SDFI File – What is .sdfi file and how to open it?

Definition of SDFI Files

An SDFI file, or Softing Data File, is a proprietary file format created by Softing Industrial, a leading provider of industrial automation and communication solutions. SDFI files are primarily utilized for storing and exchanging data related to industrial automation systems. They contain a structured representation of various industrial data, including device configurations, process parameters, and measurement values.

Applications of SDFI Files

SDFI files are commonly employed in industrial settings for a wide range of applications. They are frequently used for:

• Configuring and managing industrial devices such as controllers, drives, and sensors
• Storing and transmitting process data from industrial equipment
• Archiving and managing historical industrial data
• Exchanging data between different industrial software applications
• Providing a common data format for integration and interoperability between various industrial systems

Opening SDFI Files with SDFI Viewer

SDFI files, also known as Softing Data Files, are proprietary data formats used by Softing’s automation software tools. To open and view SDFI files, you need to install the Softing Data File Interpreter (SDFI Viewer) software. The SDFI Viewer is a free tool provided by Softing and is available for download from their website.

Once installed, you can open SDFI files by double-clicking on them in File Explorer or by selecting them within the SDFI Viewer application. The SDFI Viewer displays the file contents in a structured format, providing access to various data items, such as PLC data, process values, and diagnostic information. You can also use the SDFI Viewer to export data to other file formats, such as CSV or Excel.

Alternative Methods for Opening SDFI Files

In addition to the SDFI Viewer, there are a few third-party software tools that can open and view SDFI files. One such tool is the free SDFI Explorer application, which can be downloaded from the Softing website. SDFI Explorer offers similar functionality to the SDFI Viewer but has a more limited feature set.

Another option is to use a hex editor to view the raw contents of an SDFI file. Hex editors allow you to inspect the binary structure of the file and identify patterns or data segments. However, this method requires a deep understanding of file formats and is not suitable for casual users.

SDFI File Format: Technical Details

The SDFI (Softing Data File) format is a proprietary binary file format utilized by Softing Industrial for data storage and exchange. It conforms to a specific structured layout, enabling the efficient organization and retrieval of data. The SDFI format is designed to facilitate the interoperability between Softing’s industrial automation software and data acquisition systems.

SDFI files consist of a header followed by a series of data records. The header contains metadata about the file, including the version number, file size, and information on the data contained within the records. Data records are structured according to a predefined schema, ensuring consistent data representation across different SDFI files. Each data record typically includes a timestamp, sensor measurements, and other related information. The binary format and structured organization of SDFI files optimize data storage and processing performance.

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