Generate a trace link matrix

The trace link matrix allows you to view and manage the relationships of trace-linked items within a structure. These items may include requirements, specifications, parameters, parameter sets, or parameter projects.

Display options

When including requirements and specifications in a trace link matrix, you can choose whether to display all parameters associated with these items in the trace link matrix. Parameters are automatically displayed when parameter sets and parameter projects are included in a trace link matrix. See "Perform operations from the trace link matrix" for information on hiding parameters in the matrix.

If two different items are selected, you can both swap the rows and replace the column object prior to generating the matrix.

If only one item is selected, the "Matrix is symmetric" check box appears. This check box is selected by default and the Swap and Replace Column icons are not available. You can clear this check box and then replace the column prior to generating the matrix.

Note: The Swap option is always unavailable when only one item is selected for the matrix.

Matrix size adjustment

In the List view, select a number from the Items per page dropdown list, such as 50 to adjust the matrix to 50x50.

Trace link count

Each cell provides a count of trace links for the row and column objects. Additionally, the summation (Σ) column and row cells provide the trace link count for all trace links in the respective row or column. The calculation of the trace link summation depends on the matrix type.

Matrix types

There are three matrix types:

• Quick Matrix: Shows the direct trace links between row and column objects.
• Full-Rollup Matrix: Shows trace links that include the children of row and column objects.
• Dynamic Matrix: Shows all trace links to which an object is connected.

The available matrix types depend on the items selected to use as rows and columns:

Selection	Quick Matrix	Full-Rollup	Dynamic Matrix
Single item	Yes	Yes	Yes
Two items	Yes	Yes	Yes
Single specification	Yes	Yes	Yes
Two specifications	Yes	Yes	Yes
Single folder	Yes	No	Yes
Two folders	Yes	No	Yes
More than two folders	No	No	Yes
One folder and one item revision	Yes	Yes	Yes
Single parameter project	Yes	Yes	Yes
Two parameter projects	Yes	Yes	Yes

Procedure

1. Select requirement specifications, items, or other structures to use as the rows and columns of the matrix. If only one object is selected, the same structure is used for both rows and columns. For a dynamic matrix, you can select any number of objects.

2. From the page-level toolbar, click More commands > New > Generate Trace Link Matrix.

   The Generate Trace Link Matrix panel appears.

3. Select a Matrix Type.

4. (Optional) Clear the "Matrix is symmetric" check box to activate the Replace Column icon if only one item is selected for the matrix.

5. (Optional) If including requirements or specifications in the matrix, clear the Include Parameters check box to hide all associated parameters.

6. To manage the row or column settings, do the following:

   • To swap the row and column, click Swap. The objects change places in the Row and Column box.
   • To replace the column object, click Replace Column. The Replace Column fields appear. Enter a search term, select an object to replace the column, and click Replace.

   Note: These options are available only for Quick and Full-Rollup Matrix types.

7. Click Generate.

Results

The matrix appears in the primary work area. The trace link count for all collapsed rows appears in the summation column. You can expand the rows to expose the child trace link counts.

Note: When the Existing Trace Link panel is launched inside the matrix, no Occurrence to Occurrence trace link is displayed.