Getting started

Installation

Use Python 3.11 or newer with a graphical desktop. In an activated virtual environment, install the published application:

python -m pip install temfield-mpylab

The README describes virtual-environment creation and activation on macOS, Linux, and Windows. As an alternative, pipx can manage an isolated application environment:

pipx install temfield-mpylab

Both methods install temfield and temfield-info on the active environment’s PATH.

Check the installation

temfield-info
temfield-info --json
temfield-info --help

These diagnostic commands show versions, package location, dependencies, and example-configuration availability without opening instruments. The example files are not installed with the application wheel. To obtain them, keep the application environment activated and clone the repository using Git:

git clone https://gitlab.hrz.tu-chemnitz.de/chair-of-electromagnetic-theory-and-compatibility-at-tu-dresden/mpylab/TEMField.git
cd TEMField
temfield

The GUI starts without beginning a measurement. Its entry point launches the window; --json and the documented --help belong to the separate temfield-info command.

Explore the virtual setup

  1. Choose File > Load Graph … and open test/conf-virtual/gtem-virtual.dot from the cloned repository.

  2. Inspect the graph filename and search paths. The graph directory is added to the search paths when a file is selected.

  3. Inspect the logical device names (sg, amp1, amp2, gtem, prb), frequency controls, field component, and EUT controls. Do not use remembered settings from a laboratory configuration for a different setup.

This graph references only virtual drivers. Loading it and inspecting controls does not start the measurement. Real measurements additionally require reviewed device settings, correction data, and the physical probe orientation.

Measurement and results

Before choosing Start Test, select the graph and logical device mapping, frequency range, field target, modulation, dwell time, and EUT assessment settings for the intended setup. Keep RF-off and manual EUT controls available.

See temfield-mpylab documentation for in-loop AM validation, probe coordinates, EUT monitoring, and CSV/JSON results. The in-loop validation is not a substitute for a separate empty-volume headroom calibration. Detailed engineering limits and their scope remain in that reference; this first-use guide does not redefine them.