PI DataLink User Guide Printable

PI DataLink User Guide
Version 4.1
Copyright © 1992-2009 OSIsoft, Inc.

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Published: 5.11.2009
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction.................................................................................................................1
PI DataLink Editions ...........................................................................................................1
System Requirements ........................................................................................................3
Installation and Upgrade ....................................................................................................4
Configuration ......................................................................................................................4
About this Document ..........................................................................................................6
Chapter 2 Basics ..........................................................................................................................7

User Interface.....................................................................................................................7
PI Server Connections .....................................................................................................12
Graphic Function Components ........................................................................................13
Preference Settings..........................................................................................................22
Spreadsheet Construction................................................................................................25
Chapter 3 PI Functions ..............................................................................................................27

Current Value ...................................................................................................................27
Archive Value ...................................................................................................................28
Compressed Data ............................................................................................................29
Sampled Data...................................................................................................................32
Timed Data.......................................................................................................................33
Calculated Data................................................................................................................35
Time Filtered ....................................................................................................................39
Chapter 4 PI Tags and Attributes .............................................................................................41

Tag Search.......................................................................................................................41
Tag Functions...................................................................................................................43
Chapter 5 Module Database Objects........................................................................................47

Module Database Browse ................................................................................................47
Module Database Functions ............................................................................................49
Chapter 6 Spreadsheets ............................................................................................................51

Functions and Array Values .............................................................................................51
Function Calculation.........................................................................................................51
Array Management...........................................................................................................54
Share Spreadsheets.........................................................................................................56
Chapter 7 Trend Displays..........................................................................................................57

Create a Trend .................................................................................................................57
PI DataLink User Guide iii

Table of Contents
Specify the Time Range...................................................................................................60

Title and Placement..........................................................................................................61
Context Menu ...................................................................................................................62
Chapter 8 Notifications..............................................................................................................65
Search and Display Notifications .....................................................................................65
View Notifications .............................................................................................................68
Insert Notifications............................................................................................................68
Appendix A Supplementary Information .................................................................................71

Setup ................................................................................................................................71
PI Time .............................................................................................................................73
PI Data Type Support.......................................................................................................75
PI Expressions .................................................................................................................75
Manual Function Entry .....................................................................................................82
Write Data to PI ................................................................................................................85
Troubleshooting................................................................................................................85
Appendix B Function Syntax Reference..................................................................................87

Single Value Functions ....................................................................................................87
Multiple Value Functions ..................................................................................................90
Calculation Functions .......................................................................................................99
Tag Functions.................................................................................................................112
Module Database Functions ..........................................................................................115
Input Functions...............................................................................................................117
Appendix C Technical Support and Resources....................................................................119
Index ............................................................................................................................................123
iv
Chapter 1
Introduction
PI DataLink is a Microsoft Excel add-in that enables you to retrieve information from your PI
Server directly into a spreadsheet. With PI DataLink, you can:
• retrieve point values from a PI server
• retrieve system metadata to create a structured view of PI data:
ο PI tag names and attributes
ο PI Module Database paths, aliases and properties
• reference these items using PI DataLink functions to calculate and filter data
• keep values updated when the spreadsheet recalculates
• retrieve PI Notifications you are subscribed to from a PI System
• trend data from the spreadsheet or selected PI points
PI DataLink provides a graphical interface to retrieve data and build functions and
calculations. DataLink functions are embedded in spreadsheet cells and can provide active
updates of real-time data from the PI server.
You can also use the rich calculation and formatting capabilities of Excel to organize and
present PI system data to fit your purpose or audience.
Combined with the computational, graphic and formatting capabilities of Microsoft Excel, PI
DataLink offers powerful tools for gathering, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting PI data.
PI DataLink Editions
Two editions of PI DataLink are installed on your system:
• An add-in is installed for Microsoft Excel 2007. This add-in cannot run in earlier versions
of Excel. This edition is configured automatically if you have Excel 2007 on your system.
• An add-in is installed for Microsoft Excel 2000, XP, or 2003. This add-in resembles
earlier versions of PI DataLink and must be configured manually (page 4).
The differences between the add-ins reside primarily in design and user interface (page 7)
changes for Office 2007.
PI DataLink User Guide 1

Introduction
PI SDK
PI SDK is installed with PI DataLink, and connects PI DataLink to your PI server to retrieve
PI point data.
PI DataLink uses both PI SDK and the Microsoft Excel SDK. When an error occurs at the PI
SDK level, PI DataLink displays the error in the cell. For example, if a function attempts to
retrieve the current value of a tag that does not exist, the output cell displays a "PIPoint not
found" message.
PI SDK also allows users with Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) experience to
develop Excel routines that call PI SDK functions. Users who plan to develop programs
outside of Excel must purchase a separate PI SDK or PI API license. Contact your OSIsoft
sales representative for more information.
PI DataLink for Excel Services (DLES)
PI DataLink for Excel Services (PI DLES) is a server version of PI DataLink for use with
Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 (MOSS). PI DLES supports all DataLink and PI
BatchView functions provided by Excel Add-ins in a typical PI client configuration.
PI DLES enables you to retrieve and view data from PI Servers in Microsoft Excel
spreadsheet format using only a web browser. Access to real-time PI data can be expanded to
many different consumers, regardless of location, or familiarity with either Microsoft Excel
or PI DataLink functions.
This server version of PI DataLink uses MOSS technologies including Excel Services and the
Excel Web Access web part. Together, these Microsoft components support a majority of
standard spreadsheet features. PI DataLink for Excel Services augments these services,
adding connectivity and support for PI functions.
Excel workbooks published to SharePoint document libraries can be accessed independently,
or added to web part pages. The Excel Web Access web part supports connections that allow
parameters to be exchanged between a workbook and other web parts, integrating
spreadsheets with PI DataLink functions into the RtWebParts environment.
Contact your OSIsoft sales representative for more information about PI DLES.
2
System Requirements
System Requirements
PI DataLink runs in Microsoft Excel on a Microsoft Windows PC client machine, and
retrieves information stored on a PI Server through standard network software.
OSIsoft system prerequisites

Installation of an OSIsoft product relies on the presence of operating system components such
as the Microsoft .NET Framework. OSIsoft product setup kits check for prerequisite software
during installation. If not found, the installation will stop and you will be prompted to install
prerequisites. OSIsoft Prerequisite Kits are available for three target operating system
environments:
• Windows 2000 SP4 and later
• 32-bit Windows XP SP2 and later
• 64-bit Windows XP SP2 x64 and later
To determine which MS Operating System prerequisites you need, see the OSIsoft Tech
Support Web site Prerequisite Kits pages
(http://techsupport.osisoft.com/Products/Prerequisite+Kits/Prerequisite+Kits+Overview.htm).
Client Software for PI DataLink

PI DataLink requires the following software on the client machine:
• Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, Server 2003 or Server 2008
• PI SDK 1.3.6.364 or higher
• One of the following versions of Microsoft Excel:
ο an activated (http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help/HA012334341033.aspx) version
of Microsoft Excel 2007 with a valid product key
ο Excel 2003
ο Excel 2002 (Office XP)
ο Excel 2000
Additional Client Software for PI Notifications Search

The following are also required to search for notifications:
• Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, Server 2003 or Server 2008
• PI AF client 2.0.4.2025
• PI Notifications client 1.0.777.0
• Excel 2002 (Office XP), Excel 2003 with Service Pack 3, or Excel 2007
PI Server
PI DataLink works with PI Server versions 3.2.354.0 or higher. PI Module
Database functionality is provided for PI Server versions 3.3.361.43 and higher.

Introduction
Installation and Upgrade

Installation
To install, download the installation kit from http://techsupport.osisoft.com
(http://techsupport.osisoft.com), and run the PI DataLink installation kit:
PIDataLink_4.1.0.0_.exe
The setup program installs PI DataLink under the root directory PIPC, typically in:
C:\Program Files\PIPC\Excel
The installation also includes online help files and release notes, both of which are also
available for download at http://techsupport.osisoft.com (http://techsupport.osisoft.com).
Upgrade
If you have a previous version of PI DataLink installed on your computer, the installer
automatically upgrades your installation. Preference settings from previous versions are
retained.
The following points may be helpful when upgrading from previous versions of PI DataLink:
• PI DataLink is backwards compatible. Workbooks created in older versions can be read
by the current version without any conversion. However, the reverse is not necessarily
true. Once you modify a spreadsheet in the current version, it may no longer work in
older versions of PI DataLink.
• Current versions of PI DataLink use PI SDK, while 2.x and previous versions used PI
API.
ο Error messages returned may be different, so if the spreadsheets look for certain
strings (for example, in Excel VBA code or macros) the text may not be the same.
ο 3.x and 4.x versions do not create an API connection to the PI Server, so VBA code
in workbooks that depends on an existing API connection must be edited to create a
new, explicit connection to PI API.
Configuration
After installation, you may need to configure the PI DataLink add-in in Excel.
Microsoft Excel 2007

The PI DataLink setup program automatically installs the DataLink add-in for Microsoft
Excel 2007 if this version is found on your system. No configuration is necessary.
Installation makes PI DataLink available to all users of the client machine. If an individual
user deactivates PI DataLink or a related add-in, updates do not reactivate the add-in; it must
be restored manually. To restore add-ins:
1. Click the Office 2007 button and then click Excel Options.
2. Choose Add-ins > Manage Disabled Items > Go and enable PIDatlink.UI.dll.manifest.
4
Configuration
3. Go to Add-ins > Manage Com Add-Ins > Go and enable PI DataLink or PI

Notifications.
4. Click OK.
Microsoft Excel 2000-2003

If you install PI DataLink for Excel 2000-2003, you will need to configure the add-in for
Excel following installation. You can also use this procedure to restore the add-in if the PI
menu does not appear in the Excel menu bar.
To add PI DataLink to Excel 2000-2003 versions:
1. In Excel, choose Tools > Add-ins.
The Add-Ins dialog appears.
2. If the PI DataLink add-in is not listed, click Browse to locate the PIPC32.XLL file on
your local hard drive.
The default path for PI DataLink is PIPC\EXCEL.
3. Click the check box next to PI DataLink, and click OK.

Introduction
About this Document

The PI DataLink User Guide provides a detailed description of product features and a
complete reference to PI DataLink functions. The content of print and online versions of the
guide is identical. Trend control objects also launch a separate help file which includes
information on programmatic controls for trends.
Printed versions of the PI DataLink User Guide include tutorial exercises used by OSIsoft for
PI DataLink training courses. These exercises are also available in PDF format (along with
accompanying training exercise files) from the OSIsoft support web site at
techsupport.osisoft.com.
This guide does not duplicate or distinguish between PI DataLink add-ins for Excel 2007 and
Excel 2000-2003 when discussing common functionality unless there are significant
functional differences.
Specific references to PI DataLink for Excel 2000-2003 are labeled (2003), and those specific
to PI DataLink for Excel 2007 are labeled (2007), when necessary.
6
Chapter 2
Basics
The following sections introduce basic PI DataLink concepts and features. You should
familiarize yourself with these sections before using PI DataLink to build a spreadsheet and
retrieve PI data, particularly if you are new to PI DataLink or Office 2007.
These sections describe:
• Common interface components, and how they differ between PI DataLink add-ins for
Excel 2000-2003 and Excel 2007
• Core features required to begin working with PI DataLink
• Different approaches to building a PI DataLink spreadsheet, depending on your goals,
needs, and resources
User Interface
PI DataLink is an add-in application to Microsoft Excel, and appears within the Microsoft
Excel user interface in the form of menus, dialog boxes and task panes specific to PI
DataLink.
While the underlying functionality of PI DataLink is the same for Excel 2000-2003, and
2007, the user interface and tools used to build and manage PI DataLink spreadsheets differ
slightly to reflect the design and objects available from the corresponding version of
Microsoft Excel.
Depending on your version of Excel, you may work with either of the following groups of PI
DataLink components:
PI DataLink for Excel 2000-2003 PI DataLink for Excel 2007
PI menu PI ribbon
function dialog boxes function task panes
right-click context menu right-click context menu
Trend Control Wizard Trend Control Wizard
PI Notifications dialog box PI Notifications dialog box
The following section describes the visual and operational differences between PI DataLink
add-ins.

Basics
PI DataLink for Excel 2007
PI DataLink for Excel 2007 includes design elements introduced in Microsoft Office 2007.
If you are upgrading from a previous version of PI DataLink, familiarize yourself with the
new design elements before you begin working with PI DataLink.
PI Ribbon
The PI DataLink add-in for Microsoft Excel 2007 uses a ribbon menu.
The ribbon menu is a graphical menu that combines features of both a standard menu and a
toolbar.
• Click PI in the Excel menu bar to select the tab for the PI DataLink ribbon menu.
• Click an item in the PI ribbon to open a corresponding task pane or dialog box.
• Place the cursor over an item to display a descriptive tooltip.
Function Task Panes

PI DataLink for Microsoft Excel 2007 provides custom task panes to define PI DataLink
functions.
8
User Interface
A task pane is a moveable and dockable panel of controls that functions much like a dialog
box, except that you can continue to work on a spreadsheet while a task pane is open.
PI DataLink opens a task pane when you add a function or select a cell in a function array for
editing. To open a function task pane:
• Click in the desired output cell, and then click a function on the PI ribbon to add a
function.
• Click a cell in an existing function array to display a corresponding task pane and edit
function arguments.
• Right-click a function array cell and choose the function name to manually display the
task pane.
Note: You can turn off automatic display (page 21) of task panes if you prefer.
Once a function task pane is open:

• Enter or change values, and then click OK to save your changes and close the task pane.
Click Apply to save changes without closing the task pane.
• Click the X button in the task pane title bar to close the task pane without saving changes.
• Click the arrow button in the task pane title bar to detach and Move, or Resize the task
pane.
You can also click the title bar to drag and dock a task pane, or place your cursor over the
edge and drag to resize the pane.
Note: Dialog boxes are used for other tasks including Tag Search, Preferences and
Connections in the add-in for Excel 2007.

