New channel type "calculation channel" in Data Portal

[JuliaDawkins]

Rather than a channel that has a "fixed" value (numeric or string), this new "calculation channel" type would be a function of other channels.  Currently, if Channel3 = Channel1 + Channel2, and then I change the values for either Channel1 or Channel2, I have to re-execute the calculation

ChnCalculate("Ch(""Channel3"") = Ch(""Channel1"") + Ch(""Channel2"")")

Now, if there was a "calculation channel" where I could define Channel 3 as "Channel1 + Channel2", I wouldn't need to perform this re-execution! 

Another way to explain is to have a channel that works like Excel calculation cells.  The cell calculation stays the same, and when the input cells change, the result cell is automatically updated. 

I'm not sure if I explained this well, please ask for clarification if necessary. 

[TamerZero]

Unfortunately what Andreas is suggesting may work, but it will not automatically update the channels if the input channels change, you'd have to re-run the calculation group, much like re-running a script.

Auto-updating channels is the key here.

[Walter_Rick]

Hello

Thank you for your request. R&D has read this suggestion and it will be included in feature planning discussions for future DIAdem versions.

Greetings

Walter

[Walter_Rick]

Please have look at the DIAdem 2020 Beta to check the implementation regarding this request. It is part of the preview features.

To participate at the DIAdem Beta Program, please register yourself at ni.com/beta

Greetings

Walter

[Walter_Rick]

Please have look at the DIAdem 2020 Beta to check the implementation regarding this request. It is part of the preview features.

To participate at the DIAdem Beta Program, please register yourself at ni.com/beta

Greetings

Walter

[Walter_Rick]

DIAdem 2020 supports Calculation Channels as preview feature.

Calculation channels offer a simple way of creating channels using formulas. In the Data Portal, select New»Calculation Channel»Add Formula Channel from the shortcut menu and drag and drop the channels you want to use in the formula from the Data Portal into the formula area. In the formula, you can use channels, constants, numbers, and variables that reference values and channels.

If the formula channel does not provide sufficient functionality for your task, you can also use a calculation from the Calculation Manager to create calculation channels. Use the calculations in the Calculation Manager to execute mathematical operations on any channels and single values while using all functions of the calculator as well as active user commands.

Take early advantage of new DIAdem features by enabling the preview features. Preview features are new developments that will only be fully available in one of the next DIAdem versions. The user interface, the API, or the scope can still change until then. The release notes contain a list of the current preview features.

[TamerZero]

Walter, thanks for the update. Do you have a download link for a version that includes this feature so I can try it?

[Walter_Rick]

Hi TamerDTS,

here is the download link to DIAdem 2020.

By the way, in DIAdem 2020 SP1 the Calculation Channels will support quantity based calculations.

[Brad_Turpin]

Please note, in DIAdem 2020 you also have to check the "Enable preview feature" checkbox at the bottom of the General DIAdem Settings dialog, then save the Desktop.DDD file and restart DIAdem.  Unless you've enabled the preview feature, you still won't see calculation channels in DIAdem 2020.  In DIAdem 2020 SP1 and later, calculation channels will ship as a fully released feature that requires no special enabling steps.

Once enabled, you need to right-click in the Data Portal, then select one of these context menus:

     "New >> Calculation Channel >> Add Formula Channel..."

     "New >> Calculation Channel >> Select Calculation..."