How Do I Convert a HWS File to a LVM or TDMS File in LabVIEW?

Updated Oct 5, 2024

Reported In

Software

  • LabVIEW
  • Analog Waveform Editor
  • Digital Waveform Editor

Issue Details

I have created a waveform using the Analog Waveform Editor which I saved as a *.hws file. How do I save this to a file in the *.lvm or *.tdms format?

I have a digital waveform which I saved as a *.hws file. How do I save this to a file in the *.lvm or *.tdms format?

Solution

This can be done using the NI-HWS Express Load VI which can be found in the Functions palette under Instrument I/O>>Inst Drivers>>NI Hierarchical Waveform Storage. This Express VI loads the *.hws file. The output is available as a dynamic data type and can be converted directly to a LabVIEW Measurement File(LVM) or TDMS File using the Write to Measurement File Express VI, as in the example below:

The Configuration Dialog box from the Write to Measurement File Express VI can be used to determine the file source and the type of file to convert to. In order to access this, double-click on the function on the block diagram. You can see a dialog box which looks like below the figure.



 
The image below shows how to save your digital waveform *.hws file to a file in the *.tdms format.

Additional Information

The *.hws file format is only supported on 32-bit versions of LabVIEW.

The hws file functions were removed from NI-SCOPE, NI-FGEN and NI-HSDIO with versions 21.5. Make sure to use an older software version to convert your files.