The import wizard of T3Ster-Master converts data (e.g. transient curves obtained by thermal simulation) into the format of T3Ster results. Practically all ASCII text file formats containing tabular format of data are automatically recognized and correctly converted.
Figure 5-1: Starting the import wizard
The import wizard can be started from the File menu as shown in Figure 5-1. The file to be imported can be chosen in a select window (Figure 5-2).
Figure 5-2: Selecting the file to be imported
The wizard detects the rows in the file where actual data starts. One can override the automatic row selection using the Start import at row and Finish import at row fields in the window for step 1.
Figure 5-3: Setting the row range to be imported
Data separators other than whitespace characters can be specified in the next window for step 2 (Figure 5-4). The wizard assumes that the first column in the table is the time point of the simulation, all subsequent columns are temperature data. The meaning of columns can be overridden using the radio buttons of the Import column as ... field. Hiding skipped columns the user can check exactly the data which will be imported.
Figure 5-4: Selecting time and temperature data columns
Figure 5-5: Preview and import parameter setting
Once the data format is specified, the wizard offers a pre-view of the file.
Different simulators may use different time units (second, microsecond) or data units. Scaling factors for timing and data can be introduced in the appropriate Time scale and Data scale fields. If the point nearest to the heat source is declared as driving point then also structure functions will be calculated in a subsequent evaluation step. Data will be solicited and displayed upon pressing the Apply changes button.
Figure 5-6: Power parameter and sampling rate setting
The power step used in the simulation and the resolution of the virtual T3Ster measurement has to be given in the window for step 4 (Figure 5-6). In case simulated thermal transients are processed by the T3Ster-Master program ideal results can be achieved if the data resolution of the original file is between 10 and 100 points/decade and the same resolution is specified for the import wizard (thus it would not apply interpolation). This way the subsequent evaluation will take place with exactly the very data point provided by simulation.
Pressing the Finish button in the window of step 4 a Save As window pops up where the directory and file name for storing .par files can be specified. The .rec files are automatically saved in the same directory with the same name.
Figure 5-7: Saving in T3Ster measurement format
