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You can extend NI DataFinder for managing and organizing test data to work with your existing and custom file formats using DataPlugins. DataPlugins act as file parsers that tell NI DataFinder and other NI software how to read your custom file formats and how to index the properties associated with the files that are then stored in the DataFinder Index.
DataPlugins interpret custom formats for NI software and tell the NI DataFinder where to find properties for indexing.
National Instruments provides more than 200 free, downloadable DataPlugins for the most common file formats. For custom formats, you can create your own DataPlugins in NI LabVIEW and DIAdem software using a documented API or request an NI expert create a DataPlugin for you.
Visit ni.com/dataplugins for more information.
TDM Header Writer APIs
Another approach for integrating your custom formats with NI DataFinder is to use one of the TDM Header Writer APIs, which offer an easy-to-use interface for creating TDM header files for existing binary files. While TDMS files offer an all-encompassing solution for high speed streaming of data, customers that have existing applications that utilized TDM files may have reached limitations for high speed streaming applications. Customers using Real-Time systems can't access the Data Storage VIs in LabVIEW, and some applications have requirements that mandate the use of a custom binary file format or even programming in an alternative language such as Java. Furthermore, you may have legacy data that exists in binary file format.
If you want to take full advantage of the TDM file format for your own pre-existing binary files, you can use one of the three TDM Header Writer APIs that National Instruments has developed. These APIs will allow you to create TDM Headers for your pre-existing files so that you can leverage all that TDM has to offer.
Read the application note to learn more.
Download the LabVIEW TDM Header Writer VIs
Download the TDM Header Writer C API
Download the TDM Header Writer Java API
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