Data Storage Format

Since the WINDAQ convert utility can be used to convert other data file formats into the CODAS data storage format, typical WINDAQ users will never need to be involved in the level of detail presented. There are some applications however, that require a good understanding of the format used to store data files to disk:

• If the WINDAQ Waveform Browser playback and analysis software package will be bypassed.
• If you wish to examine (using the WINDAQ Waveform Browser) data acquired and stored by a completely different data acquisition system in a format not supported by the Convert Utility. In such an instance it will be necessary to transform the data file to be examined into the CODAS data storage format.

It should be mentioned that the CODAS data storage format is complex and its interpretation and use should be limited to experienced programmers. For non-experienced programmers, the ActiveX control ReadDataqFile may be of more use. Further, since WINDAQ is a constantly evolving product, DATAQ Instruments makes no guarantees that the descriptions and functions of the format's various elements will remain as described (note the liberal use of the word “RESERVED” in the description of the data file header). However, it has been DATAQ Instruments' policy to provide backward file compatibility as new features are added that require file format changes. We will use our best efforts to continue this policy in the future. As such, you will note a number of relative references contained in the file header that are designed to enhance the file format's ability to adapt to as yet undefined future WINDAQ performance upgrades. To avoid future incompatibilities, these relative variables should not be treated as absolutes in user-generated programs making use of WINDAQ-generated files.

For more information regarding the CODAS Data Storage Format visit the following web page: http://www.dataq.com/support/techinfo/ff.htm.

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