Defining the Data Type and Units for a Time Series

The first step involved in defining a Time Series element is to define the data type and units for the time series.

Units are specified in the Display Units field. This defines the dimensions of the input and primary output.  By default, a Time Series is dimensionless.

Like all GoldSim elements, the data type is specified by pressing the Type… button.

In most applications, your time series will represent a set of scalar values (one value at each specified time point).  Because this is the default, in most situations, there is no need to edit the Type.

If you do press the Type… button, the following dialog is displayed:

 

The Type can be defined as a Value (the default) or a series of Discrete Change Signals. 

The Order can be defined as a Scalar (the default), a vector or a matrix. Defining time series of vectors or matrices (i.e., in which each time point is defined in terms of an array of data, rather than just a single datum) is useful in some situations (e.g., defining a time series for the concentrations of a set of chemicals, or the prices for a set of securities).

After the data type and units are defined, the next step is to define the source of the input data for the Time Series.

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