Basics
PI DataLink for Excel 2000-2003
PI DataLink for Excel 2000-2003 appears in Microsoft Excel as a standard menu and related
dialog box controls.
If you have used previous releases of PI DataLink, the add-in for Excel 2000-2003 maintains
the same look and feel.
PI Menu
PI DataLink for Excel 2000-2003 adds a PI menu to the Excel menu bar once the PI
DataLink add-in is loaded. If you do not see the PI menu, you may need to configure (page 4)
the PI DataLink add-in for Excel.
PI DataLink for Excel 2000-2003 uses a standard menu configuration:

• Choose an item from the PI menu to open a corresponding dialog box.
10
User Interface
Function Dialog Boxes

PI DataLink for Microsoft Excel 2000-2003 provides dialog boxes to define PI DataLink
functions.
PI DataLink opens a corresponding function dialog box when you add or edit a function. To
open a function dialog box:
• Click in a cell and then choose a function from the PI menu to add a function.
• Right-click a cell in an existing function array to display the context menu, and then
choose the function name from the menu to edit function arguments.
Once a function dialog box is open:
• Enter or change values, and then click OK to save your changes and close the dialog box.
PI DataLink automatically retrieves values from PI and populates the function array in
your spreadsheet when you click OK.
• Click Cancel or X to close the dialog box without saving changes.

Basics
Context Menu
PI DataLink adds several commands to the standard Microsoft Excel context menu. You can
use these commands to manage function arrays that are already inserted into a spreadsheet.
Note: Context menus are the same for both add-in versions of PI DataLink.
To display the context menu:

• Right-click anywhere in a cell or group of cells that contains a PI DataLink function
array.
A function array is the cluster of cells that contain the output from a single PI DataLink
function. You can also right-click on an embedded trend control to see a related context
menu (page 61).
The following items appear in the context menu:
• Choose Select DataLink Function to select the entire function array.
You should select an array before attempting to copy, cut or drag it to a new spreadsheet
location.
• Choose Recalculate (Resize) Function to recalculate (page 52) the array, retrieving new
values from PI.
For some functions, a different number of values may be available with each
recalculation, causing the array to resize.
• Choose <function name> to open a corresponding function dialog box (page 10) and
update arguments to collect different data.
PI Server Connections
Use the Connections dialog box to manage connections to PI servers in your computing
environment. To connect to a PI server:
• Click the Connections icon on the ribbon bar (2007), or choose PI > Connections
(2003) to display the Connections dialog box.
Each configured PI server available to PI DataLink appears in the Server pane to the left.
If you do not see the desired server, you can add a connection. To add additional PI server
connections:
• Choose Server > Add Server or right-click in the server pane and choose Add Server
from the context menu to display the Add Server dialog box and configure a new PI
server connection.
An open connection to a PI server is required to add DataLink functions to a spreadsheet and
retrieve values from PI. A selected checkbox next to a server name in the Connections dialog
box indicates an open connection to the PI server.
12
Graphic Function Components
To manage connection settings:

• Click to select a checkbox and open a connection to a PI server in the list. Clear a
checkbox to close a connection.
• Select a PI server in the server pane to access connection settings.
Note: The name of the default PI server appears at the bottom right of the dialog box.
You can maintain connections to more than one PI server at a time, although you
may need to specify the target server when you define a PI DataLink function.

PI DataLink provides a graphical user interface to build functions in Excel. Common dialog
box features make it easy to supply arguments to define the function.
The tool used to build a function depends on the version of PI DataLink installed:
• The add-in for Excel 2000-2003 provides dialog boxes (page 10) to define functions.
• The add-in for Excel 2007 provides task panes (page 8) to define functions.
• Advanced users familiar with PI DataLink and the PI Server can enter function syntax
(page 82) directly into the Excel formula bar.

Basics
The following sections describe common features in PI DataLink function dialog boxes and
task panes, how real-time data is acquired and presented, and how PI DataLink functions can
be used within a spreadsheet.
Entry Fields
Labeled entry fields accept specific arguments used to define a function. Most arguments
may be entered directly, or referenced in spreadsheet cells. While the options differ by
argument, all entry fields allow one or more of the following choices:
• Enter text directly in an edit field , such as a tag name or the address
of an output cell.
• Select an item from choices in a list , such as a calculation or a sampling method.
• Reference spreadsheet cells that contain arguments, such as a tag name, output
cell location, or timestamp.
Note: Be sure to enter strings in cells that you may reference with a leading
apostrophe ('). This forces Excel to interpret the contents as a string.
• Select values from a PI server or other sources through a tag or module

database search.
For example, you can enter a tag name string into the Tagname field, or click the button next
to the field to display the Tag Search dialog box, and search the PI server for tags.
You can also manually supply a reference to a spreadsheet cell that contains a tag name:
• Click first in the edit field, and then click the cell (or click the cell and drag to an adjacent
cell to select a range) on the spreadsheet.
DataLink automatically enters the cell reference into the edit field.
Note: Some entry fields display a default entry when the dialog box or pane opens.
Fields marked Optional are optional, and a value is not required.
14
Standard Arguments
Some arguments are common to most PI DataLink functions in dialog boxes or task panes,
and are usually required to define the function:
Tagname(s) or Expression
The Tagname(s) or Expression field is required by most functions to evaluate PI point (tag)
data or the results of a PI expression (page 76). One or more tag names, or the syntax of a PI
expression may be:
• Entered directly in a field.
For example, sinusoid.
• Entered in one or more spreadsheet cells, which are then referenced in the field.
For example, a reference to the array Sheet1!$B$3:Sheet1!$B$4, which in turn
contains the tag name strings 'sinusoid and 'cdt158.
Note that cell references allow multiple tag names to be specified for a function, whereas
you cannot specify multiple tag names directly unless the field is labelled Tagname(s).
Note: Note that single quotes are added to each tag name to denote string values in
Excel. Both strings and time expressions referenced in cells should be
enclosed in single quotes. For example:
TimeEq('CD:M158','y' ,'t', "Manual")
• Selected in the Tag Search dialog (page 41), based on a search for tags by name, alias or
attribute.
Start Time
The beginning of a time range (page 16) over which the function is evaluated, from Start
Time to End Time. All event values corresponding to the time range are retrieved from the PI
archive or calculated to create the resulting function array.
End Time
The end of the time range, frequently expressed as the current time, where the Start Time is
the current time minus a specified time interval.
Start and end times may be expressed in absolute or relative terms to establish a time range in
the past, or up to and including the current time.

Basics
PI Server
An instance of a PI DataLink function runs against only one PI server. The PI Server
specifies a target PI server from a known servers list. If you do not select a server or leave the
field blank, the default PI server (page 12) is used.
Servers that appear above the dotted line in the servers list are currently connected; those
below are disconnected.
Output Cell
Specify where you want to place the resulting function array using the Output Cell field. If
you select a cell before the function dialog or task pane is displayed, the currently-selected
cell is used as the default Output Cell value.
The output cell value always specifies the top left corner of the function array. If you append
(page 17) timestamps and other data, keep in mind that the data column may be shifted
downward or to the right of the output cell location, overwriting data in those adjacent cells.
If you click in the Output Cell field and then select a multi-cell array in the spreadsheet, you
can override the default display of all function results. Instead, only the results that fit within
the specified array dimensions are displayed.
Time Arguments
Many PI DataLink functions require Start Time and End Time arguments to retrieve an
array of event values over a specific time range. Follow these guidelines when specifying
time arguments:
• Time strings may be entered directly in edit fields in either absolute or relative PI time
(page 73) formats (for example, 10-Dec-99 19:12 or -3h).
• If the start time is more recent than the end time, results are displayed in reverse
chronological order.
• Timestamps referenced in spreadsheet cells may also use fixed or relative PI time
formats, and should be preceded by an apostrophe to indicate a string (for example,
'10-Dec-99 19:12 or '-3h).
• Cell references may also use the absolute Excel time format (such as 39299.6146,
equivalent to 8/5/2007 2:45:00 PM). Excel stores timestamps in this format, which
represents the cumulative number of days since 1900. Excel can display the same
timestamps using any date-time format assigned to the cell.
• Some arguments call for an interval or duration of time, represented by a single value
rather than start and end times. Whether referenced or entered directly, interval values
should use relative PI time strings such as a number followed by a time variable (for
example, 1d or 30m), and may not specify or refer to a fixed PI or Excel timestamp. For
example, to specify an interval of 32 minutes, enter or reference a cell containing the
string 32m.
16
• To enter intervals in terms of frequency, convert the frequency to equivalent seconds. For
example, a frequency of 25 Hz should be entered as a 0.04s interval (=1/25 of a
second).
• When using relative formats (for example, -2h), the reference time used to translate the
time format is different for function start and end times. The current wall clock time is
the reference for a relative start time, but the start time is then used as the reference for a
relative end time.
Note: PI DataLink supports only the default 1900 date system supported by Excel. PI
DataLink does not support Excel's 1904 date system, and returns incorrect time
stamps if this system is used.
Appended Data
Timestamps are particularly relevant to PI point events. Each event value is accompanied by
a timestamp that gives it context.
Most PI DataLink functions can return corresponding timestamp values and other point data
with PI event or calculated expression values. These data can be appended to values returned
in a PI function array, and include:
• event timestamps
• timestamps indicating start and end times of an interval
• timestamps indicating the occurrence of minimum and maximum values
• the percentage of good values over a sampling interval
• value attributes
• manually entered event annotations
• source PI server names
When specified, appended data appear in columns (or rows) adjacent to the primary values
returned by a function according to the following rules:
• Time data are added in columns to the left (or rows above) primary values.
• Other related data are added in columns to the right (or rows below) primary values.

Basics
Appended Data Array

The following table illustrates how data are appended per function. For functions that can
display output in rows or columns (page 20), substitute Columns 1-5 with Rows 1-5.
Function Array Columns
Function/Mode Output Cell Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5

Any function without value
appended data
Current and Archive timestamp value
Value, Sampled Data
Compressed Data timestamp value annotations
Time Filtered start time end time value pct good
Calculated (minimum) start time end time min time min value
Calculated (maximum) start time end time max time max value
Calculated (range) start time end time min time max time value
Calculated (other) start time end time value pct good
Alias server value
Note: The table assumes all appended data are specified for display, and that some
function arrays can expand to five columns if all related data are appended.
Show Timestamps
A show timestamps check box appears when a function returns an array of PI values over
time. If selected, this option returns a corresponding timestamp with each PI event value.
For functions that return multiple event values (for example, Sampled Data), the orientation
controls (page 20) determine how timestamps are displayed in relation to each value.
For some functions that return a single value (for example, Current Value), radio buttons are
provided to provide equivalent options:
• Select no timestamp to suppress the timestamp display.
• Select time at left to return a timestamp into a cell to the left of the event value.
• Select time on top to display the timestamp in a cell above the retrieved event value.
When a reference to an array of tag names in cells is specified in the Tagname field, these
preferences are ignored. Timestamp and event values are instead positioned to match the
orientation of the input tag array. For tag names in a single column, timestamps appear to the
left of values. For tag names in a single row, timestamps appear on top of values.
18
Interval Timestamps
Functions that return values at specific time intervals (for example, Calculated Data) provide
options to display different timestamps:
• Choose show start time to display the start time of each interval.
• Choose show end time to display the end time of each interval.
For calculated minimum, maximum, and range values:
• Choose show min/max time to display timestamps for minimum and maximum values
over each interval.
Timestamps are displayed to match the specified row or column orientation. If all timestamps
are shown, the order from left column to right or top row to bottom is start time, end time,
minimum value time, maximum value time, event value.
Show Percent Good

Select show percent good to display the percentage of time for which good values are
returned over the total time range of the array. Percent good values are typically added in a
column to the right or a row below retrieved values.
Good values are event values determined to be valid by the PI server, and not in an error
state. The percentage of good values helps in assessing the reliability of calculations built on
PI point values, particularly if calculated values are to be used in further calculations.
For example, totals may still be calculated over a time range even if some of the data are bad.
The resulting time-weighted total value equals the total divided by the fraction of the interval
where good data is available.
However, this normalization assumes that the average over the time range with bad data is
equivalent to the average value over the entire time range, which becomes less reliable if a
large fraction of the time range contains bad data.
Show Value Attributes

Select show value attributes to display extended status bits associated with returned event
values. The returned bits correspond to value attributes stored in PI, and may be one of the
following:
• A = annotated, indicating a comment has been added to the event
• S = substituted, indicating the event value has been changed from its original value
• Q = questionable, indicating that there is some reason to doubt the accuracy of the value
Value attributes are displayed in a column to the right of event values.

Basics
Show Annotations
Select show annotations to display any annotations associated with returned event values in
a column to the right.
Annotations are notes or comments appended to a data value in PI for descriptive purposes.
Orientation Controls
For functions that return an array of PI values, use the column and row buttons to determine
the orientation of returned data.
• Choose column to display data in columns.
• Choose row to display the data in rows.
Additional columns (page 17) or rows are added for timestamps and related data if they are
selected for display. The function's Output field always indicates the upper left-hand corner
of the entire range used for the array.
Note: For functions that return a range of values, the orientation of the input tag array
overrides row and column selection to determine the orientation of output data.
Display Formats
You can change the default time and number formats used by PI DataLink to format data in
function arrays. Default formats are specified in the Settings (page 21) dialog box, where two
settings are available for formats:
• The default number format General formats numbers (and all non-timestamp data) to
match the formatting Category General in the Excel Format Cells dialog box.
• The default time format dd-mmm-yy hh:mm:ss matches the standard PI timestamp format.
You can add .000 to the end of the string (dd-mmm-yy hh:mm:000) to display sub-second
timestamps. Note that Excel does not support microsecond precision formats.
You can customize default format strings using any valid Excel format codes from the
Format Cells dialog box in Excel. For example, German equivalents of General and
dd-mmm-yyyy hh:mm are Standard and TT-MM-JJJJ hh:mm, respectively.
20
You can also apply individual time and date formatting to any spreadsheet cell, including
those containing PI DataLink functions, by choosing Format > Cells > Number. See your
Excel documentation for more information on formatting dates and times.

