Converting String or Integer to Floating-Point Number in TestStand

Updated Sep 19, 2025

Reported In

Software

  • TestStand

Issue Details

Is it possible to convert 04379E666 to the float value 249.7999878 in TestStand?

Solution

No, this type of conversion is not possible directly within TestStand. TestStand does not support direct conversion of a hexadecimal or integer bit pattern into a floating-point number using its expression language. While basic type conversions (e.g., Val("True") → 1.0) are supported, TestStand lacks capabilities such as:

  • Bitwise operations (e.g., shifts, masks)
  • Memory reinterpretation (e.g., treating a UInt32 as a Float32)

As a result, values like 0x4379E666 cannot be interpreted as 249.7999878 within a TestStand expression. To perform this conversion, use an external code module such as LabVIEW, C/C++, or Python to reinterpret the bit pattern as a floating-point number. Once converted, you can return the result to TestStand for display or further processing.