Parallel and Nested Sweep Operations

You can use the Sweep step to perform a parallel sweep operation that sets values on multiple step parameters and multiple steps simultaneously. You also can perform a nested sweep operation by enclosing a Sweep step within another Sweep step.

Parallel Sweeps

Sweeping two or more step parameters simultaneously is called a parallel sweep. For example, if you want to vary the amplitude of a stimulus signal, you can maximize the precision of the acquisition by also varying the input range of the digitizer or MIO board that provides the signal. As the signal level gets higher, you can increase the input range of the measurement device to ensure you use the entire resolution for the measurement.

To configure a parallel sweep, navigate to the Step Setup tab for the Sweep step and add the parameters you want to sweep to the Sweepable parameters list on the Sweep Configuration page.

Nested Sweeps

You can perform nested sweeps to iterate through one range of values while you vary another range of values. For example, you might want to sweep through frequencies of a stimulus signal at different amplitudes. Using a nested sweep, you can set the amplitude to level 1 and sweep through the frequencies, then set the amplitude to level 2 and sweep through the frequencies, and so on.

To create a nested sweep, right-click a Sweep step in the Project View and select Add nested sweep from the shortcut menu. A new Sweep step appears and encloses the existing Sweep step. Configure the new Sweep step to sweep the parameter you want to change each time the original Sweep step completes a sweep operation.

Note  You can control a step parameter with only one Sweep step at a time. If a parameter is swept by one Sweep step, the same or another Sweep step cannot sweep that parameter again in either a parallel or nested sweep.