Basics
Preference Settings
Use the Settings dialog box to specify global preferences and default formatting for the
output of PI DataLink functions.
To access settings:
1. Click Settings on the PI ribbon (2007), or choose PI > Settings (2003).
2. Set the desired preferences and click OK.
Copy Items to Sheet

Choose In a row or In a column to copy the names of multiple tags selected in a Tag Search
(or items in a Module Browse search) to the spreadsheet in a row or column of values,
respectively. The default setting is In a column.
This command is also available as a shortcut to the Tag Search ribbon item (2007).
22
Preference Settings
Copy PI Server name

Select the checkbox to copy the name of the PI server data source into an adjacent
spreadsheet cell when tag names are copied to a spreadsheet.
Use PI Server Time Zone

Select the checkbox to force PI DataLink to use the PI Server time zone as a reference value
to interpret functions. If cleared, PI DataLink uses the time zone setting of the client machine.
This option is relevant only if a PI server has a time zone setting different from the client
machine.
Display #N/A instead of Blanks

Select the checkbox to substitute #N/A (Not Applicable) for blank cells when there are fewer
data points than cells in a function array. Functions added to a spreadsheet maintain their
original array size, even if variance over a particular time period produces fewer data values,
resulting in one or more empty cells.
This feature is particularly useful when function results are plotted through the Excel charting
package.
Locale Independent
Select the checkbox to force PI DataLink to interpret input time strings according to PI time
format rules, regardless of the locale settings of the client machine. PI time assumes all
strings are English and use the date-time order dd-MMM-yyyy hh:mm:ss.
Clear the checkbox to parse date-time formats according to regional settings on the client
machine, falling back to PI time format rules only if necessary.
Disable automatic task pane display on click

For Excel 2007 only, select this checkbox to prevent the automatic display of the function
task pane when clicking in a function cell. Right-clic to display the context menu and choose
the function name to display the pane manually.
Disable "Resize to show all values" message

Select this checkbox to display no warning message when the number of values retrieved by a
recalculated array exceed the number that can be displayed.

Basics
Number format
Enter a number format to indicate how numeric function output should be displayed by
default. The format string may be any valid number format code from the Excel Format
dialog box (page 20).
On install, PI DataLink assigns the default number format from Excel to this field, unless you
have set your own format preference previously in DataLink. If your version of Excel runs a
different locale, this format includes correct syntax to reflect the locale. For example:
35.03
would appear as
35,03
in French Excel.
Time format
Enter a timestamp format for function output. The time format string may be any valid
date-time format (page 16) code from the Excel Format dialog box.
On install, DataLink assigns the default PI timestamp format to this field, unless you have set
your own format preference previously in DataLink. If your version of Excel runs a different
locale, this format includes correct syntax to reflect the locale. For example:
dd-mm-yy (03-07-09)
would appear as
jj-mm-aa (03-07-09)
in French Excel.
Automatic Update
Use this section to set preferences for Automatic Update (page 52) when this feature is
enabled:
Choose a calculation method:
• Calculate (F9) forces all volatile functions (and any functions that reference them) to
recalculate.
• Full Calculate (Ctrl+Alt+Shift+F9) forces all embedded functions, regardless of
volatility, to recalculate.
Then enter a calculation interval in seconds. The minimum value is 5 seconds. Enter 0 to
accept the automatic interval selected by PI DataLink based on duration of previous
calculation times.
24
Spreadsheet Construction
Spreadsheet Construction
Once you are familiar with the basic tools and concepts of PI DataLink, and are ready to
build a spreadsheet and use PI DataLink functions, where do you begin?
Your goals
First consider your goals.
• What data do you want to display in a spreadsheet in order to monitor performance or
answer a business question?
• In which PI server does the data reside?
• How can you most effectively display the information, both to communicate essential
points and provide needed background context?
The answers will help you to determine which PI DataLink functions can return the data most
relevant to your task.
Functional
One way to build a spreadsheet is simply to add functions (page 27), building the display
around them as needed. Later on you can add tag information to help clarify what the data
represents. This may be the best approach if you are still exploring your requirements or
learning how PI DataLink works.
Structured
Another way to build a spreadsheet is to add structure from the beginning. Use tag search
and tag functions (page 41) to add tags and other attributes as metadata to frame your subject,
then add functions to retrieve the corresponding PI point data. This requires a bit more
planning and familiarity with PI DataLink, but once tag information is present in the
spreadsheet, you can use it to build functions more easily through cell references.
Spreadsheets built in this manner are also more flexible for re-use.
Module-Driven
If you have a configured PI Module Database for your PI server, you can build maximum
flexibility into your spreadsheet by incorporating objects from your module database (page
47). Like tag data, module database objects can be referenced in functions. You can also add
module context features to maximize the potential re-use of the spreadsheet across parallel or
redundant subjects.
Targeted Reports
If you are a system administrator, or a builder of spreadsheets for other users, you may want
to place PI DataLink functions on a second spreadsheet in a workbook, and copy/paste the
results to the first spreadsheet for display. Function syntax and business logic can be hidden
and protected by using Excel to secure the second sheet. This strategy also works well for
documents distributed through PI DLES (page 2).

Chapter 3
PI Functions
PI DataLink functions enable you to query, calculate and return PI point values and attributes
to spreadsheet cells. Like other Excel functions, PI DataLink function results are displayed in
arrays which can be recalculated to display updated event values as needed.
To access PI functions:
• Click in the desired output cell, and then choose PI > (function name) to open a function
dialog (2000-2003), or click a function on the PI ribbon to open a new function task pane
(2007).
The function descriptions in this section describe arguments specific to each function in terms
of these common features.
Current Value
Retrieves the current or most recent (snapshot) value of a PI point, based on tag name.
REQUIRED ARGUMENTS
• Tagname
SPECIAL NOTES
• Reference a range of cells containing tag names to display current snapshot values for
each.
• Updates whenever Excel calculates or recalculates any cell in the spreadsheet. To force
an immediate recalculation, press F9.

PI Functions
EXAMPLE
To see the current value of the sinusoid tag, the following arguments are set for the
Current Value function:
Tagname = sinusoid
time at left
and the resulting function array appears as:
RELATED TOPICS
• PICurrVal() (page 87)
Archive Value
Retrieves a PI point value, or evaluates an expression corresponding to a specified timestamp.
REQUIRED ARGUMENTS
• Tagname or Expression
• Timestamp
TIMESTAMP
The time reference used to retrieve the archive value from PI, which can be a fixed time value
(page 16) or expressed relative to the current time.
RETRIEVAL MODE
One of five modes can be selected to produce an archive value:
• Previous - retrieves the value exactly matching or preceding the specified timestamp.
• Previous only - retrieves the value preceding the specified timestamp.
• Interpolated - interpolates the value at the specified time, or follows Previous only
behavior.
• Auto - interpolates the value at the specified time, or follows Previous behavior.
• Next - retrieves the value exactly matching or following the specified timestamp.
• Next Only - retrieves the value following the specified timestamp.
• Exact Time - retrieves only a value exactly matching the timestamp, or returns No events
found if no value exists.
28
Compressed Data
SPECIAL NOTES
• Reference a range of cells containing tag names to display archived values for each.
• For tags with step attributes, Previous and Previous only modes are substituted for Auto
and Interpolated calculation modes, respectively.
• PIExpVal() is used if an expression is substituted for a tag; otherwise PIArcVal()
is used.
EXAMPLE
To see the value of the sinusoid tag corresponding to a specific time, the following
arguments are set for the Archive Value function:
Tagname = sinusoid
Timestamp = 30-Sep-07 15:13
Retrieval Mode = previous
time at left
RELATED TOPICS
• PIArcVal() (page 88)
• PIExpVal() (page 88)
Compressed Data
Returns either all values of a PI point occurring within a specified time range, or a number of
point values beginning at a certain time.
Compressed values are data recorded by the PI server after a compression algorithm has
removed all values that represent the same slope.
Note: Separate dialog boxes are provided for Compressed Data (Start Time/End Time)
and Compressed Data (Start Time/Number) in PI DataLink for Excel 2000-2003.
For 2007, you can select a Time Range or Number of Values calculation in the
task pane.
REQUIRED ARGUMENTS
• Tagname
• Start Time
• End Time or Number of Values, depending on the function type

PI Functions
FILTER EXPRESSION
Add a filter expression to filter event values using a mathematical expression, eliminating
data for which the expression evaluates as false.
Select mark as filtered to substitute Filtered as a placeholder for each value or block of
values filtered from the array based on the filter expression.
BOUNDARY TYPE
Specify a boundary type to determine how data values are handled near the start and end
times of the range:
• Inside (default) — Returns values at start and end times, if they exist, or the nearest
values occurring within the range.
• Outside — Returns the closest values occurring immediately outside the range.
• Interpolated — Returns interpolated values at start and end times.
• Auto — Interpolated, but using Inside behavior for tags with step attributes set on PI 3
servers.
COUNT OF VALUES
Normally the first row or column of the array includes the count of values retrieved for the
time range. Select hide count to hide the count of values and show only retrieved values in
the array.
SHOW VALUE ATTRIBUTES

Select show value attributes to display extended status bits associated with returned event
values. The returned bits correspond to value attributes stored in PI, and may be one of the
following:
• A = annotated, indicating a comment has been added to the event
• S = substituted, indicating the event value has been changed from its original value
• Q = questionable, indicating that there is some reason to doubt the accuracy of the value
Value attributes are displayed in a column to the right of event values.
SHOW ANNOTATIONS
Select show annotations to display any annotations associated with returned event values in
a column to the right.
Annotations are notes or comments appended to a data value in PI for descriptive purposes.
SPECIAL NOTES
• Reference a range of tag names to display compressed values for each. Note that by
default, values are displayed in rows for a column of referenced tags, and in columns for
a row of referenced tags.
• If the Start or End Time is the current time (*), then the first (or last) value is actually the
current snapshot value, and not an archive value. Once the snapshot value passes through
the PI Server's compression algorithm, it may not actually be recorded in PI.
30
Compressed Data
• The PICompFilDat() function is used for End Time functions if a filter expression
are specified; otherwise, the PICompDat() function is used.
• The PINCompFilDat() function is used for Number of Values functions if a filter
expression is specified; otherwise, the PINCompDat() function is used.
EXAMPLE
To see the most recent 10 values of the sinusoid tag, the following arguments are set for
the Compressed Data function:
Number of Values
Tagname = sinusoid
Start Time = <cell reference to current time>
Number of Values = 10
backwards in time
Boundary Type = inside
show timestamps
column
Note that all events between two specified times could also be retrieved by the same function
using the Time Range argument.
RELATED TOPICS
• Filter Expressions
• PICompDat() (page 91)
• PICompFilDat() (page 92)
• PINCompDat() (page 90)
• PINCompFilDat() (page 90)

PI Functions
Sampled Data
Returns evenly-spaced, interpolated sample values for a PI point or expression over a regular
interval.
REQUIRED ARGUMENTS
• Start Time
• End Time
• Time Interval
TIME INTERVAL
Enter a time interval as a PI time (page 73) expression. The interval is the sampling frequency
used to collect or calculate values over the course of the time range.
For example, an interval of 15m (15 minutes) returns a value for every 15 minute interval.
FILTER EXPRESSION
SPECIAL NOTES
• You can use a PI Expression (page 76) instead of a tag name for this function.
• Reference a range of tag names to display sampled values for each. Note that by default,
values are displayed in rows for a column of referenced tags, and in columns for a row of
referenced tags.
• The PISampFilDat() function is used if a filter expression is specified; otherwise, the
PISampDat() function is used.
• PIExpDat() is used if a PI Expression is substituted for a tag.
EXAMPLE
To see periodic, interpolated values over the previous 24 hours for the sinusoid tag, the
following arguments are set for the Sampled Data function:
Tagname = sinusoid
Start Time = -1d
End Time = <cell reference to current time>
Time Interval = 3h
show timestamps
column
32
Timed Data
where a value is displayed for each 3-hour interval.
RELATED TOPICS
• PISampDat() (page 93)
• PISampFilDat() (page 94)
• PIExpDat() (page 96)
Timed Data
Returns actual or interpolated sample values for a PI point to match an array of specified
timestamps.
REQUIRED ARGUMENTS
• Tagname
• Timestamp
TIMESTAMP
A reference to one or more spreadsheet cells containing timestamp values.
RETRIEVAL MODE
There are two modes to select from:
• Interpolated - interpolates values corresponding to specified timestamps.
• Exact Time - retrieves only values exactly matching specified timestamps, or returns No
events found if no value exists.

PI Functions
SPECIAL NOTES
• Reference a range of tag names to display timed values for each. Note that by default,
values are displayed in rows for a column of referenced tags, and in columns for a row of
referenced tags.
• For tags with step attributes, the value preceding a specified timestamp is substituted for
an interpolated value when the calculation mode is Interpolated.
EXAMPLE
To see values corresponding to an array of timestamps for the sinusoidu tag, the
following arguments are set for the Timed Data function:
Tagname = sinusoidu
Timestamps = <cell reference to existing array of compressed data for sinusoid tag>
Retrieval Mode = interpolated
where the column of timed data appears in the column to the right, based on timestamps
retrieved for a different tag in the first two columns at left.
RELATED TOPICS
• PITimeDat() (page 96)
• PITimeExpDat() (page 97)
34
Calculated Data
Calculated Data
Returns one or more evenly-spaced, calculated values based on PI point values or evaluated
expressions. A range of different calculation and sampling preferences are provided.
Note: Separate dialog boxes are provided for Calculated Data and Advanced Calculated
Data in PI DataLink for Excel 2000-2003. For the Excel 2007 version, click the +
sign next to Advanced to access all function options in a single Calculated Data
task pane.
REQUIRED ARGUMENTS
• Start Time
• End Time
• Conversion Factor
FILTER EXPRESSION
TIME INTERVAL
CALCULATION MODE
The following calculations are provided:
• Total
• Minimum
• Maximum
• Standard deviation
• Range
• Average
• Count
• Mean
All calculation modes are time-weighted except for the Mean function, which is an
event-weighted version of the Average function.

