
© National Instruments Corporation 3-1 Xmath Interactive Control Design Module
3
ICDM Main WindowThis chapter describes the use of the ICDM Main window, which is used to 
perform the following functions:
• Communicate with Xmath—for example, transfer plants/controllers 
from/to Xmath
• Display warning and log messages
• Display a variety of standard plots
• Select a synthesis method for controller design
• Control several auxiliary windows (for example, Ranges, Alternate 
Plant)
Notice that the ICDM Main window is not directly used to design the 
controller. It is used to make high level decisions, such as which synthesis 
method to use, and to view or analyze the response with the current 
controller.
This chapter is limited to the discussion of SISO design. For MIMO design 
information, refer to Chapter 11, Introduction to MIMO Design.
Window Anatomy
The ICDM Main window, shown in Figure 3-1, consists of the following 
elements, from top to bottom:
• A menu bar with File, Edit, Plot, Synthesis, and Help menus.
• A scrolled text area for warnings and messages. You can resize this 
area independently of the rest of the ICDM Main window. The log 
messages that appear here are meant to give a rough trace of your 
ICDM design session. Itrecords major actions such as reading a 
newcontroller or plant i n, opening a new synthesis window, saving 
controllers to the history list, and so on.
• A line that gives the plant name.