Feature request: Phasor components in calculations

[fliptoback]

Hi, I have just come across calcpad and find it is very useful. It is a well written software so kudos to you!

One feature that I need frequently is the phasor components in the equations. I am sure many other electrical engineers will agree this feature will be most useful. Could this be implemented? Here is a quick extract of the phasor components I am referring to.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/9781119065180.app3

Would be so great if this can be implemented.

Thanks!!

[Proektsoftbg]

Hi!

Can you use the complex arithmetics for that? It is already implemented when you go to "Complex" mode.

[fliptoback]

Hi there, I guess the "complex" mode a + j b is fine - but the way we need to write the equation is A∠θ where the θ is the angle of the phasor, and we also need a way to convert from a + jb to A∠θ and vice versa.

Could this be implemented?

[Proektsoftbg]

Hi! I will think about it. I am a structural engineer and this kind of notation is definitely new to me.
At least, it not in the entire equaion, you can display the results in this way, by using a macro:

a = 2 + 3i
#def ph$(x$) = abs(a)'∠'phase(a)*180/pi'°
#val
'a ='ph$(a)
#equ

Probably, this can be a kind of a workaround for now.
Maybe we can add a new compiler switch #phasor that will automatically turn this mode on and #nophasor to turn it back off. What do you think?

[fliptoback]

Hi again. Thanks for the feedback and the workaround looks good. I am not sure how the #phasor compiler switch is working - but that is because I am still very new to the software. I will experiment more.

Would it be possible for us to add the phasor notations directly? i.e. say a = 123∠30° and b = 456∠45° and we can do things like:

a + b = ??
a / b = ??
a * b = ??
|a + b| = ??

Would this be possible?

[Proektsoftbg]

Yes, it is definitely possible. It is our own parsing and math engine, so we can do whatever we want. :)

It is just a matter of parsing the above syntax and converting to complex numbers. Then we can use all the underlying complex math to do the calculations, not only the operators you gave. All possible complex operators and functions that we have already developed will be automatically enabled.

The #phasor switch will force all complex numbers in the output to be converted back to the same (phasor) form. Even if defined in algebraic, polar or exponential form. So, in this way, you will have a full control on the input and output mode and choose anything that you need for the particular case.

I can do this in a few days. I am not myself an electrical engineer and cannot fully understand the use of this, but since you say that it will bring value to all electrical engineers, I believe you and I will do it.

So, I am leaving this issue open and will post the solution when ready. :)

[fliptoback]

That sounds wonderful. I can't wait to see your solution.

I may not be able to speak for all electrical engineers, but I am confident that they would all bow in appreciation.