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Special Vectors

Most simply, vector names can be any alphanumeric word that starts with an alpha character. Vector names may also be of the form string(something), if the string is not the name of a built-in or user-defined function.

There is one vector named ``temper'' that is always available, though not saved in any plot. This is the current temperature assumed by the program, in Celsius.

In WRspice, a vector name beginning with the `@' symbol is a ``special'' vector, and is considered a reference to an internal device or model parameter, or a circuit parameter. If the variable spec_catchar is set to a string consisting of a single punctuation character, then that character will identify a special vector, instead of `@'. The descriptions below use `@', but in actuality this character can be respecified by the user.

If the vector name is of the form @name[param], this denotes the parameter param of the device or model named name. Of course, there must be a device or model with that name defined for the current circuit and param must be a valid parameter name for that device or model type. See the documentation or use the show command for a listing of the parameters available.

Special vectors should be saved with the save command or on a .save line during analysis if a value is required at each analysis point. Otherwise, only the current value is available, which is the value used at the final analysis point after analysis completes.

The special vectors that correspond to device and model parameters in the current circuit can be assigned. When a special vector is assigned, the effect is similar to the alter command. Actual assignment is deferred until the next analysis run of the current circuit, and assignment applies to that run only. The assignment must be repeated if needed for additional runs.

Other special vectors are read-only.

If the vector name is of the form @param, this refers to a parameter of the circuit with the name param.

These are resolved in the following way. First, a match to one of the ``official'' options is sought. These are the options listed in the table in the options description (2.4.4.1). Any of these will match, with the exceptions in the sub-tables listing batch mode and obsolete options.

If this fails, parameters defined in the current circuit are searched for a matching name. These are defined in .param lines.

Finally, the rusage command (see 4.9.6) keywords are searched. Any of these keywords will match.


next up previous contents index
Next: Vector Expressions Up: Plots, Vectors and Expressions Previous: Analysis Vectors and Access   Contents   Index
Stephen R. Whiteley 2022-09-18