Release Notes 5.4

Introduction

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

Backup

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

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

Installing software updates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Polar and height plots

STILL TO BE DONE!!

Solved items

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

R&S spectrum analysers/receivers communication problems

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

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

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.