Signal analysis function blocks and method of use

A memory medium that stores program instructions implementing a plurality of function blocks for use in specifying and performing a signal analysis function utilizing a plurality of instruments, wherein the plurality of instruments comprises two or more virtual instruments (VIs), and wherein each function block comprises:

• a function block icon operable to be displayed in a graphical user interface (GUI) of a signal analysis function development environment, wherein the function block icon visually indicates a respective signal operation;
• and
• a set of program instructions associated with the function icon, wherein the set of program instructions are executable to perform the respective signal operation;
• wherein each function block is selectable from the plurality of function blocks by a user for inclusion in a set of function blocks, and wherein each function block operates to perform the respective signal operation continuously upon being selected;
• wherein each function block is operable to provide a respective output based on the respective signal operation, wherein the respective output is operable to be displayed in the GUI, provided as input to one or more other ones of the set of function blocks, and/or exported to an external device;
• and
• wherein the set of function blocks is executable to perform the signal analysis function under the signal analysis function development environment using one or more of the plurality of instruments.

A method for specifying and performing a signal analysis function utilizing a plurality of instruments, wherein the plurality of instruments comprises two or more virtual instruments (VIs), the method comprising:

• receiving first user input selecting a function block from a plurality of function blocks for inclusion in a set of function blocks, wherein the function block corresponds to a respective signal operation, and wherein the function block comprises a function block icon that visually indicates the respective signal operation and is operable to be displayed in a graphical user interface (GUI) of a signal analysis function development environment, and a set of program instructions associated with the function icon, wherein the set of program instructions are executable to perform the respective signal operation using at least one of the two or more VIs;
• the function block performing the respective signal operation substantially continuously upon being selected, thereby performing at least a portion of the signal analysis function;
• and
• the function block providing a respective output based on the respective signal operation, wherein the respective output is provided for display in the GUI, provided as input to one or more other ones of the set of function blocks, and/or exported to an external device;
• wherein the set of function blocks is executable to perform the signal analysis function under the signal analysis function development environment using one or more of the plurality of instruments.