PI Functions
CALCULATION BASIS
Select either a time- or event-weighted basis for the calculation:
• Calculations are time-weighted by default. Each event value is weighted for purposes of
the calculation by the duration of time over which the event applies.
• Event-weighted calculations weigh each event value equally. At least one event (two for
standard deviation calculations) must exist within a time range for a successful
calculation.
CONVERSION FACTOR
The conversion factor is used for Total calculations where the time unit of the point
calculated is not the same as the server default time unit. A conversion factor may be
necessary to convert to the units desired for the calculation from the server default of units
per day.
The following table illustrates the use of conversion factors for points using different units of
flow. Note that a conversion factor of one means that the conversion factor is not needed.
Flow unit Conversion Factor needed to match server default (units/day)
Units/day 1.0
Units/hour 24
Units/minute 1440
Units/second 86400
EXPRESSION SAMPLING MODE

Different sampling modes are available for functions that include expressions:
• For PI tag calculations, select one of three sampling modes.
ο Point Compressed mode is the default used for PI tag calculations. Each event value
triggers the evaluation of the filter expression at the corresponding timestamp.
ο Expression Compressed mode evaluates the filter expression at the time of each event
value for each point referenced in the filter expression.
ο Interpolated mode evaluates the expression at evenly-spaced sampling intervals
determined by the Expression Sampling Frequency.
• For PI expression calculations, select one of two sampling modes:
ο Compressed mode evaluates the expression for each event value at corresponding
timestamps.
ο Interpolated mode evaluates the expression at evenly-spaced sampling intervals
determined by the Expression Sampling Frequency.
EXPRESSION SAMPLING FREQUENCY

Specify the frequency at which a calculation or filter expression is evaluated when the
Expression Sampling Mode is set to Interpolated.
For example, a frequency of 10m (10 minutes) returns an interpolated value for every 10
minute interval while the filter expression evaluates as true.
36
Calculated Data
MINIMUM PERCENT GOOD

Specify the minimum percentage of good data (page 19) required in each time range to
calculate and return a value. Insufficient good data is substituted as a placeholder when a
value is not returned.
TIMESTAMPS
• Select show start time to display the Start time of each interval used to calculate a value.
Start times are added in a column to the left or a row above calculated values.
• Select show end time to display the End time of each interval used to calculate a value.
End times are added in a column to the left or a row above calculated values.
• For Maximum, Minimum and Range calculations, select show min/max time to display
timestamps corresponding to minima and/or maxima over each interval used to calculate
a value:
ο For Minimum and Maximum calculations, the timestamp of the corresponding value
is displayed.
ο For Range functions, both timestamps are displayed.
PERCENT GOOD
Select show percent good to display the percentage of time for which good values are
returned over the total time range of the array. Percent good values are typically added in a
column to the right or a row below retrieved values.
Good values are event values determined to be valid by the PI server, and not in an error
state. The percentage of good values helps in assessing the reliability of calculations built on
PI point values, particularly if calculated values are to be used in further calculations.
SPECIAL NOTES
• Reference a range of tag names to display calculated values for each. Note that by
default, values are displayed in rows for a column of referenced tags, and in columns for
a row of referenced tags.
• For Maximum or Minimum calculations with specified intervals, timestamps indicate the
start time of each calculation interval.
• Timestamps cannot be displayed for Total, Standard Deviation, Average, Count or Mean
calculations when the interval is unspecified.
• The PIAdvCalcVal() function is used to retrieve a single value if you do not specify
an interval; otherwise the PIAdvCalcDat() function is used to retrieve multiple
interval values. Function names including 'Exp' and 'Fil' are used for calculations that
include PI Expressions and Filter Expressions, respectively.

PI Functions
EXAMPLE
To see the hourly range of values beginning the same day at midnight until the present time
for the sinusoid tag, the following arguments are set for the Calculated Data function:
PI Tag
Tagname = sinusoid
Start Time = t
End Time = *
Time Interval = 1h
Calculation Mode = range
Calculation Basis = time-weighted
show start time
show end time
column
where the range is calculated for each one hour interval. Note that any available calculation
could be specified over any interval.
38
Time Filtered
RELATED TOPICS
• Calculation Expressions (page 76)
• PIAdvCalcVal() (page 100)
• PIAdvCalcFilVal() (page 101)
• PIAdvCalcExpVal() (page 103)
• PIAdvCalcExpFilVal() (page 103)
• PIAdvCalcDat() (page 106)
• PIAdvCalcFilDat() (page 106)
• PIAdvCalcExpDat() (page 108)
• PIAdvCalcExpFilDat() (page 109)
Time Filtered
Returns the amount of time over which a PI expression evaluates as true for a specified time
range.
Note: Time Filtered results vary slightly depending on your PI Server version.
REQUIRED ARGUMENTS
• Expression
• Start Time
• End Time
• Time Units
TIME INTERVAL
TIME UNITS
Specify the units of time used to display the result of the calculated expression.
SPECIAL NOTES
• You can enter the expression in a spreadsheet cell and reference the cell name in the
function. Begin expressions with a single quote if you want Excel to interpret the
expression as a string.

PI Functions
EXAMPLE
To see the amount of time for which the value of the sinusoid tag was over 75 over a
7-day period, the following arguments are set for the Time Filtered function:
Expression = sgn('sinusoid'-75)=1
Start Time = -7d
End Time = *
Time Units = h
show percent good
column
where the results show the tag value was over 75 for 7.85 hours over the previous 7 days.
RELATED TOPICS
• Calculation Expressions (page 76)
• PITimeFilterVal() (page 111)
• PITimeFilter() (page 110)
40
Chapter 4
PI Tags and Attributes

A PI point is a stream of real-time data from a defined source, and is described by a
corresponding tag name and other attributes.
In PI DataLink and this guide, PI points are frequently referred to as PI tags, and the terms
are used somewhat interchangeably. However, a tag is simply a name for a PI point. When
you retrieve PI data into an Excel spreadsheet, the tag name is the most commonly-used PI
attribute to refer to data from a PI point.
PI tag names can help identify point data, describe the source of function data values and
arrays, and be referenced as attributes to retrieve data. This section describes the use of tags
and other point attributes in building a PI DataLink spreadsheet, including both:
• direct retrieval of tags into spreadsheet cells, and
• functions used to resolve tag names from other point attributes, or retrieve attributes
based on a tag name.
Tag Search
Use the Tag Search dialog box to query the PI server directly for PI tag names to copy into
functions and spreadsheets. Selected tags are copied to the spreadsheet, or added to a
Tagname edit field as a function argument.
To access tag search:
• Click Tag Search on the PI ribbon (2007), or choose PI > Tag Search (2003), or click
Tag Search next to a Tagname field.
The Tag Search dialog box provides three types of searches:
• Basic Search allows you to create a tag mask by specifying PI point attributes. The mask
is used to find a list of tags on the server with matching attributes.
• Advanced Search provides a query-building interface with access to more point
attributes for complex searches.
• Alias Search provides a logical tree view of a PI server through the PI Module Database,
which you can use to select tags by their descriptive aliases.

To search for tags:

1. Click a tab to choose a Basic, Advanced or Alias search.
2. Enter the required search criteria and click Search.
Use '*' or '?' as wildcard characters to search for tag names and attributes. For example,
the tag mask Tem* returns all point names that start with Tem while Tem? returns only
points that start with Tem and end with another single character. All point mask fields are
case insensitive.
You can also click Favorites to access previous searches.
3. Tags returned from a search appear listed in a search results panel. Select the desired tags
in the results panel, and click OK.
Click column headers in the search results panel to sort the results. Ctrl-click or
Shift-click to select multiple tags.
Tag Search Tips

• If multiple tags are selected, the first selected tag name in the list is copied to the Tag
name field for a function reference.
• The current cell is taken as the starting point for a list of tags copied into a spreadsheet
along a single column or row, depending on the Copy items to sheet setting.
42
Tag Functions
• Choose In a row or In a column from the Tag Search shortcuts on the PI ribbon menu
(2007) to copy the names of multiple tags to the spreadsheet in a row or column of
values, respectively.
• The PI Server name corresponding to a tag is appended to the tag name if the Copy
PIServer Name setting is enabled.
Tag Functions
The following section describes PI DataLink tag functions. These functions can be used to
resolve PI point IDs or other point attributes into a matching tag name. You can also retrieve
other point attribute values based on a tag name.
To access tag functions:
(2007).
Tag functions use common function components (page 13).
Point ID to Tag
Returns the tag name that corresponds to a specific PI point ID.
REQUIRED FIELDS
• Point ID
EXAMPLE
To retrieve the name of a tag corresponding to a PI point ID, the following arguments are set
for the Point ID to Tag function:
Point ID = (reference to a cell containing a point ID value)
where the tag name is displayed in the column to the right, based on a reference to the cell
containing the point ID on the left.
RELATED TOPICS
• PIPointIDToTag() (page 112)

Attribute Mask to Tag
Returns a list of tag names in PI that match one or more specified tag attribute values.
REQUIRED FIELDS
One or more of the following fields is required to retrieve matching values:
• Tagname
• Descriptor
• Point Source
• Point Type
• Point Class
• Engineering Units
EXAMPLE
To retrieve the names of tags matching one or more specified point attributes, the following
arguments are set for the Attribute Mask to Tag function:
Tagname = BA*
Point Type = Float32
Note that attribute strings must match attribute values in PI, and wildcards can be used. The
function operates the same as a tag search (page 41).
RELATED TOPICS
• PIAttributeMaskToTag () (page 112)
44
Tag Functions
Tag Attributes
Retrieves an attribute associated with a specified PI tag name.
REQUIRED FIELDS
• Tagname
• Attribute
ATTRIBUTE
Specify the tag attribute to be retrieved from PI.
SPECIAL NOTES
• Reference a range of tag names to display attributes for each.
• The list of tag attributes available depends on the point class associated with the tag.
EXAMPLE
To retrieve attributes of a PI point based on the tag name, the following arguments are set for
the Tag Attributes function:
Tagname = (reference to a cell array containing tag names)
Attributes = pointid (column 2), pointsource (column 3), pointtype (column 4), descriptor
(column 5)
and the resulting function arrays appear as:
where the tag names are referenced in the column to the left, and a separate Tag Attributes
function is used for each attribute column.
RELATED TOPICS
• PITagAtt() (page 113)

Chapter 5
Module Database Objects

The PI Module Database provides an entirely different way to build the infrastructure of a
spreadsheet. If your PI server's module database is configured and includes objects that
represent the tags you want to use, your spreadsheets can be easier to build and provide more
flexibility and potential for re-use.
The PI Module Database is typically configured by your system or PI administrator, and
stores aliases and properties that refer to PI points and their attributes, respectively. The
hierarchical structure of these objects provides a relational context between points.
For example, you may have five PI points that represent the levels of five individual, identical
tanks. Each point has a different tag name and represents a different physical object, but their
usage and monitoring requirements are the same.
By retrieving objects from the module database, you can create a single spreadsheet built on
the aliases and properties that represent all five tanks. Module database functions resolve
these objects into tag names and attribute values. Parallel module paths for each tank provide
a different context for the alias references.
With this type of structure, you can use the same spreadsheet to alternate between views of
multiple assets. For instance, when you select the name of any of the five tanks in a
spreadsheet cell, the alias mapping to the matching PI point allows DataLink functions to
retrieve values for the appropriate tank.
The following topics describe the tools provided by PI DataLink to access PI Module
Database objects. See your PI Server documentation for more information about module
databases and configuration.
Module Database Browse

The Module Database Browse dialog box allows you to browse for PI aliases, properties and
module paths in the PI Module Database, a hierarchical tree structure based on the contents of
a PI Server. You can select these items and copy them directly into a spreadsheet.
Note: Aliases and properties corresponding to PI points must be configured in your PI

server Module Database to use the browse and Module Database functions.

To browse and select from the PI Module Database:

1. Select a cell and click Module Browse on the PI ribbon, or choose PI > Module
Browse. The Module Database Browse dialog box appears.
2. Under Types, select the type of object you are looking for:
ο Alias
ο Property
ο Module
Use the PI Server drop-down list to display module databases for different connected PI
servers.
3. Specify a Query Date and time to supply a temporal context for objects displayed in the
module database, if necessary, to select the correct object version.
4. Browse the tree control to find the desired item, and add it or a parent collection object to
the spreadsheet:
ο Select an item to copy it to the spreadsheet.
ο Select a module's Aliases or Properties parent to copy all associated aliases or
properties to the spreadsheet.
48
Module Database Functions
5. Select Copy module path to copy the full module path of the alias or property to an
adjacent spreadsheet cell, along with the selected object.
The module path provides the context for the selected object
If the Copy PIServer Name setting is activated, the corresponding PI server name is also
copied.
6. Click OK to close the dialog box and copy the selected items.

The following section describes PI DataLink module database functions. Module Database
functions resolve aliases and properties from a module database tree into tag names through a
module path. You can enter a module path as a function argument or reference it from a
spreadsheet cell.
To access module database functions:
(2007).
Note: You cannot resolve an alias or property object into a tag name without a module
path. The path provides a context for the alias that maps it to a specific PI point.
Module Database functions use common function components (page 13).
Alias to Tag
Returns a PI tag name corresponding to a specified PI alias.
REQUIRED ARGUMENTS
• Alias
• Module Path
• Query Date
ALIAS
Specify a PI alias name. An alias can be entered directly or referenced in a cell. You can also
browse to an alias in the PI Module Database.
MODULE PATH
Enter the module path from the PI Module Database where the specified alias can be found.
The module path is entered automatically if the alias argument is selected by browsing the
Module Database.

QUERY DATE
Specify a date to retrieve a specific version of the alias.
RELATED TOPICS
• PIAliasToTag() (page 115)
Property to Value
Returns the value or values corresponding to a specified PI property.

DataLink can return values for Boolean, Date, Double, Integer, Long, Null, Single and String
property types, or Double, Integer, Long and Single array property types.
REQUIRED ARGUMENTS
• Property
• Module Path
• Query Date
PROPERTY
Specify a PI property name. A property can be entered directly or referenced in a cell. You
can also browse to a property in the PI Module Database.
MODULE PATH
Enter the module path from the PI Module Database where the specified property can be
found. The module path is entered automatically if the property argument is selected by
browsing the Module Database.
QUERY DATE
Specify a date to retrieve a specific version of the property.
RELATED TOPICS
• PIPropertyToValue() (page 115)
50
Chapter 6
Spreadsheets
When you add a function to a spreadsheet, PI DataLink retrieves the requested data from the
PI Server into an array. The size of the array can vary depending on the function, how many
matching archive values are available in PI, the number of values requested, or the number of
input references.
The following topics provide an overview of how PI DataLink functions work within a
spreadsheet, and how to manage and maintain your spreadsheet over time.
Functions and Array Values

When you add a function to a spreadsheet, PI DataLink enters the active function syntax into
the target cell. Once defined, a function queries the PI server and returns values, which
appear in the same cell used to enter the function.
The difference between the actual content of cells and the surface display of data values
retrieved by a function should be familiar to users of Microsoft Excel. For new users of
Excel, it helps to keep this distinction in mind, and remember that the actual content of a
spreadsheet cell always appears in the Excel formula bar, and not necessarily in individual
spreadsheet cells.
For example, when you select a cell and add a Current Value function, you specify the name
of the PI tag whose current value you want to see in the Tagname field. If you enter the
sinusoid tag, PI DataLink pastes the following function into the target cell:
=PICurrVal("sinusoid",0,)
Excel evaluates this function, retrieves the latest value of sinusoid from PI, and displays it in
the cell. If you select the cell, the function syntax above appears in the Excel formula bar.
Function Calculation
You can choose an automatic update interval to keep function data current in your
spreadsheets, or use function-triggered and manual recalculation methods used in previous
versions of PI DataLink.
For detailed information on how Excel manages calculation, see the Excel Recalculation
(http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb687891.aspx) topic in the MSDN library.

