How Data is Saved

Waveform files saved in the NI Analog Waveform Editor consist of two pieces: the arbitrary waveform, and the waveform specification data.

The arbitrary waveform contains an array of samples which can be downloaded to an arbitrary waveform generator hardware device for waveform playback. This waveform data can be read and modified using the NI-HWS API.

The specification data contains all of the parameters associated with the waveform, including primitive settings (such as amplitude, frequency, and phase), filter settings (such as cutoff frequency, and order), and other settings. When a saved file is loaded into the Analog Waveform Editor, the waveform displayed in the main window is rebuilt from these specifications. This portion of the saved file is not exposed through the NI-HWS API.

Note  NI-HWS does not affect the waveform specification data. Because the NI Analog Waveform Editor rebuilds the displayed waveform from the specification data, a waveform edited using NI-HWS and reloaded into the NI Analog Waveform Editor appears as it did when last saved in the Analog Waveform Editor. Changes made in NI-HWS do not appear because the arbitrary data and the specification data do not match. Resave the waveform in the Analog Waveform Editor to synchronize the waveform with its specification data.