Sequencer procedure

This section provides an easy-to-understand overview of the functions executed in a SweepMe! Module. These functions are forwarded to a Driver if the Module can load drivers.

SweepMe! version 1.5.4 or higher

Sequencer Start:

connect()			For all items from root to leaf: get and open a port object to communicate with a device.
initialize()			For all items from root to leaf: Set values and configurations for devices to prepare for measurement.
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	If a new branch is entered and the module was not part of the previous branch:
	configure()		For all items from root to leaf: Set device configuration.
	poweron()		For all items from root to leaf: Powers on the device.
	If an item of the sequencer starts its parameter variation:
	signin()		Calls reconfigure() if needed. Can be used to perform actions before parameter variation starts.
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		For each measurement point:
		Each step is performed for all items from root to leaf before the next step is started:
		start()	Preparation before applying a new value.
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		apply()	Only called if the sweep value changes: Sets a new value to a device.
		reach()	Only called if apply() was called: Wait to reach the new value or start reaching a certain condition
		sleephold()	Sleeps during hold time while set values are applied.
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		adapt()	Adapts measurement devices to new conditions.
		adapt_ready()	Ensures all devices have adapted.
		trigger_ready()	Prepares devices to be triggered.
		trigger()	Deprecated, use measure() instead.
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		measure()	Initiates/Triggers a measurement.
		request_result()	Requests a result from the device buffer.
		read_result()	Reads a result from the port buffer.
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		process_data()	Processes measured data after the measurement finishes.
		call()	Mandatory: Returns values to SweepMe! as defined by self.variables.
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		process()	Only for Modules: Perform postprocessing after measurement data was obtained from the driver. Drivers should use process_data() to process data before it is transferred to SweepMe!.
		finish()	Cleans up before the next measurement.
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	If an item of the sequencer ends its parameter variation:
	signout()		Optionally performs actions after parameter variation.
	Leaving a branch and the module is not part of the next branch or run is stopped by error:
	poweroff()		For all items from root to leaf: Switch off modules and devices.
	unconfigure()		For all items from root to leaf: Unconfigure modules and devices.
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End of sequencer or if run is stopped by error:
deinitialize()			For all items from root to leaf: Resets the status for any other user of the equipment.
disconnect()			For all items from root to leaf: Closes the port object.

General rules

• At the beginning of a measurement, modules and drivers use connect and initialize. At the end deinitialize and disconnect to bring the module or the driver back to an idle state and to close the connection.
• When a module gets active, i.e. it is part of an active branch, it runs configure and poweron. If a module is not active anymore it runs poweroff and unconfigure.
• At each measurement point, i.e. a combination of setpoint iteration steps of all modules in a branch, a couple of functions are called to perform the measurement point such as start, apply, reach, adapt, measure, call to name the most important ones.