Spreadsheets
Automatic Update
Automatic Update forces Excel to recalculate workbooks at a specified interval. To activate

Automatic Update:
• Click the Update toggle button on the PI Ribbon (2007), or choose Update from the PI
menu (2003).
All workbooks open in the current Excel session are calculated immediately, and then at
specified intervals based on your Automatic Update preferences.
Automatic Update remains activated, and the status bar displays an active status message,
until it is toggled off. During a recalculation event the status bar also displays the calculation
interval.
Calculation Interval
Calculation interval is a preference setting (page 21) that is measured in seconds, and must be
greater than 5 seconds.
A value of 0 represents an automatic interval in which Datalink adjusts the time between
calculation cycles to twice the calculation duration time, with a minimum interval of 5
seconds. The automatic interval is recommended to insure that Excel remains responsive 50%
of the time.
You can adjust the Automatic Update interval manually to allow more time between updates.
If recalculation takes longer than your specified interval, a message prompts to switch to the
automatic interval setting, or to turn off Automatic Update entirely.
Note that updates are paused when a menu, task pane or dialog box is open or the current
spreadsheet is in edit mode.
Cancellation
Press Esc to cancel a recalculation in process. DataLink finishes calculation for the
currently-processing function, and Calculation aborted appears in unprocessed function array
cells. If you cancel during an update while Automatic Update is on, DataLink turns
Automatic Update off and returns to manual recalculation mode.
Triggered Recalculation
In Excel, functions recalculate based on a triggering event. If you do not use the Automatic
Update functionality, you can maximize the refresh frequency and keep function arrays
current by referencing volatile time functions within non-volatile PI DataLink functions.
Volatile Excel time functions such as now() and today() recalculate with the most
frequency. Whenever a user edits a spreadsheet cell, or presses F9, Excel updates all volatile
time functions in the spreadsheet. The update in turn triggers any functions that reference a
timestamp based on a volatile time function.
52
Function Calculation
To base a PI DataLink function on a volatile Excel function:

1. Use the Excel function bar to enter a volatile function in a spreadsheet cell.
For example, you can use (today()+1/3) to represent 8 am the same day, or
now()as a cell reference to replace the current PI time *.
To create an absolute timestamp that updates at the same time, use 2-feb-97
00:30:30 + now() - now().
2. Reference the cell when defining the Start Time or End Time arguments of a DataLink
function.
Note: To maximize the frequency of updates when Automatic Update is not in use,
check your Excel calculation preferences to ensure that both the spreadsheet and
application are set to Automatic rather than Manual calculation. Keep in mind that
this may impact performance and make large spreadsheets difficult to use.
Manual Recalculation
Most PI DataLink functions are non-volatile, but the Current Value (page 27) function is an
exception. Current Value is a volatile function, and updates whenever a spreadsheet
recalculates. The values of non-volatile functions do not change unless an argument changes,
and must be updated manually, through automatic update using Full Calculate mode, or
through a reference to a volatile function value.
Manual recalculation is the best method for variable-size arrays (page 55) where the number
of values returned may differ. If more values are available than the current size of the array,
an array does not expand to display the additional values on recalculation unless it is
manually recalculated.
To manually recalculate a single function:
• Right-click in any part of an array and choose Recalculate (Resize) Function from the
context menu.
• Update function arguments in either version of PI DataLink. The array values refresh
when you click OK or Apply to close the dialog box or task pane, even if no changes are
made to function arguments.
Excel key combinations can also be used to recalculate all spreadsheets in a workbook,
essentially a manual, on-demand version of Automatic Update. To recalculate all spreadsheet
functions:
• Press F9 to force all volatile functions (and any functions that reference them) to
recalculate.
• Press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+F9 to force all functions to recalculate.

Spreadsheets
Array Management
Function arrays can be moved within, copied, or removed from a spreadsheet. To select an
array, do one of the following:
• Click and drag to select every cell in the array. Keep in mind that the array may have
empty values, which must also be selected.
• Right-click on any part of the array and choose Select DataLink Function from the
context menu to select all cells in the array.
Once selected, you can easily manage the array:
• Right-click any cell in the array and choose the desired Cut, Copy, Delete, Clear or
Format operation from the context menu. Manually remove initial $ characters in the
formula bar to make cell references relative.
• Right-click in a new cell and choose Paste to reinsert a cut or copied array.
• Place the cursor over the edge of the selected array until a crosshair cursor appears, then
click and drag the array to a new cell to move it.
• Open the function dialog box or task pane and update the Output cell (page 54) to place
the array in a new location.
Note: You must move or clear an entire Excel array including all cells, or DataLink
displays an error message: You cannot change part of an array.
You can also copy the values from a function array if you want to use them elsewhere in a
spreadsheet. Once you copy and paste the values, they are no longer part of a function array;
they are simply cell values and are not updated. To copy array values:
• Select the function values you want, copy them, and use Paste Special to paste them in
the desired location.
You do not need to select the entire array column or row to copy values.
Update Arguments
You can update a function array with new argument values:

1. Right-click and select the function name from the context menu (2003 or 2007), or
display the function dialog box or task pane.
The corresponding function dialog box appears and displays the current arguments in the
appropriate edit fields.
2. Change any parameters as desired to update the array with new arguments, and click OK
or Apply.
If the Output Cell argument is changed, the results depend on the location of the new
cell reference:
ο If the new cell reference is part of the original array, then the entire array is moved
such that the upper-leftmost cell of the array is placed in the newly-referenced cell.
54
Array Management
ο If the new cell reference is not part of the original array, then the array is copied and
pasted with the upper-leftmost cell located in the newly-referenced cell. The original
array remains in its original location.
Note that you can also edit function syntax directly by pressing F2 to edit in the Excel
formula bar. Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to save the edits when complete.
Resize Arrays
When a spreadsheet is called up at different times, a different number of values may be

available for a defined function. If the number of values exceeds the current size of the array,
the array does not expand to display the additional values unless you manually recalculate
(page 53) the function.
If fewer than the original number of retrieved values exist, empty values are returned to fill
the recalculated array, and are marked #N/A if specified, or left blank. If additional values
exist that cannot be displayed, the text Resize to show all values appears at the bottom of the
function array, unless you set a preference to disable (page 21) this message.
To resize the array to fit available data:
• Right-click in any part of an array and choose Recalculate (Resize) Function from the
context menu.
Empty values are typically added when a function references a time range that extends to the
current time, using relative start and end times. When the function is recalculated, the time
range covers a new interval which may include more data variance, and thereby a different
number of recorded events in the archive.
For example, consider a compressed data function created to request 40 values beginning at
midnight the previous day. When the function is recalculated a week later, and only 35 event
values (including filtered events) are recorded, the final five cells of the original array are
filled with blank strings to preserve the array size.
Empty values may change the appearance of a spreadsheet, but help to ensure that variances
in recorded data are incorporated without updating the function. To maintain a constant size
for Compressed Data (page 29) functions, specify the number of values to retrieve rather than
a time range. Or to display only a predetermined portion of results, specify a limited output
cell range (page 14).

Spreadsheets
Share Spreadsheets
If you want to share PI data and make spreadsheets accessible to other users, keep the
following considerations in mind:
• You can send a PI DataLink spreadsheet to another Microsoft Excel user. The user must
have PI DataLink installed and an active connection to the same PI server in order to
recalculate functions and see dynamically updated PI point values.
• If users do not have PI DataLink installed, they can still see the last data saved in the
spreadsheet provided the Excel Calculation options are set to Manual prior to the
spreadsheet being opened in Excel. In Excel 2007, click the Office 2007 button, then
click Excel Options > Formulas to access these options. In Excel 2000-2003, the
manual setting is available under Tools > Options on the Calculation tab.
• You can also save in HTML or PDF format in Excel 2007 to share a static spreadsheet.
• You can copy and paste (page 54) values from function arrays to new locations on a
spreadsheet using Paste Special. Although the spreadsheet data can no longer be
recalculated once copied, this method allows you to distribute a customized snapshot of
data to anyone who has a copy of Excel.
• If you have Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) in your computing environment,
you can publish a DataLink spreadsheet to a SharePoint site and use PI DataLink for
Excel Services (page 2) to display and recalculate PI function data.
56
Chapter 7
Trend Displays
PI DataLink includes an ActiveX trend control object that can be inserted into any Excel
spreadsheet to display the trend of event values over time. Embedded trend objects can
display data from both the spreadsheet and selected PI points.
Create a Trend
A wizard makes it easy to insert and configure trends. To insert a trend:
1. Click in the cell where you want to place the top left corner of the trend object, click PI >
Insert Trend (2000-2003), or click Insert Trend on the PI ribbon (2007) to display the
Trend Add-in Wizard.
When selecting the input cell, consider that the default size of the trend object requires
approximately 14 x 8 standard cells.

Trend Displays
2. Choose the source of tag names:

ο Select Data on worksheet to base the trend on array values (page 58) that already
appear in spreadsheet cells.
ο Select Data from PI to base the trend on specific point data retrieved directly from
PI (page 59).
3. Complete the remaining steps of the trend wizard.
Worksheet Data
If you choose Data on worksheet, the trend wizard prompts you to select the cell range
containing the data you want to trend.
To specify worksheet data for the trend:

1. Click in the Cell Range containing data field, then click and drag to select a cell range
in the spreadsheet.
Unless you deselect Include all cells in array, you only need to select one cell of a
function array. The rest of the array is added automatically to the cell range reference
when you click Add.
For discrete data points that are not part of an array you still need to select every desired
cell.
58
Create a Trend
2. Select First element is trace name to use the value of an adjacent cell to name the trace
on the trend.
The first element is the cell above the first value of the selected range if the data is
arranged in column format, and the first cell to the left of the first value of the range for
data in row format.
3. Select Stepped to plot a stepped trend instead of a continuous trace.
This option is usually specified for discrete tags.
4. Click Add to add the selected cell range to the trend.
5. Add cell references as necessary, or click Next or Finish to continue.
PI Data
If you choose Data from PI, the trend wizard prompts you to reference or search for PI tag
names.
To specify PI data for the trend:

1. Click in the Tag name field, then click and drag to select a cell range in the spreadsheet.
You can also enter a cell reference directly, or use the reference button to
display a reference dialog used to browse and add cell references.
You can also click the selection button to search for tags (page 41) in PI. Tags
selected through a tag search are added automatically added to the list of traces.

Trend Displays
2. Change the default server name (if necessary) in the Server name field, and click Add to
add the selected tag name references to the trend.
You can use the reference button to display a reference dialog used to browse
and add cell references.
3. Add tag names as necessary, or click Next or Finish to continue.
Manage Traces
When building a trend from worksheet or PI data, you accumulate traces in the trace panel to
the right of the wizard screen. Several controls are provided to manage the traces that appear
in the trend:
• Select the Markers checkbox next to a trace name to display markers on the trace to
indicate the location of archived data points.
Note: Traces are drawn in different colors. By default a trend also includes
color-blind markers to differentiate traces on monochrome screens.
Color-blind markers are evenly spaced along a trace and do not indicate
archived data points.
• Click the arrow buttons above the trace panel to move traces up and down in the trace
legend display.
• Click the X and X All buttons to remove selected and all traces, respectively.
• Click the Rename button to rename a selected trace in the trace legend.
Specify the Time Range

When the trend traces are determined, the wizard prompts you to specify a time range for the
trend if any of the traces are drawn directly from PI.
To specify a time range:
1. Click in the Start Time and End Time fields, then click to select a timestamp cell in the
spreadsheet.
You can also enter a time string directly or use the reference button to display a
reference dialog used to browse and add cell references.
Note: If you enter a combined or absolute time string (page 73), be sure to use the
correct timestamp format.
2. Select Enable Updates to refresh the trend with new PI data if the time range changes or
extends to the present.
3. Choose Next or Finish to continue.
60
Title and Placement
Title and Placement

Complete the trend and determine its location in the final screen.
To complete the trend:

1. Enter a Trend title.
2. Deselect Show Value Attributes if you do not want value attributes to appear along
trend traces.
The icons appear when the range of data contains events that have the Questionable,
Substituted, or Annotated bits set.
3. Select a different location for the trend, if desired, by placing it on a separate worksheet
or changing the default placement cell.
If New worksheet is selected, the trend is placed on a blank worksheet at the top left
corner.
If Existing worksheet is selected, then the cell (or range used to size the trend) where the
trend is to be placed must be specified or referenced in the accompanying field. If you
change your default placement cell, make sure the new cell does not contain data (which
will be covered by the trend display).

Trend Displays
Context Menu
Once a trend is inserted into a spreadsheet, you can update, edit or manage it using the
context menu. To access context menu options:
• Right-click on the trend display and choose an option from the menu:
ο Choose Change Scale to change the y-axis scaling and time range.
ο Choose Revert to undo any changes and revert to the original trend settings defined
in the Trend Add-in Wizard.
ο Chose Scroll Bar to enable a scroll bar at the bottom of the trend to scroll the display
through adjacent time ranges.
ο Choose Format to edit the display of individual traces or the trend as a whole using
the Trend Control Properties dialog. You can change the color or line thickness of
a trace, or add legend items to the trend.
ο Choose Define Trend to display the trace definition screen of the trend wizard to
update or change the trace sources.
ο Choose Define Trend Time Range to display the time range definition screen of the
trend wizard to update the time range.
ο Choose Delete Trend to remove the trend from the spreadsheet.
62
Context Menu
Note: A deleted trend cannot be restored and must be recreated.
ο Choose Export Data to paste the values used to plot the trend into spreadsheet cells.
You can specify row or columnar format, and also export trace names as headings.
ο Choose Move/Resize and enter a cell location to move the upper left hand corner of
the trend to the specified cell. Enter a cell range to resize the trend.
ο Choose Copy/Paste to copy the entire trend display to the clipboard and prompts for
a destination cell to paste the control.

