in all windows; it is executing tests, reviewing the test results and generating reports. All actions that can be done by a real person are simulated by this program
This validation is a responsibility of D.A.R.E!! Development.
=== Validation and usage in test house ===
After the first validation has passed, the RadiMation version is validated by D.A.R.E!! Consultancy. This validation includes real world measurements of a ‘known’ EUT, and verification of the measurement results, with manual measurements.
If this validation is passed, the validated RadiMation version will be installed and used by D.A.R.E!! Consultancy.
In this period any reported problem will be investigated and possible an updated version of RadiMation will be created
This validation is a responsibility of D.A.R.E!! Development.
=== Validation at selected end-user(s) ===
After the validated version is used for more than 2 weeks at D.A.R.E!! Consultancy, the version is send to selected end-user(s) that will also test this version of RadiMation.
After a certain amount of time, the validated version is shipped to all other end-users.
This validation is a responsibility of D.A.R.E!! Development.
=== End-user validation ===
When an end-user receives a new RadiMation version, it should perform a validation of the software. Parts that should be validated by the end-user itself are:
* Correct control of the used equipment
* Validation of the software according to internal quality standards
* Possible verification and comparison of measurement of a ‘known’ EUT.
This validation is a responsibility of the RadiMation end-user itself.
 
 


= Improved and new functionality =
= Improved and new functionality =
Line 60: Line 16:
STILL TO BE DONE!!!
STILL TO BE DONE!!!


 
{{:Release Notes/Known Problems}}
= Known Problems =
== R&S spectrum analyzers/receivers communication problems ==
It has been detected that on very fast PC’s, the communication with modern Rohde & Schwarz spectrum analyzer/receivers can be corrupted. These problems are related to the speed of the PC and the used GPIB bus. The R&S receivers that are related to this problem are: ESI/ESIB/ESPI/ESCI/FSE/ESU
We strongly advise to slow down the GPIB communication speed between the PC and R&S receivers. This can be done by:
# Open the configuration window of RadiMation
# Select the {{ScreenElement|Device Drivers}} tab
# Select {{ScreenElement|Receivers/Spectrum Analyzers}}
# Select the R&S receiver
# Press {{ScreenElement|Edit}} to open the device driver configuration window
# Press the {{ScreenElement|Advanced}} button
# Now the GPIB configuration dialog of the R&S device driver is shown.
# Activate the {{ScreenElement|Show advanced Settings}} checkbox
# The GPIB Configuration dialog now shows a {{ScreenElement|Wait time}} box
# Specify '''3000''' us in the Wait time box.
# Close all windows, and repeat these steps for each and every R&S receiver.
Configuring the R&S device drivers in this way will slow down the GPIB bus, by ensuring that at least 3 milliseconds delay are included between each GPIB call to the R&S devices
 
== RadiMation version 5.1 raises a run-time error 13: Type Mismatch ==
If the latest RadiMation version and RadiMation 5.1 are installed on the same PC, it can happen that RadiMation version 5.1 is not able to start anymore. RadiMation version 5.1 will then generate a run-time error number 13: Type Mismatch. When the error message is confirmed the RadiMation program is then closed automatically.
 
This error is raised because a file that is shared by both versions is written in a newer file format that cannot be read anymore by version 5.1.
The solution for this problem is to remove the file: '''C:\Program Files\DARE Development\RadiMation\Confdvdr\CUSTOMIZ.DAT'''
The CUSTOMIZ.DAT file is used to remember customizations of the colour of the graphs, so removing the file will not influence the measurements. However the graph colours will probably be changed to the defaults as specified by RadiMation.
 
== Windows 95, 98, ME, NT are not supported anymore ==
Because Microsoft has ended their support for Windows 95, 98, ME and NT, we are also forced to stop the support of RadiMation running on Microsoft Windows 95, 98, ME and NT. This means that we do not test if RadiMation is working correctly on these operating systems. However it could be that RadiMation is still working correctly. We strongly suggest upgrading your operating system to Windows 2000 or Windows XP.
 
