Variable References

About Variable References

A Variable Reference is a visual representation of a simulation parameter or variable on the Canvas. A Variable Reference allows you to see the value of an important parameter of variable directly on the Canvas without opening the Mini Inspector or Properties Inspector.

Because Variable References are only visual representations of parameters or variables, changes that you make to a Variable Reference may not apply to the entire simulation.

Concepts

• You can reference any of the following in real model parameter, model variable, flowsheet parameter, or flowsheet variable in a Variable Reference:

  • A model parameter

  • A model variable

  • A flowsheet parameter

  • A flowsheet variable

• Changing the name of a Variable Reference changes the parameter or variable that the Variable Reference refers to. You cannot rename a parameter or variable by renaming a Variable Reference.

• Changing the value of a Variable Reference also changes the value of the corresponding parameter or variable.

• Changing the specification status of a Variable Reference also changes the specification status of the corresponding variable.

• Changing the unit of measure for a Variable Reference applies only to the Variable Reference, not to the corresponding parameter or variable anywhere else in the simulation.

• You can add a Canvas description for a Variable Reference to annotate your simulation.

• A Canvas description is specific to the Variable Reference and does not appear anywhere else in the simulation.

• Variable References do not need to be unique. That is, you can create multiple Variables References that refer to the same parameter or variable.

Actions

• Create a Variable Reference.

• Specify the parameter or variable for a Variable Reference.

• Show or hide the parameter or variable name, unit of measure, specification status, and Canvas description for a Variable Reference.

• Align Variable References on the Canvas.