Chapter 8
Notifications
PI DataLink includes a PI Notifications Search add-in you can use to retrieve notifications
subscribed to from your PI System, and insert them directly into spreadsheets.
The PI Notifications Excel add-in is installed with PI DataLink 4.0, runs on Windows XP and
later operating systems, and requires Excel XP or later versions.
Note: You must have an account on at least one PI System running a PI AF 2.0 server
with PI Notifications 1.0, and be subscribed to at least one notification rule to
receive notifications.
For further information on PI Notifications, see the PI Notifications User Guide.
To launch the PI Notifications viewer:

• Click the Notifications icon on the PI ribbon (2007), or choose PI > Notification Search
(2003).
Search and Display Notifications

You can use the PI Notifications viewer to search for and retrieve notifications you have
subscribed to on an accessible PI System. A PI System is a database of structural elements
and notification events that help you work with data in your PI server.

Notifications
To search for notifications:

1. On the Search tab, select a PI System to search for notifications:
ο Choose a system from the PI System menu and click Connect to connect to the
selected PI System.
Click the ellipsis button to access the Systems List and add PI Systems (page
66) to the menu.
ο Click Reference to reference the name of a PI System in a spreadsheet cell.
Click the button again to display the PI System menu.
2. Choose an option from the View Notifications menu to filter the list of returned
notifications.
ο Choose Active to display all currently-active notifications.
ο Choose Timerange and enter Start Time and End Time values to return notifications
occurring over a specific time range.
ο Choose Recent and enter a number and a time interval to return the most recent
notifications over a specific time period.
3. Change the Output Cell to place the list of notifications into a different spreadsheet cell,
if desired.
4. Click Search.
Notifications returned by the search appear in the Notification History viewer (page 67).
5. Click OK to insert the contents of the Notification History viewer into the spreadsheet
(page 68) and close the dialog box.
The notification query is inserted into the spreadsheet at the designated location as a
function. Like other PI functions, notification data is updated when the spreadsheet
recalculates (page 52).
Click Cancel to close the dialog box, discarding the search results.
Add PI Systems
There may be multiple PI Systems in your environment, each of which may have PI
Notifications installed, and be a source of notifications relevant to you. For example, you may
subscribe to notifications from PI systems running in different facilities, or representing
different business units.
To receive these notifications you must subscribe yourself, or have your administrator
subscribe you to notifications from each PI system using the PI System Explorer
application, and add each PI System to the PI Notifications viewer.
66
Search and Display Notifications
To add systems to the PI System menu:
1. Click Systems List .

The Systems dialog box appears.
2. Right-click in the systems panel and choose New PI System.

Right-click an existing PI system entry to change properties or specify a default system.
3. Enter the relevant network information to locate and authenticate your machine to the PI
system.
The Name field contains the name used to describe the PI system in the PI Notifications
viewer.
4. Click Configure Active Directory to pull PI System information from an Active
Directory location, if applicable.
5. When configuration is complete, click OK to save the new PI System entry.
The PI system appears in the PI System menu, or at the top of the menu if specified as the
default system.
For more information about PI Systems, see the AF 2.0 User Guide.

Notifications
View Notifications
The Notifications History viewer appears in the lower half of the Notifications Search tab,
and displays notifications that match the search criteria.
Use the Notifications History viewer to assess, manage and respond to notifications.
• Select a notification and right-click to display the context menu, then choose an option:
ο Choose Acknowledge Instance to acknowledge that action has been taken regarding
the notification, and that no further escalation is needed. Enter a comment in the
provided dialog box, if desired, and click OK.
ο Choose Acknowledge Subscription to acknowledge receipt of a notification you are
subscribed to. Enter a comment in the provided dialog box, if desired, and click OK.
ο Choose Add Comment to comment on a notification.
ο Choose View Notification Rule Summary to display the properties of the
notification rule that triggered a selected notification.
You can also manage the display of notifications in the viewer:
• Click column headings to sort notifications by a particular attribute, or right-click to show
and hide columns.
• Right-click in the notifications window and choose an option:
ο Choose Expand All or Collapse All to expand or collapse a notification grouping.
ο Choose Show Contact Events to toggle the display of contact events for each
notification.
Insert Notifications
Notifications data in spreadsheet cells may be referenced in PI DataLink functions. For
example, you may want to use the Start Time value from a retrieved notification to
retrieve sampled data indicating the progress of a batch process.
If your notifications are set to display acknowledgements, these columns include links to PI
Notifications web pages where you can acknowledge or comment on a notification.
68
Insert Notifications
Note: Warning messages appear when you acknowledge a notification in Excel. You can
disable these messages for Office 2003 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/829072)
and Office 2007 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925757), but not for other
versions (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/291912) of Microsoft Office.
For more information on notifications, subscription and acknowledgement, see the PI

Notifications User Guide.
Notification Display Settings
Use the Display Format tab to specify how notifications appear when inserted into
spreadsheet cells. You can select the columns used to display standard notification data and
change their organization and formatting.
Columns
• Select columns from the Available Columns list and click Add to move them to the
Column Order list to determine which data is inserted into the spreadsheet.
• Use the arrow buttons above the Column Order list to set column (or row) order.
• Click Remove to move selected columns from the Column Order list or Clear to
remove all columns.
• Add Acknowledge or Acknowledge With Comment columns to add links to acknowledge
receipt or comment on a notification.

Notifications
Contact Events
• Select Display contact events to add contact events related to each notification to the
display, such as sending to each recipient, comments and acknowledgements.
• Select Indent contacts to distinguish contact events in the display by indenting them.
Choose Formatting cells to display them indented in the same column as notification
events, or Using separate columns to add a second column for contact events.
• Select Use Excel Grouping to use Excel's grouping functionality to nest contact events
beneath individual parent notifications that spawned them.
Note: Excel Grouping is not supported for spreadsheets published to PI DLES (page
2).
Display and Orientation

• Select Display column headers to add row or column headers above notifications data.
• Select Display count to add a count of notifications above notifications data.
• Under Orient results in, choose to display notification data in Columns or Rows.
70
Appendix A
Supplementary Information
Setup
There are two ways for users to work with PI DataLink functions in Excel spreadsheets:
• Users can install a stand-alone version of PI DataLink on their local PC.
• Web users may view spreadsheets with PI DataLink functions using PI DataLink for
Excel Services (page 2).
Contact your OSIsoft sales representative for more information.
Note: Previous versions of PI DataLink allowed a shared version to be installed and run
from a central file server. This feature is no longer supported.
You can install PI DataLink from a distribution CD or an installation kit downloaded from
OSIsoft. The installation program automatically installs both Excel 2000-2003 and 2007
versions of the PI DataLink add-in to your system, regardless of which version of Excel you
have installed.
• If you have Excel 2000-2003 on your PC, you must configure the add-in manually (page
4) after installation by adding it to Excel.
• If you have Excel 2007 on your PC, the install program automatically configures the
add-in for Excel 2007.
Silent Installs
For silent installs, use the silent.ini file provided in the PI DataLink distribution kit by
typing:
Setup.exe -f silent.ini
You can make site-specific alterations to the file as needed. See the PI SDK setup.ini for
further information and descriptions of available arguments.
PI Server Connectivity
Client computers running Microsoft Excel and PI DataLink can retrieve data from PI 3
servers.

For more information on PI Server connectivity and security, consult your PI Server
documentation, or download documentation from the OSIsoft technical support site
(http://techsupport.osisoft.com/downloadcenter.aspx).
Firewall Database
The firewall database on a PI server machine must be configured to allow access from client
computers running PI DataLink. For example,
PIConfig> @table pi_gen,pifirewall PIConfig> @ostr hostmask,value
PIConfig> @select hostmask=* PIconfig> @ends *.*.*.*, ALLOW
blocks no IP ranges, indicating that all client machines may connect to PI 3 Server. In
contrast,
*.*.*.*, DISALLOW 192.168.100.*, ALLOW
allows connections only from TCP/IP addresses starting with 192.168.100.
Trusts
A PI trust allows clients to connect to a PI server machine and retrieve data without explicit
user login. A trust may instead allow a user to log in based on an IP address, Windows
domain, user name, application or other criteria.
PI trusts are established on the PI server and stored in a trust database. For information on
how to set up trusts for PI server access consult your PI Server documentation.
Point Access Permissions

PI DataLink prompts the user for a username and password upon connection to a PI server.
The username is used in conjunction with the PtOwner, PtAccess, DataOwner, and
DataAccess fields.
For example, if the sinusoid tag is configured with PtAccess O:RW, G:NONE,
W:NONE, and PtOwner is user1, a user must log in as user1 in order to access the tag.
Otherwise, the tag can not be found.
If sinusoid DataAccess is O:R, G:NONE, W:NONE, and DataOwner is user1, a
user must log in as user1 in order to see sinusoid tag data. Otherwise, a read access error
message is returned.
However, the same user may not write data to sinusoid because the DataAccess
attribute is O:R (read only). The PI System Manager would need to change DataAccess to
O:RW (read and write) to enable a user logging in as user1 to read and write data to
sinusoid.
Note: The PIAdmin account is a super-privileged user and has read and write access to
all tags. For this reason, System Administrators should not normally allow PI
DataLink users to log in as PIAdmin.
72
PI Time
PI Time
PI Time abbreviations and PI time expressions allow you to specify times and time ranges for
data using constants, variables, and short expressions.
PI Time Abbreviations
An interval is a unit of time that can be used in time entries. Intervals that support fractional
values are listed below. For intervals where the Fractions column indicates No, fractional
amounts cannot be used in time strings.
Name Short name Plural name Member names Fractions
second s seconds no yes
minute m minutes no yes
hour h hours no yes
day d days no no
month mo months yes (for example, December) no
year y years no no
week w weeks no no
weekday wd weekdays yes (for example, Tuesday) no
yearday yd yeardays no no
You can spell out month and weekday names, or enter the first three letters (for example,
Dec, Tue).
PI Times can also be expressed using certain constants:
Constant Result
* The current time.
Today or t 12:00 am of the current day.
Yesterday or y 12:00 am of the previous day.
Sunday or sun 00:00:00 (midnight) on the most recent past Sunday (in
reference to the PI Server).
PI Time Expressions
PI allows three types of time expressions: relative time, combined time, and absolute time.
These time expression types are defined in the following table.
Expression Description Examples
Relative Time Relative time expressions specify a number of days, +1d
hours, minutes, or seconds with either a leading plus -24h
sign or a leading minus sign. -3m
The reference time, or starting time, for the relative time +24s
expression is the current time if both start and end times
are relative.

Expression Description Examples

Combined A combined time expression is a specific reference time *+8h
Time followed by a relative time expression. 18-dec-02
-3m
t+32s
Absolute Time An absolute time expression is any time expression that *
is neither a relative nor a combined time expression. 14-Dec-97
11-Nov-96
2:00:00.0001
t
y
When using PI times, follow these guidelines:

• Use absolute or combined time expressions. Avoid using relative time expressions.
Multiple relative time expressions in a time range may cause an incorrect start time or an
error message, depending on the context of the expression.
• Relative and combined time expressions contain only a single operator: either a single
plus sign (+) or a single minus sign (-). Additional operators can lead to unpredictable
results. For example, the following are not valid time expressions:
*+1d+4h
T-1d+12h
• The name or short name for an interval used to denote PI time is not case-sensitive.
PI Time String Examples
Time Syntax Examples

PI Time String Meaning
06-dec-91 15:00:00 3:00:00 pm on December 6, 1991
* Current time (now)
25 00:00:00 (midnight) on the 25th of the current
month
25-aug-92 00:00:00 (midnight) on August 25th, 1992
8: 08:00:00 on the current date
25 8: 08:00:00 on the 25th of the current month
t 00:00:00 on the current date (today)
y 00:00:00 on the previous date (yesterday)
sun, mon, tue, wed, thu, fri, sat 00:00:00 on the most recent Sunday, Monday, ...
Saturday
*-1h One hour ago
t+8h 8:00:00 am today
y-8h 4:00:00 pm on the day before yesterday
mon+14.5h 2:30:00 pm last Monday
sat-1m 11:59:00 pm last Friday
74
PI Data Type Support
Time Interval Examples

In interval expressions, a positive or unmarked interval is based on the starttime, and a
negative interval is based on the endtime of a time expression.
For example, if starttime is y, endtime is t, and interval is +5h for a Sampled Data function,
then interpolated values are generated at y, y+5h, y+10h, y+15h, and y+20h. If the interval is
-5h, the interpolated values are generated at y+4h, y+9h, y+14h, y+19h and t.
PI Time String Meaning
1.5h One and one-half hours
32m Thirty-two minutes
49s Forty-nine seconds
+5h Five hours added to the time beginning with
the starttime
-5h Five hours subtracted from the time
beginning with the endtime
PI Data Type Support

PI DataLink supports the following PI point data types:
Data Type Support
Digital (defined states) supported
Int (16 and 32) supported
Float (16, 32 and 64) supported
String (text) supported
Timestamp supported
Blob not supported
PI Expressions
PI expressions (also known as Performance Equations) are used for functions that incorporate
mathematical operations and calculations based on PI points.
For some functions you can substitute a PI Expression for a tag name to calculate values as
they are retrieved from the PI Server. Functions that allow an expression argument include
both PI Tag and PI Expression buttons in the function dialog box or task pane.
To base a function on a PI calculation expression:
1. Click the PI Expression button at the top of the function dialog box or task pane.
The Tagname(s) field becomes an Expression(s) field. Other fields may activate, or
become inactive.

