New Driver Design Module files (.xdd)
DigiMe
Posts: 59
Does anyone know what this is per the updated Netlinx Studio:
"New Driver Design Module files (.xdd)"
"New Driver Design Module files (.xdd)"
0
Comments
They are used with Dynamic Device Discovery.
You'll either download a Duet module for a specific device that comes with an xdd file or you'll use a generic Duet Driver Design module and tell the module what file to look for.
At present, this is only for display devices. Manufactures have taken this tool and run with it. This is expected to eventually cover additional device types. The tool allows manufacturers to upload their finished drivers directly into the database, and each xdd file contains the email address for the engineer who wrote the driver allowing for rapid access to the resource responsible for caring for the module. The goal of the initiative is to empower manufacturers to easily create, test, and support their own drivers.
The results for the dealer/programmer are clear:
1) more drivers in the resource library
2) drivers written by, and tested by the hardware manufacturer
3) faster delivery of drivers to better align with hardware manufacturer product release dates
4) expedited support for drivers that are not operating properly
5) drivers targeted at one specific device model and no longer a "family" of products -- so often we receive one model from a manufacturer, but the protocol "should" work for a "family" of products and field testing reveals this isn't always accurate.
It is unclear if and when this tool would roll out into the dealer community. It is a tool that allows engineers to simply "fill in the blank" and not a programming tool.
Many times, we (in this community) have asked for display modules that simply contain power, input selection, and lamp hours. Most projects do not need sharpness, contrast, brightness, etc. and this tool allows for that level of customization. The result is a SNAPI compliant, two-way communicating module.
I am a big fan of the tool. Although this has been in development for quite some time, I still think this is in its infancy and am excited to see where this is going. Members of the Valued Independent Programmer community received a preview of this tool at our summer Developer's Conference. Initial response was very positive for what something like this could do towards streamlining the workflow and providing a rapid way to develop modules - be it for one time use on a device you don't expect to see again, or long term use in your business.
I've also tried the new feature of NS and it works fine. You can use a module created with Driver Design and implement it in your code like a NetLinx or Duet module.
Shame we can’t yet develop for now modules usable with Driver design !