 


[[Category:Version 5.4]]
[[Category:Version 5.4]]
[[Category:RadiMation]]
[[Category:RadiMation]]
[[Category:Release Notes]]
[[Category:Release Notes]]

Revision as of 10:54, 25 November 2008

Introduction[edit]

We are proud to deliver you Version 5.4 of our RadiMation EMC Test software. This 5.4 version is the result of several improvements we have done. RadiMation 5.4 contains an improvement in the multiband radiated emission, which is now capable to show polar and height plots of the emission measurements.

Installation[edit]

Backup[edit]

When RadiMation® files are opened, changed and saved in a newer version of RadiMation®, it is possible that it will saved in a newer file format, which cannot be opened anymore in an older version of RadiMation®. To prevent that changed TSF, LLF, COR, SEQ or EUT files cannot be opened anymore in an older RadiMation® version, we strongly recommend to make a backup. Before you install the latest version of RadiMation®, please make sure to saveguard all your critical data.

Make a back up of (at least) the following files:

  • Correction files
  • TSF files
  • Sequence files
  • Limit Line files
  • Device driver configuration files

Multi version installation[edit]

It is possible to install different RadiMation® versions on the same PC.

This functionality can be used to verify the correct functioning of the RadiMation® software before it is used for EMC testing. Simply put, the functioning of the new version can be checked by comparing it with the older version. This verification can for example be required by internal quality assurance standards. During this verification process, the installation of the older RadiMation® version can still be used for all EMC tests.


Be advised that:

  • It is not possible to run two (or more) different versions at the same time without risking a software crash. Close other instances of RadiMation® before starting another version!
  • Raditeq cannot be held accountable if information is lost because two different versions of RadiMation® are used at the same time.
  • The user needs to have the rights as described in User rights and installation.

Installation[edit]

Installing software updates[edit]

Software updates can be distributed on CD or downloaded from the RadiMation® Download page.

To install the RadiMation® update from a CD, please execute the ‘SETUP.EXE’ startup program. The setup program will install the new RadiMation® version at the same location as the previous version, but in a separate installation folder. This will allow you to use the previously installed RadiMation® version, as well as the new one.

The setup program will detect that a previous version of RadiMation® has already been installed on your PC. A back up of this older version will automatically be copied to the backup directory. All the settings of the older version will also be used for the newly installed RadiMation®. If any problems should occur with the new software, the older version can be recovered.

Installing from a network directory[edit]

If the already installed RadiMation® version was installed from a network directory, the new setup file can be copied to the <Setup> sub-directory of the <NetworkDir>.

The new RadiMation® version can then be installed on each computer from this directory.

Updating device drivers[edit]

After the new RadiMation® version is installed, we strongly recommend that you install the latest device drivers as well. These device drivers can be installed by starting the ‘DRIVERS.EXE’ program that is located on the delivered CD.

The ‘DRIVERS.EXE’ program will detect the different RadiMation® versions installed on your PC. A dialog will start, asking you to select the RadiMation® version that needs updated device drivers. Select the latest version of RadiMation® that was just installed.

You have successfully obtained the latest released version of RadiMation® when both the software and device drivers have been updated.

Verification and Validation[edit]

Every new RadiMation® version is tested extensively before it is released. Raditeq validates these new versions on three ‘levels’. The fourth level of the validation is to be done by the end-user.

This quality management system follows the ISO/IEC 17025 standard (“General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories”).

1) Automatic knob pushing program[edit]

The ‘automatic knob pushing program’ simulates an end-user and is run on each RadiMation® version. The program performs all the actions that a user could do, such as entering information, executing tests, reviewing test results and generating reports.

Performing the first validation level is a responsibility of Raditeq.

2) Validation and usage in a test lab[edit]

Once the new RadiMation® version has passed the first validation level, it progresses to the second validation level performed by Raditeq.

