eja,
The intialCondition and finalCondition inputs are to reduce error in the integration routine. Because you are taking an integral of a discrete signal, there will be some error at the signal's endpoints if you don't define these inputs. The amount of error will depend on the number of samples that you have.
For instance, If you try to take the integral of the array (1,1,1), with a dt of 1, and don't define intialCondition or finalCondition (i.e. set them to 0), the function will return 2.7, when the actual value should be 3. If you define initialCondition and finalCondition as 1, the function returns the correct value.
From the Measurement Studio help:
initialCondition and finalCondition minimize the overall error by increasing the accuracy at the boundaries, especially when the number of samples is small. Determining boundary conditions before the fact enhances accuracy.
For more documentation on the integrate function, open the Measurement Studio help, and search the index for "Integrate method"
Josh W. | National Instruments | Applications Engineer
Message Edited by Mist on 07-18-2006 03:17 PM
Josh W.
Certified TestStand Architect
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