How Do I Create a Virtual TEDS for My Transducer/Sensor?
Primary Software: LabVIEW Run-Time Engine
Primary Software Version: 8.0
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: N/A
Hardware: Multifunction DAQ (MIO)
Problem: I have a custom sensor with no available Virtual TEDS to download. How can I create a Virtual TEDS for use with this sensor in Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) and LabVIEW?
Solution: Virtual TEDS files can be downloaded from
NI’s Virtual TEDS Database. You should check this database first to see if any TEDS are available for your sensor.
If no TEDS are available for your sensor, and you do not know the manufacturer of your sensor or have a custom sensor follow the instructions below to create a virtual TEDS file.
- First download the IEEE standards TEDS templates attached below for various sensor types. (virtual TEDS_IEEE_Templates.zip)
- Unzip this file to your working directory or your virtual TEDS project folder. These templates allow you to configure different parameters according to the IEEE standards for creating the virtual TEDS files. The IEEE templates included are:
- IEEE template 25.vi - Accelerometer or force transducer
- IEEE template 30.vi – High Level Voltage Output Sensor
- IEEE template 31.vi – Current Loop Output Sensor
- IEEE template 33.vi – Bridge Sensor
- IEEE template 35.vi – Strain Gauge
- IEEE template 36.vi - Thermocouple
- IEEE template 37.vi - RTD
- IEEE template 38.vi - Thermistor
- Create a block diagram similar to the figure below. To do this you will need the TEDS VI Library. For information on downloading and installing this library see the related links below.
Figure 1. Block Diagram showing how to create Virtual TEDS file
for an Accelerometer of Force Transducer
Figure 1 is a sample LabVIEW VI to create a virtual TEDS for an Accelerometer of Force Transducer (Template 25). The specific Edit IEEE Template XX function can be included by using the Select subVI option of the Function Palette to browse to the location you previously unzipped it to. Make sure the correct template is selected for the template ID input of the TEDS_Build Empty Template function.
A sample front panel of template 25 referenced in Figure 1 is shown below as Figure 2.
Figure 2. Front Panel showing IEEE template
for an Accelerometer of Force Transducer
It is important that all parameters specified in the template are filled with appropriate values.
For information on how to configure and use your virtual TEDS file in MAX and LabVIEW checkout the related links below.
Related Links: KnowledgeBase 3CO9BO8O: How to Install the TEDS Library into LabVIEWAffliated Product Advisors: Search Virtual TEDSSolutions: Sensors Plug&Play (TEDS) OverviewDeveloper Zone Tutorial: Updgrading Your System for Virtual TEDSDeveloper Zone Tutorial: IEEE 1451.4 Standard Overview
Attachments: 
Report Date: 04/01/2006
Last Updated: 01/09/2009
Document ID: 3W0BS72M
