You can customize the PAcontroller UI by adding workspaces and dashboards for your specific test needs. Customize the PAcontroller UI either when you are creating the test offline or online at test run time.

What is a Workspace?

A workspace contains the layout of all non-system windows that are currently available for the user. There is always exactly one workspace active in a test or test component. Easily switch between workspaces if multiple workspaces are defined in a test.

A single workspace in PAconfigurator is implemented as a group and is either saved in the PAtools database in a workspace folder type or as an XML file on a data carrier.

You can create and save workspaces in PAcontroller either online (while the test is running) or offline (without a connection to the running test). To create new workspaces or delete them you must start PAconfigurator.

What is a Dashboard?

A dashboard is a container in the form of a tab on which the actual instruments can be placed. Dashboards can be inserted into the main area as a tab or placed separately anywhere on the screen or screens. Separate dashboards can also be combined into groups outside of the main area. Dashboards manage the layout of the instruments independently if the size of the dashboard changes. The dashboards are always full with the instruments they contain (if no size constraints have been programmed).

Workspace Database Structure

You can manage workspaces in the PAtools database. Both the operating software and a PAtools database are required.

Introduced in PAtools 7.0

  • Workspaces are saved in the PAtools database exclusively in workspace folder types.
  • You can create workspace folders in the database either directly under the database or directly under a test.
  • Workspaces can contain either more workspace folders or workspace groups.
  • Workspace groups contain the layout of all dashboards and instruments that are defined for the relevant workspace.
Figure 9. Example of Workspace Folders and Groups