2. Enter the expression directly in the Expression(s) field, or use the field to reference a cell
containing an expression.
Using field references allow you to specify multiple expressions for a function.
Remember that an expression in a referenced cell is a string, and should be preceded by
an apostrophe.
Some functions also provide a field for a Filter Expression argument. You can supply a filter
expression to limit the values returned by a function, and reference a filter expression in a
worksheet cell.
Functions that may use these expressions include:
• Archive Value (page 28)
• Compressed Data (page 29)
• Sampled Data (page 32)
• Timed Data (page 33)
• Calculated Data (page 34)
• Time Filtered (page 39)
The following sections briefly outline PI expression basics. PI DataLink supports all
functional syntax, operators and functions supported by the PI Server.
For a full description of PI Performance Equations and examples, see the PI Server
Applications Guide or the PI 3 Performance Equations online help file.
Syntax
Follow these guidelines when writing PI expressions:

• Begin the expression with a single quote to force Excel to interpret the expression as a
string.
• Enclose tag names in the expression in single quotes.
• Enter two single quotes for an expression that begins with a tag name.
76
PI Expressions
Operators
The following operators are supported in PI Expressions:

Type Operator Syntax Example Meaning
Arithmetic + A + B Addition: A + B
- A - B Subtraction: A minus B
* A * B Multiplication: A times B
/ A / B Division: A divided by B
^ A ^ B Raising to a power: A to the power of B (AB)
Mod A mod B Modulus: the remainder of A divided by B
Relational < A < B Less than: returns true if A is less than B
= A = B Equal to: returns true if A equal to B
> A > B Greater than: returns true if A is greater than B
<= A <= B Less than or equal to: returns true if A is less than or equal
to B
<> A <> B Not equal to: returns true if A is not equal to B
>= A >= B Greater than or equal to: returns true if A is greater than or
equal to B
Prefix Not NOT A Complementation: returns true if A is 0 and False otherwise
- - A Negation (as prefix operator): returns the negative of A
Conjunction, And A and B Conjunction: returns true if operands A & B both evaluate to
Disjunction true. If both A and B are integers, returns the result of a
and Inclusion bitwise AND operation.
Or A or B Inclusive disjunction: returns true if either operand A or
operand B evaluates to true. If both A and B are integers,
returns the result of a bitwise OR operation.
in .. A in B..D Membership in a range: returns true if the value of A is
between B and D
in ( ) A in (B1, B2, …BN) Membership in a discrete set: returns true if the value of A
matches any of the values enclosed in the parentheses.
If-Then-Else if then if A then B else D If-then-else expression: returns B if A is true—otherwise it
Expressions else returns D

Performance Equation Functions
You can also evaluate expressions that contain PI Performance Equation functions:
Math Functions
Name Description
Abs Absolute value
Asin Arc sine
Acos Arc cosine
Atn Arc tangent
Atn2 Arc tangent (two arguments)
Cos Cosine
Cosh Hyperbolic cosine
Exp Exponential
Float Conversion of string to number
Frac Fractional part of number
Int Integer part of number
Log Natural logarithm
Log10 Common logarithm
Poly Evaluate polynomial
Round Round to nearest unit
Sgn Numerical sign
Sin Sine
Sinh Hyperbolic sine
Sqr Square root
Tanh Hyperbolic tangent
Tan Tangent
Trunc Truncate to next smaller unit
Aggregate Functions
Name Description
Avg Average
Max Maximum
Median Median selector
Min Minimum
PStDev Population standard deviation
SStDev Sample standard deviation
Total Sum
78
PI Expressions
Miscellaneous Functions
Name Description
BadVal See if a value is bad (not a number or time)
Curve Get value of a curve
DigState Get digital state from a string
IsDST Test whether a time is in local daylight savings time period
IsSet Test if a PI value is annotated, substituted, or questionable
StateNo The code number of a digital state
TagBad See if a point has an abnormal state
PI Archive Retrieval
Name Description
NextEvent Time of a point's next Archive event
NextVal Point's next value after a time
PrevEvent Time of a point's previous Archive event
PrevVal Point's previous value before a time
TagVal Point's value at a time
PI Archive Search
Name Description
FindEq Timestamp when point = value
FindGE Timestamp when point >= value
FindGT Timestamp when point > value
FindLE Timestamp when point <= value
FindLT Timestamp when point < value
FindNE Timestamp when point ~= value
TimeEq Total period when point = value
TimeGE Total period when point >= value
TimeGT Total period when point > value
TimeLE Total period when point <= value
TimeLT Total period when point < value
TimeNE Total period when point ~= value
PI Archive Statistics
Name Description
EventCount Number of Archive events
PctGood Percent of good time in a period
Range Range of minimum to maximum value
StDev Time-weighted standard deviation

Name Description
TagAvg Time-weighted average
TagMean Event-weighted average
TagMax Maximum value in a period
TagMin Minimum value in a period
TagTot Time integral over a period
Point Attributes
Name Description
TagDesc Get a point's descriptor
TagEU Get a point's engineering unit string
TagExDesc Get a point's extended descriptor
TagName Get a point's name
TagNum Get a point's ID
TagSource Get a point's point source string
TagSpan Get a point's span
TagType Get a point's type character
TagTypVal Get a point's typical value
TagZero Get a point's zero value
Time Functions
Name Description
Bod Timestamp for beginning of the day for given time
Bom Timestamp for beginning of the month for given time
Bonm Timestamp for first of the next month for given time
Day Day of the month from a time
DaySec Seconds since midnight from time
Hour Hour from a time
Minute Minute from a times
Month Month from a time
Noon Timestamp for local noon of day of a times
ParseTime Convert character string to time
Second Second from a times
Weekday Day of the week from a times
Year Year from a time
Yearday Day of the year from a time
80
PI Expressions
Dynamic Response
Name Description
Arma Dynamic response from Auto Regressive Moving Average model
Delay Introduce time delay
MedianFilt Select the median value of time series
Impulse Dynamic response characterized by impulse response shape
Alarm Status Functions
Name Description
AlmAckStat Alarm acknowledgment status code
AlmCondition Condition code number for Alarm State
AlmCondText Alarm condition as text
AlmPriority Alarm priority number
String Functions
Name Description
Ascii ASCII character code for a character
Char String for ASCII character code(s)
Compare Wild comparison of two strings
DigText Text for a digital state
Format Formatting of a numerical number
InStr Instance of a sub-string
LCase Conversion of all characters to lower case
Len Length of a string
Left First characters in a string
LTrim Removal of blanks on the left side of a string
Mid Extraction of a sub-string from a string
Right Last characters in a string
RTrim Removal of blanks on the right side of a string
Trim Removal of blanks on both sides of a string
UCase Conversion of all characters to upper case
String Conversion
Name Description
Concat Concatenate two or more strings
String String representing any PI value
Text Concatenation of strings for a series of PI value arguments

Examples
Note: These examples use the tag delimiters : (colon) and . (period). Your PI system
may use different delimiters.
The following expression determines the sum of the value of sinusoid cubed and the value
of cdf144 divided by 10:
(('sinusoid')^3 + 'cdf144'/10)
The expression below evaluates to true (non-zero) if the absolute value of the tag mytag is at
least 14.65.
(abs('my:tag') >= 14.65)
When comparing digital tags, use the negative of the digital state code number. For digital
tags, use the digital state string itself. For example:
('my:tag' = "Manual")
The following expression evaluates to True if the value of the tag sinusoid is less than 45
and the square root of the value of the tag vdf1002 is greater than 2:
('sinusoid' < 45 and sqr('vd:f1002') > 2)
Manual Function Entry

PI DataLink provides tools that can be used to build any PI DataLink function graphically.
Experienced users of Excel and PI may prefer to enter functions directly in the Excel formula
bar.
The following topics apply to PI DataLink functions when entered directly in this manner.
Use Array Functions
When defining array functions follow these steps:

• Select an appropriate output range for the array based on the number of expected values.
• Enter the PI function and its arguments into the Excel formula bar.
• Place the PI function into the selected output cells with the Ctrl+Shift+Enter
combination of keystrokes.
Refer to the online help for Microsoft Excel for more information on array functions.
Mathematical Functions
In a tag calculation expression, mathematical operators and functions act upon tag names.
Supported Mathematical Functions are:
abs — absolute value
atn — arc tangent (angle returned in radians)
82
Manual Function Entry
cos — cosine (argument in radians)

exp — e (2.71828...) raised to a power
int — integer part of a number
log — natural logarithm
sgn — sign function (-1 if argument is negative, 0 if zero, 1 if positive)
sin — sine (argument in radians)
sqr — square root function
tan — tangent (argument in radians)
For example, the expression below finds the difference between the natural logarithm of the
value of the tag cdep158 and the cosine of the value of the tag cdep158.
(log('cdep158') - cos('cdep158'))
String Arguments
String arguments must be surrounded by double quotes. For example, select a 1 x 2 output
array and enter:
=PICurrVal("sinusoid", 1, "casaba")
to retrieve the snapshot time and value for the sinusoid tag from the PI Server casaba.
Cell References
You can use cell references for any PI DataLink function arguments. For example, the
following function:
=PICurrVal(A1, A2, A3)
gives the same result as the function definition
=PICurrVal("sinusoid", 1, "casaba")
if the same three arguments are stored in cells A1, A2, and A3, respectively.
PIServer Argument
The PIServer argument is optional provided the desired PIServer is specified as the default
under PI > Connections.
For example, to retrieve the current value for the tag sinusoid from the default PI Server,
enter:
=PICurrVal("sinusoid",0,)
into a 1x1 output range.

Outcodes
DataLink function syntax includes integer outcode arguments. The outcodes determine how
appended data (page 17) are returned and output cells are oriented.
Outcodes are automatically generated by function dialog boxes and task panes. However, if
you enter a function manually in Excel's function bar, you may need to calculate and include
appropriate outcode values yourself.
A function outcode is a decimal representation of binary bits. In PI DataLink, bits carry the
following meanings:
• 1st bit: Show Timestamps bit
• 2nd bit: Orientation bit (columns/row)
• 3rd bit: Show Percent Good bit
• 4th bit: Hide Count bit
• 5th bit: Show Extended Status bit
• 6th bit: Show Annotations bit
• 7th bit: Show Start Time
• 8th bit: Show End Time
• 9th bit: Show Min/Max Time
For example, a 0 outcode in a PICurrVal() function results in a current snapshot value in
the designated output cell. An outcode of 1 places a timestamp in column one and the
snapshot value in column two of a 1 x 2 array. An outcode of 2 places a timestamp in row one
and the snapshot value in row two of a 2 x 1 array.
The formula used to calculate a corresponding outcode is:
Note: Functions have different arguments and outcodes. Those valid for one function are
not necessarily valid for another. See the function reference (page 87) for outcode
specifications by function.
84
Write Data to PI
EXAMPLE
Suppose we want a Calculated Data function to display Percent Good, Start Time, and
Min/Max Time. Since Start Time and Min/Max Time are displayed, the Show Timestamps
bit must also be set. The function shown on the Excel function bar would look like:
=PICalcDat("sinusoid","y","t","1h","minimum", 1, 325,"piserver")
Note: If an outcode indicates a function should display multiple columns or rows, but only
one appears, right click and choose Recalculate/Resize to update the function.
Write Data to PI
While standard PI DataLink functions retrieve data from a PI server, one function allows you
to write a value from a worksheet to a PI server. The Excel macro function PIPutVal() (page
117) replaces an existing PI archive event with a matching timestamp with a new value
supplied by the user.
PIPutVal() can be run only in an Excel 4.0 macro sheet, or in VBA using the
application.run method. See the putval_code module in the piexam32.xls distributed with
PI DataLink, and in particular the tags marked PutVal and the VBA module
PutVal_code, for an example of a VBA module used to enter PI functions in a
spreadsheet.
Note that VBA does not recognize PI DataLink functions, but you can formulate a function as
a text string, and then set the formula Array property of a range of cells to the text string
value. The VBA code can then check the cell values for the PI function results. This yields
the same results as manual entry of PI functions in the same range of cells.
Troubleshooting
Consult the sections below if you experience difficulty using PI DataLink. If these topics do
not address or solve the problem, see Technical Support and Resources (page 119) for details
on contacting Technical Support.
PI Menu Not Available
If a PI menu does not appear after you install PI DataLink, you may need to manually
configure (page 4) the add-in for Excel, or reduce security settings (page 86) for add-ins.
Some user-written VBA scripts in Excel spreadsheets (or add-ins) have been known to reset
the main Excel menu. In such cases, the PI menu may disappear even though the PI DataLink
add-in is still loaded, and embedded PI DataLink array functions may work even though the
PI menu itself is not available. Restarting Excel usually fixes this problem.

Array and Cell Limits
PI DataLink is subject to an Excel limitation on the number of elements in a calculation array.

The maximum numbers of values that can be returned for a single PI function, per retrieval
are:
• 65,536 for Excel 2000-2003
• 1,048,576 for Excel 2007
The Excel SDK used by PI DataLink limits strings to 255 characters in length for Excel
2000-2003, and input strings for PI DataLink expressions in a referenced cell may not exceed
this 255 character limit.
Similarly, string output such as PI tag name strings may be truncated by PI DataLink to 255
characters.
Row Limitations
PI DataLink 4.0 can utilize all one million rows in a single Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Data
up to this limit may be retrieved in one or more function arrays.
To retrieve very large amounts of data from PI, users may need to configure the
ArcMaxCollect parameter on their PI server. The default value is 150 thousand rows.
Security
Excel security features for add-ins, ActiveX controls and macros allow you to determine the
types of components that can run inside Excel. Different levels of settings provide a means to
disable, enable with prompting, or completely enable these types of objects.
Excel security settings may conflict with certain PI DataLink features:
• DataLink is an Excel add-in. Security settings that disable add-ins prevent PI DataLink
from loading in Excel.
• Trend Controls (page 57) use a signed ActiveX control marked safe for initialization and
require some level of enablement for ActiveX controls.
• PIPutVal (page 117) spreadsheets use macros and require some level of enablement for
macros.
If you regularly apply Excel security to spreadsheets, or encounter problems using these PI
DataLink features, you may need to reduce or eliminate Excel security settings depending on
how you plan to use PI DataLink.
For further information on Excel security, consult Microsoft Excel online help and online
resources.
86
Appendix B
Function Syntax Reference

PI DataLink function dialog boxes (2000-2003) or task panes (2007) (page 13) are commonly
used to generate PI DataLink functions, with the resulting function depending on the options
and arguments selected. These same functions may also be entered directly (page 82) in the
Excel formula bar.
The following complete reference to supported PI DataLink functions groups functions by
type. Each topic describes complete syntax options, and indicates how arguments are used. In
most cases an example is also provided.
Single Value Functions

Single value functions associate a PI point with a specific point in time, and return only one
corresponding data value unless an array of tag names are referenced.
PICurrVal()
Retrieves current PI point values from the snapshot, using the following syntax:
PICurrVal(tagname, outcode, PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
Argument Value
Tagname (string) The tag name or names matching the desired PI points
outcode (integer) An output code to determine results placement, either 0, 1, or 2
PIServer (string) The target PI server
RETURNS
Outcode Value Timestamp
0 output cell none
1 right column output cell
2 output cell row above

