How parameters represent dimensions
In a parametric packaging template, parameters represent distances.
This means that by changing the values of parameters, we change the
lengths of the distances that the parameters represent. As a result,
structures are resized.
How parameters link with each other
Quite often, a parameter (distance) plays a role in defining other
parameters (distances), and by changing the value of a parameter,
we automatically change also the parameters (distances) that depend
on the changed value.
Parameters may affect other parameters in two ways:
- Directly. When they take part in the computation of
the parameters values. Example: Parameter B is computed when the
value of Parameter A is multiplied by 2.
- Indirectly. We say that Parameter A defines Parameter
C indirectly when Parameter A defines Parameter B, which on its
part defines Parameter C. Example: B = A+2 and C = B*2.
Learn more about detecting
parameter dependencies.
Understanding how parameters link is central to possessing full
control over how a structure is sized and resized.
This topic explains how to use EngView's
tabular area to quickly locate the dependencies between parameters
and learn which parameter affects which.
Which dimension
a parameter controls
- To see which dimension(s) will be affected by a parameter,
simply double-click the parameter in the tabular area. As a result,
EngView briefly stretches the dimension(s) in the graphical area.
- Right-click the parameter, point to Select Dimensions,
and then click Directly Dependent or All Dependent.
The first makes EngView select only the dimensions that are directly
affected by the parameter; the second selects both dimensions
directly affected by the parameter and dimensions controlled by
parameters that are on their part controlled by the parameter.
See the two cases pictured below:
To follow this connection
- In the Parameters tabular area, right-click, and then check
Trace Object Selection.
- In the graphical area, select a dimenson or an entire component.
EngView highligts the parameters linked to the selection.
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Levels of dependency between dimensions and parameters
The levels of dependency visualize how a dimension depends on the
parameters. There are three levels of dependency — first (marked with
I), second (marked with II) and third (marked with III).
Consider an example:
The selected dimension depends directly on the parameter HO1. This
is first-level dependency.
On its part, HO1 depends on PH, this is a second-level dependency
for the dimension. Additionally, PH depends on the parameters CellH
and NyCells, this is third-level dependency for the selected dimension.
