Extending Data File Support using DataPlugins (Windows)

DataPlugins provide a unified method to access data with LabVIEW, regardless of the file format. A DataPlugin is encapsulated code that reads and interprets the data contained in a specific file format by mapping the data to the TDM data model. The TDM data model arranges the data in three hierarchical levels: file, channel groups, and channels.

Downloading and Registering DataPlugins

National Instruments provides DataPlugins for some data formats. You can view and download these DataPlugins from the National Instruments website at ni.com/dataplugins.

After you download a DataPlugin, you must register it on the local computer before you can access the corresponding data file. Double-click the DataPlugin file to manually register the DataPlugin. You also can use the Register DataPlugins VI to programmatically register the DataPlugin.

Creating DataPlugins

If you cannot find the DataPlugin for a specific data format, you can create one by using the LabVIEW DataPlugin SDK. The SDK also enables you to create an installer in order to install the new DataPlugin on any Windows computer. Refer to the LabVIEW DataPlugin SDK User Manual for the following information:

• LabVIEW DataPlugin Types
• Creating DataPlugins with LabVIEW
• Channel Length Limitation
• Supported Data Types and Conversions
• Name Conventions
• Supported LabVIEW Versions

Refer to the Read ATML File VI in the labview\examples\File IO\DataPlugins\ATML\DataPlugins - ATML.lvproj file for an example of using a DataPlugin to read information from an ATML 2.0 file.

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Related Information

File Formats

LabVIEW DataPlugin SDK

Storage/DataPlugin VIs

TDM Data Model