The Instrument Data File Set

All data stored at SwRI for use by the SDDAS is held in a set of files jointly called an Instrument Data File Set or IDFS. The IDFS packages metadata with the acquired or derived parameters in such a way as to make the production of scientific data displays easy. The investigator does not have to be concerned with many of the small details buried in the data or metadata and can concentrate instead on how the data should be presented. There are three types of files necessary for the core IDFS data set:

• Virtual Instrument Description File (VIDF)
• Header File (HF)
• Data File (DF)

There are two optional files of the IDFS paradigm listed below. The PIDF files are used extensively by the SDDAS application programs, and so are necessary for SDDAS. They are considered optional because they are not necessary for developing and using IDFS data sets outside of the SDDAS system.

• Plot (or application) Information Description File (PIDF)
• Special Computations File (SCF) (pdf file)

Download a copy of the IDFS Programmer's Manual (pdf file).

NOTE: PostScript files downloaded with a browser should generate a 'Save-as' dialog pop-up. If your browser attempts to display a PostScript file and you have not configured a PostScript viewer as a helper application, check your browser's .mailcap and .mime.types files for possible '.ps' extensions or seek help from your system administrator.

You may also download the postscript files by right-clicking on the link. This should bring up another menu which will let you "Save Link As".