From fb52f8c6db794cac91f22042359d6da3cb61f562 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Nathan Chordas-Ewell <nathan@chordasewell.com>
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 15:17:31 -0500
Subject: [PATCH] Initial README

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 1 file changed, 68 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

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-# ETS-MATLAB-Pattern-Parser
-MATLAB parser for ETS-Lindgren 3D antenna pattern CSV exports, returning pattern data arrays indexed by phi, theta, and frequency.
+# ETSDataFormat3D
+
+A MATLAB function for parsing and loading 3D antenna pattern data from ETS-Lindgren CSV exports into structured arrays.
+
+## Overview
+
+`ETSDataFormat3D` reads a 3D antenna measurement CSV file (as exported by ETS-Lindgren systems) and returns antenna pattern data organized by polarization (phi, theta, and/or total power), along with the corresponding angle and frequency vectors. To speed up repeated loads, the function automatically saves a `.mat` cache file on first use and loads from it on subsequent calls.
+
+## Usage
+
+```matlab
+% Four-output form — returns whichever single polarization is available
+[D, phi, theta, freqs] = ETSDataFormat3D(filename)
+
+% Six-output form — returns both polarizations AND vector sum (total gain)
+[D_total, D_phi, D_theta, phi, theta, freqs] = ETSDataFormat3D(filename)
+```
+
+## Caching Behavior
+
+The function uses 'readcell()' to fetch the data from the csv file. For large datasets this operation can be very slow and use a lot of RAM.
+
+On the first call, the function parses the CSV and saves a `.mat` file in the same directory with the same base filename. On subsequent calls, if the `.mat` file is detected it is loaded directly, significantly reducing load time for large datasets. To force a re-parse, simply delete the `.mat` file.
+
+### Output Arguments
+
+| Variable | Size | Description |
+|---|---|---|
+| `D` / `D_total` | `numPhi × numTheta × numFreqs` | Total power directivity array |
+| `D_phi` | `numPhi × numTheta × numFreqs` | Phi-polarization directivity array |
+| `D_theta` | `numPhi × numTheta × numFreqs` | Theta-polarization directivity array |
+| `phi` | `numPhi × 1` | Phi angles (degrees) |
+| `theta` | `1 × numTheta` | Theta angles (degrees) |
+| `freqs` | `1 × numFreqs` | Frequencies (Hz) |
+
+### Input Arguments
+
+| Argument | Description |
+|---|---|
+| `filename` | Full or relative path to the ETS-Lindgren `.csv` measurement file |
+
+## Examples
+
+```matlab
+% Load total power only
+[D, phi, theta, freqs] = ETSDataFormat3D('myAntenna_3D.csv');
+
+% Plot pattern at first frequency
+figure;
+imagesc(theta, phi, D(:,:,1));
+xlabel('Theta (deg)'); ylabel('Phi (deg)');
+title('Total Power Pattern');
+colorbar;
+
+% Load all polarizations
+[D_total, D_phi, D_theta, phi, theta, freqs] = ETSDataFormat3D('myAntenna_3D.csv');
+```
+
+## Notes
+
+- Frequencies in the raw CSV are assumed to be in MHz and are automatically converted to Hz on output.
+- The six-output form requires that all three polarizations (total, phi, theta) are present in the CSV. An error is thrown if any are missing.
+- The four-output form returns whichever single polarization is available (`D_total` takes priority, followed by `D_vert`, then `D_horiz`).
+
+## Requirements
+
+- MATLAB R2019b or later (uses `readcell`)
+- No additional toolboxes required