Real-Time Waveform Visualizer

A Python application for visualizing and analyzing multiple waveforms in real-time with envelope analysis capabilities.

Installation

1. Activate the virtual environment:

   # Windows
   env\Scripts\activate

2. Install dependencies (if not already done):

   pip install -r requirements.txt

Running the Application

python main.py

Or with the virtual environment:

env\Scripts\python.exe main.py

Quick Start Guide

Basic Usage

1. Launch the application - The app starts with one default sine wave (5 Hz, amplitude 5.0)

2. Adjust waveform parameters:

   • Use the Frequency slider to change the wave frequency (1-100 Hz)
   • Use the Amplitude slider to adjust the wave amplitude (0-10)
   • For Square waves, use the Duty Cycle slider (1-100%)

3. Change waveform type:

   • Use the Type dropdown to select: Sine, Square, Sawtooth, or Triangle

4. Add more waveforms:

   • Click + Add Waveform button (max 5 waveforms)
   • Each waveform gets a unique color automatically

5. Manage waveforms:

   • Click on a waveform in the list to select and edit it
   • Click the ON/OFF button to show/hide a waveform
   • Click the X button to remove a waveform (minimum 1 required)

Envelope Analysis

When you have 2 or more enabled waveforms:

• Show Max Envelope - Displays the maximum amplitude at each time point (red dashed line)
• Show Min Envelope - Displays the minimum amplitude at each time point (blue dashed line)

Both envelopes can be enabled simultaneously.

Waveform Parameters

Each waveform has the following adjustable parameters:

• Type - Waveform type (Sine, Square, Sawtooth, Triangle)
• Wave Duration - Adjusts the time window for visualization (0.5-120 seconds)
• Frequency - Wave frequency in Hz (0.1-100 Hz)
• Amplitude - Wave amplitude (0-10)
• Offset - Y-axis offset (0-10)
• Duty Cycle - For Square waves only (1-100%)

Exporting Data

1. Click Export to CSV
2. A native file dialog will open - choose your save location and filename
3. Exported data includes:
   • All enabled waveforms
   • Active envelopes (if enabled)
   • Metadata (waveform type, frequency, amplitude, etc.)

Features

• 4 Waveform Types: Sine, Square, Sawtooth, Triangle
• Up to 5 simultaneous waveforms
• Real-time visualization with responsive performance
• Envelope analysis (Max/Min envelopes)
• CSV export with native OS file dialog
• Independent waveform control
• Modern Windows 11 UI with CustomTkinter
• Dark theme matplotlib plotting

File Structure

waveform_generator/
├── main.py                  # Application entry point
├── app_state.py            # State management
├── waveform_generator.py   # Waveform generation functions
├── ui_components.py        # UI and callbacks
├── data_export.py          # CSV export functionality
├── requirements.txt        # Python dependencies
├── CLAUDE.md              # Full specification document
└── README.md              # This file

System Requirements

• Python 3.11 or higher
• Windows/Linux/macOS
• Minimum resolution: 1000x800 (recommended: 1200x950)

Dependencies

• CustomTkinter >= 5.2.0 - Modern GUI framework
• matplotlib >= 3.8.0 - Plotting library
• NumPy >= 1.24.0 - Numerical computing
• SciPy >= 1.11.0 - Signal processing

Performance

• Target frame rate: >30 FPS
• Plot update latency: <100ms
• Memory usage: <200MB
• Startup time: <2 seconds

Keyboard Shortcuts

• Use +/- buttons for fine control of parameters
• Click and drag on the plot to pan
• Scroll to zoom in/out on the plot

Troubleshooting

Application won't start:

• Ensure Python 3.11+ is installed: python --version
• Verify dependencies are installed: pip list
• Activate virtual environment first

Performance issues:

• Reduce the number of visible waveforms
• Decrease the wave duration
• Disable envelopes if not needed

Export fails:

• Check file path permissions
• Ensure filename doesn't contain invalid characters
• The app will auto-correct the filename and add .csv if needed

Version

Current version: 1.0

See CLAUDE.md for the complete specification and future roadmap.