Variable and Calculation Tags

The fundamental difference between variables and calculations is that variables can have optimizations associated with them, and calculations can be defined by muParser compatible equations; these are the orthogonal traits. See also the Optimization and Statistical Analysis section of the Device Tag.

Variables can be used to define the arguments of a primitive device, or which file is used in a Touchstone based device. For example, the geometry of a microstrip circuit may be based on several calculations of variables to make sure the circuit can be realized (see single_wilkinson.dsn in the examples folder). There is only one variable block. Variables can use units.

    <variables>
        <theta_1    value="30“></theta_1> (variables may not use equations)
        <z1         value="100">
           <opt min="50" max="100" />
        </z1>
        <z2         value="100">
           <opt min="50" max="100" step="5"/>
           <stat min="50" max="100" />
        </z2>
     </variables>
 
     <TL        node_list="3 5"> (This is a device)
           <z0        value = "100" />
           <theta     value = "theta_1" />
           <f0        value = "150e6" />
     </TL>

Calculations can be used on the variables, and the results can be values in the devices. There are multiple calculation blocks. Calculations use the muParser engine.

    <calculation    equation="theta_2 = 2*theta_1"> 
        (calculations cannot have opt or stat tags)
    </calculation>

A common technique using variables and calculations is to ensure a monotonically increasing impedance. For example:

   <variables>
      <z0          value = "50" />
      <m1          value = "1">
         <opt min="1" max="1.2" />
      </m1>
      <m2          value = "1">
         <opt min="1" max="1.2" />
      </m2>
   </variables>
   <calculation    equation="z1 = m1 * z0" />
   <calculation    equation="z2 = m2 * z1" />

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