During this validation the RadiMation® software is installed in a real test lab, to perform measurements on a 'known' EUT. These results are then compared to manual measurements to verify the quality of the software. The results are also compared with the measurement results of previous software versions.

Performing the second validation level is a responsibility of Raditeq.

3) Validation and usage in a test house[edit]

When the new RadiMation® version has passed the second validation level, it progresses to the third validation level performed by Kiwa Dare Services.

This validation level consists of two stages. In the first stage the software is used to perform measurements on a 'known' EUT. These results are then compared to manual measurements to verify the quality of the software. When the new software version has passed the first stage, it progresses to the second stage where it is installed and used by Kiwa Dare Services for at least two weeks. Any issues that are reported during this period, will be investigated and resolved. An updated version of RadiMation® is created if needed.

Performing the third validation level is a responsibility of Kiwa Dare Services.

When this validation is succesful, the RadiMation® version will be officially released, and will become available for all end-users.

4) Validation by end-users[edit]

Once the new RadiMation® version has passed the third validation level, it progresses to the fourth (and last) validation level, which should be performed by the end-users of RadiMation®.

When end-users receives a new RadiMation® version they should perform a validation of the software in their own test setup. The parts that should be validated by the end-user are:

  • Correct control of the used measurement equipment
  • Validation of the software according to internal quality standards
  • Possible verification and comparison of measurements on a 'known' EUT

We strongly advise to only start to use RadiMation® after this validation is performed.

Performing the fourth validation level is a responsibility of the end-user.

Improved and new functionality[edit]

Polar and height plots[edit]

STILL TO BE DONE!!


Solved items[edit]

See below the list of all the issues that have been solved in RadiMation version 5.4 since version 5.1.0.

STILL TO BE DONE!!!

Known Problems[edit]

R&S spectrum analysers/receivers communication problems[edit]

It has been detected that on very fast PC’s, the communication with modern Rohde & Schwarz spectrum analyser/receivers can be corrupted. These problems are related to the speed of the PC and the used GPIB bus. The R&S receivers that are related to this problem are: ESI/ESIB/ESPI/ESCI/FSE/ESU.

We strongly advise that you slow down the GPIB communication speed between the PC and R&S receivers. Follow these steps to do so:

  1. Open the configuration window of RadiMation®
  2. Select the Device Drivers tab
  3. Select Receivers/Spectrum Analysers
  4. Select the R&S receiver
  5. Press Edit to open the device driver configuration window
  6. Press the Advanced button
    • The GPIB configuration dialog of the R&S device driver will be shown
  7. Activate the Show advanced Settings checkbox
    • The GPIB Configuration dialog will show a Wait time box
  8. Specify 3000 us in the Wait time box
  9. Close all windows, and repeat these steps for each and every R&S receiver.

Configuring the R&S device drivers in this way will slow down the GPIB bus, by ensuring that at least 3 milliseconds delay are included between each GPIB call to the R&S devices

Previous RadiMation® version raises a run-time error[edit]

If the latest RadiMation® version and an older RadiMation® version are installed on the same PC, it can happen that the older RadiMation® version raises an error during the start of RadiMation.

This error is raised because a file that is shared by both versions is written in a newer file format that cannot be read anymore by older software. The solution for this problem is to remove the file: C:\Program Files\DARE Development\RadiMation\Confdvdr\CUSTOMIZ.DAT. The CUSTOMIZ.DAT file is used to remember customizations of the colour of the graphs, so removing the file will not influence the measurements. However the graph colours will probably be changed to the defaults as specified by RadiMation®.

Windows 8, Windows 7, XP, Vista and older are not supported[edit]

Due to the fact that Microsoft has ended their support for these versions we are also forced to stop the support of RadiMation® running on these operating systems. This means that we do not test if RadiMation® is working correctly on these operating systems. However it could be that RadiMation® is still working correctly. We strongly suggest upgrading your operating system to Windows 10 (21H2). Both the 32-bit and the 64-bit versions of the Microsoft Windows Operating system are supported.