In DOS, if you make a typing mistake, and enter the name of a file that doesn't exist, or leave a drive door open, etc., your PC will beep and you'll get an error message on-screen. It can look like the one shown below. To demonstrate this error, we entered the Microstrip Coupled-Line Module (MSC) synthesis mode, and then typed "30,20,1" when asked for Zoe, Zoo, and ER. This caused an out of range calculation and gave the following on-screen error message:

                Sorry! Error in the MSC Module

                DOS Error Code # 5
                Reference Line   # 6061

                See your DOS Manual for an explanation of the error. A short list of typical DOS errors is given below:

                Error         Translation

                    5            Illegal function call
                    7            Out of memory
                    11          Division by zero
                    27          Out of paper
                    53          File not found
                    61          Disk full
                    64          Bad file name
                    71          Disk not ready
                    76          Path not found         

In the example we show above, DOS Error Code 5 means "Illegal function call"  The reference line number refers to our internal code, and is only listed in the unlikely event that you come across an error you cannot resolve.

When using the MS module, this type error is usually caused by requesting too low a Z0 for the other parameters involved. To verify, try a new calculation for a higher Z0.

    Example: The following set of microstrip line parameters WILL cause a DOS Error Code 5.
            Z0 = 10 ohms, t = .0014 in., h = .03 in., Er = 2.5, H2/H = 5, F = 10000 MHz

To recover from a DOS Window error, follow the on-screen instruction to "Press any Key," and you will be returned to the module where the error occurred.