Example
The following retrieves the current value and corresponding timestamp for the tag let439
from the PI Server holden and places the timestamp in the column to the left of the value:
=PICurrVal("let439",1,"holden")
RELATED TOPICS
• Current Value (page 27)
PIArcVal()
Retrieves archived PI point values corresponding to specified times, using the following
syntax:
PIArcVal(tagname, timestamp, outcode, PIServer, mode)
ARGUMENTS
Argument Value
tagname (string) The tag name or names matching the desired PI points
time stamp (string) The timestamp corresponding to the archive value
outcode (integer) An output code to determine results placement, either 0, 1, or 2
mode (string) The mode used to determine which values are retrieved
RETURNS
Outcode Archive Value Timestamp
0 output cell
1 left column output cell
EXAMPLE
The following retrieves the interpolated value for the tag cdep158 at 7:20pm on December
11, 1992 from the PI Server casaba:
=PIArcVal("cdep158","11-dec-92 19:20",0, "casaba","interpolated")
RELATED TOPICS
88
Single Value Functions
PIExpVal()
Retrieves an archived PI point value based on an expression, using the following syntax:
PIExpVal(expression, timestamp, PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
Argument Value
expression (string) A PI calculation expression
time stamp (string) The timestamp corresponding to the archive value
RETURNS
Outcode Archive Value Timestamp
0 output cell
1 left column output cell
EXAMPLE
The following calculates the square root of the value of the tag sinusoid from the PI server
thevax at midnight yesterday:
=PIExpVal("sqr('sinusoid')","y",0,"thevax")
RELATED TOPICS

Multiple Value Functions

Multiple value functions associate a PI point with a range of time over which there can be one
or many corresponding values at different points in time.
PINCompDat()
Retrieves a number of PI point values corresponding to a specified start time, using the
following syntax:
PINCompDat(tagname, stime, numvals, outcode, PIServer, mode)
ARGUMENTS
Argument Value
stime (string) The start time for the range of retrieved values (in PI time format)
numvals (integer) The number of desired values (negative if counting backward in
time)
outcode (integer) An output code
mode (string) The method of handling values at boundaries of the time range
RETURNS
Results display is determined by an output code (page 84) value.
EXAMPLE
The following retrieves 10 compressed data points and corresponding time stamps for the tag
cdf144 starting from 1:00 a.m. this morning from the default PI server with inside as
boundary type:
=PINCompDat("cdf144","1:00",10,1,,"inside")
RELATED TOPICS
90
PINCompFilDat()
Retrieves a number of filtered PI point values corresponding to a specified start time, using
the following syntax:
PINCompFilDat(tagname, stime, numvals, filtexp, filtcode, outcode,
PIServer, mode)
ARGUMENTS
Argument Value
numvals (integer) The number of desired values (negative if counting backward in time)
filtexp (string) A filter expression used to filter out results
filtcode (integer) A filter code, either 1 to denote Filtered status or 0 to skip
PIServer (string) The PI Server
RETURNS
EXAMPLE
The following retrieves 10 compressed data points and the corresponding times, starting at
2:00 a.m., for the tag cdf144 while the tag cdep158 is greater than 38:
=PINCompFilDat("cdf144","2:00",10,"'cdep158'>38",1,1,,)
The status Filtered is displayed for times when the filter condition is false. Data are retrieved
from the default PI Server with inside as boundary type.
RELATED TOPICS
• filter expression

PICompDat()
Retrieves PI point values corresponding to a specified time range, using the following syntax:
PICompDat(tagname, stime, etime, outcode, PIServer, mode)
ARGUMENTS
Argument Value
stime (string) The start time for the range of retrieved values (in PI time
format)
etime (string) The end time for the range (in PI time format)
RETURNS
EXAMPLE
The following retrieves compressed data points and corresponding time stamps for the tag
cdf144 starting from 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. this morning from the default PI server with
inside as boundary type:
=PICompDat("cdf144","1:00","3:00",1,,"inside")
RELATED TOPICS
92
PICompFilDat()
Retrieves filtered PI point values corresponding to a specified time range, using the following
syntax:
PICompFilDat(tagname, stime, etime, filtexp, filtcode, outcode,
PIServer, mode)
ARGUMENTS
Argument Value
filtexp (string) The filter expression used to filter results
filtcode (integer) A filter code, either 1 to return Filtered status or 0 to skip
RETURNS
EXAMPLE
The following retrieves compressed data points and the corresponding times, starting from
2:00 a.m. and ending at 10:00 a.m., for the tag cdf144 when the tag cdep158 is greater
than 38:
=PICompFilDat("cdf144","2:00","10:00","'cdep158'>38",1,1,,)
The status Filtered is displayed for times when the filter condition is false. Data are retrieved
from the default PI server with inside as boundary type.
RELATED TOPICS

PISampDat()
Retrieves sampled PI point values corresponding to a specified time range, using the
following syntax:
PISampDat(tagname, stime, etime, interval, outcode, PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
Argument Value
tagname(string) The tag name or names matching the desired PI points
stime (string) The start time for the range of sampling (in PI time format)
interval (string) The interval between sampled values (in PI time format)
outcode (integer) An output code, either 0, 1, 2, or 3
RETURNS
Outcode Sampled Value Timestamp
0 output cell none
2 output cell none
3 row below output cell
An output code (page 84) of 2 transposes the output array that results from an output code of
0. An output code of 3 transposes the output array that results from an output code of 1.
EXAMPLE
The following retrieves sampled data for the tag located in cell B1, from midnight yesterday
to midnight today at 3-hour intervals:
=PISampDat(b1,"y","t","3h",1,)
Timestamps are also returned.
RELATED TOPICS
94
PISampFilDat()
Retrieves filtered, sampled PI point values corresponding to a specified time range, using the
following syntax:
PISampFilDat(tagname, stime, etime, interval, filtexp, filtcode,
outcode, PI Server)
ARGUMENTS
Argument Value
tagname(string) The tag name or names matching the desired PI points
stime (string) The start time for the range of sampling (in PI time format)
etime (string) The end time in PI time format
filtcode (integer) A filter code, either 1 to return Filtered status or 0 to skip
outcode (integer) An output code, either 0, 1, 2, or 3
RETURNS
0 output cell none
2 output cell none
0 and an output code of 3 transposes the output array that results from an output code of 1.
EXAMPLE
The following formula retrieves sampled data for sinusoid at 11-Jan-97, 11-Jan-97
1:00AM, 11-Jan-97 2:00AM, and 11-Jan-97 3:00AM:
=PISampFilDat("sinusoid","11-Jan-97","+3h","1h",A1,1,1,)
Timestamps are shown in column1 and values in column2. A Filtered status is returned for
values do not satisfy the filter condition in cell A1.
RELATED TOPICS

PIExpDat()
Retrieves PI point values based on an expression, using the following syntax:

PIExpDat(expression, stime, etime, interval, outcode, PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
Argument Explanation
stime (string) The start time for the range of sampled values (in PI time format)
etime (string) The end time (in PI time format)
outcode (integer) An output code to determine results placement, either 0, 1, 2, or 3
RETURNS
0 output cell none
2 output cell none
0 while an output code of 3 transposes the output array that results from an output code of 1.
EXAMPLE
The following calculates the square root of the value of the tag sinusoid from the PI server
thevax at one-hour intervals, starting from midnight yesterday to midnight today:
=PIExpDat("sqr('sinusoid')","y","t","1h",1,"thevax")
It also displays the timestamps.
RELATED TOPICS
• PI calculation expression (page 76)
96
PITimeDat()
Retrieves sampled PI point values corresponding to a specified array of timestamps, using the
following syntax:
PITimeDat(tagname, timestamps, PIServer, mode)
ARGUMENTS
timestamps (reference) A reference to an array of timestamps in PI time format
mode (string) The mode used to determine which values to retrieve
RETURNS
Sampled data. If the timestamps are in a single column, the data are returned along a single
column. If the timestamps are in a single row, the data are returned along a single row.
EXAMPLE
The following retrieves interpolated timed data for the times located in cells B1 through B12
for the tag mytag from the default PI Server:
=PITimeDat("mytag",b1:b12,,"interpolated")
RELATED TOPICS

PITimeExpDat()
Retrieves PI point values based on an expression, and corresponding to a specified array of

timestamps, using the following syntax:
PITimeExpDat(expression, timestamps, PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
timestamps (reference) A reference to an array of timestamps in PI time format
(monotonically increasing or decreasing for PI 2 servers)
RETURNS
Sampled data. If the timestamps are in a single column, the data are returned along a single
column. If the timestamps are in a single row, the data are returned along a single row.
EXAMPLE
The following calculates the square root of the value of the tag sinusoid for the times
located in cells B1 through B12 from the default PI server:
=PITimeExpDat("sqr('sinusoid')",b1:b12,)
RELATED TOPICS
98
Calculation Functions
Calculation functions compute new values from PI point values corresponding to a specific
time range.
PICalcVal()
Retrieves a calculated PI point value using the following syntax:

PICalcVal(tagname, stime, etime, mode, cfactor, outcode, PIServer)
Note: PICalcVal() is generated only by the Calculated Data dialog box in 2000-2003
versions. 2007 versions use PIAdvCalcVal().
ARGUMENTS
tagname (string) The tag name or names matching the desired PI points for calculation
stime (string) The start time for the range of calculation (in PI time format)
mode (string) The type of calculation to be used to compute point values
cfactor (number) The time unit of flow for the source tag, required for Total calculations
outcode (integer) An output code, 0-7, and not 3
RETURNS
The output code (page 84) argument affects the output as follows:
• If the outcode is 0, only the calculated value is returned.
• If the outcode is 1, the following applies:
Mode Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Total Total value
Minimum Time of min. Value Minimum value
Maximum Time of max. Value Maximum value

Stdev Stdev. Value
Range Time of min. Value Time of max. value Range value
Average Average value
Count Count value
Mean Mean value

• An output code of 2 transposes the output array that results from an output code of 1, and
results are returned in rows instead of in columns.
• Outcode of 3 is not used.
• If the outcode is 4, the percent good is returned to the right of the value cell.
• If the outcode is 5, the following applies:
Mode Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Total Total value Percent good
Minimum Time of min. value Minimum value Percent good
Maximum Time of max. value Maximum value Percent good
Stdev Stdev. value Percent good
Range Time of min. value Time of max. value Range value Percent good
Average Average value Percent good
Count Count value Percent good
Mean Mean value Percent good
EXAMPLE
The following calculates a time-weighted total for the tag cdf144 from yesterday to today
from the default PI Server:
=PICalcVal("cdf144","y","t","total",1440,4,)
The result is multiplied by 1440. The percent good is returned next to the total.
RELATED TOPICS
100
PIAdvCalcVal()
Retrieves a calculated PI point value using the following syntax:

PIAdvCalcVal(tagname, stime, etime, mode, calcbasis, minpctgood,
cfactor, outcode, PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
tagname (string) The tag name matching the desired PI point for calculation
calcbasis (string) The weighting method used to calculate values
minpctgood (number) The minimum percentage of good data required to calculate and
return a value
outcode (integer) An output code, either 0, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, or 7, and not 3
RETURNS
See specific information for PICalcVal() outcodes (page 99).
EXAMPLE
from the default PI Server:
=PIAdvCalcVal("cdf144","y","t","total","time-weighted",50,1,4,)
The result is multiplied by 1. The minpctgood is 50 percent so result will only be
displayed if percent good is 50 percent or greater. The percent good is returned next to the
total.
RELATED TOPICS

PIAdvCalcFilVal()
Retrieves a filtered, calculated PI point value using the following syntax:

PIAdvCalcFilVal(tagname, stime, etime, filtexp, mode, calcbasis,
sampmode, sampfreq, minpctgood, cfactor, outcode, PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
tagname (string) The tag name or names matching the desired PI points for
calculation
sampmode (string) The sampling method used for calculation expressions
sampfreq (string) The frequency used for interpolated sampling
return a value
Cfactor (number) The time unit of flow for the source tag, required for Total
calculations
outcode (integer) An ouput code, either 0, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, or 7, and not 3
RETURNS
EXAMPLE
during the time periods when tag cdm158 is in Manual from the default PI Server:
=PIAdvCalcFilVal("cdf144","y","t","'cdm158'=""Manual""","total","t
ime-weighted","pt. compressed","10m",50,1,4,)
The result is multiplied by 1. Since point compressed is the specified sampling mode, the
sampling frequency is ignored and the filter expression will be sampled at the compressed
events of cdf144. The minpctgood is 50 percent so result will only be displayed if
percent good is 50 percent or greater. The percent good is returned next to the total.
RELATED TOPICS
102
PIAdvCalcExpVal()
Retrieves a calculated PI point value based on an expression, using the following syntax:
PIAdvCalcExpVal(expression, stime, etime, mode, calcbasis, sampmode,
sampfreq, minpctgood, cfactor, outcode, PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
return a value
cfactor (number) The time unit of flow for the source tag, required for Total
calculations
RETURNS
EXAMPLE
The following calculates a time-weighted total for the expression 'cdf144'+'cdt158' from
yesterday to today from the default PI Server:
=PIAdvCalcExpVal("'cdf144'+'cdt158'","y","t","total","time-weighte
d","compressed","10m",50,1,4,)
The result is multiplied by 1. Since compressed is the specified sampling mode, the sampling
frequency is ignored and the expression will be sampled at the combined compressed events
of cdf144 and cdt158. The minpctgood is 50 percent so result will only be displayed if
RELATED TOPICS

PIAdvCalcExpFilVal()
Retrieves a filtered, calculated PI point value based on an expression, using the following
syntax:
PIAdvCalcExpFilVal(expression, stime, etime, filtexp, mode,
calcbasis, sampmode, sampfreq, minpctgood, cfactor, outcode,
PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
return a value
calculations
RETURNS
EXAMPLE
The following calculates a time-weighted total for the expression 'cdf144'+'cdt158' when
'productid' = "Product2" from yesterday to today from the default PI Server:
=PIAdvCalcExpFilVal("'cdf144'+'cdt158'","y","t","'productid'="Prod
uct2"","total","time-weighted","compressed","10m",50,1,4,)
RELATED TOPICS
104
PICalcDat()
Retrieves calculated PI point values using the following syntax:

PICalcDat(tagname, stime, etime, interval, mode, cfactor, outcode,
PIServer)
Note: PICalcDat() is generated only by the Calculated Data dialog box in 2000-2003
versions. 2007 versions use PIAdvCalcDat().
ARGUMENTS
calculation
interval (string) The interval between calculated values (in PI time format)
outcode (integer) An ouput code, 0-7
RETURNS
The output code (page 84) argument affects the output as follows:
• 0 produces calculated values along a column
• 1 produces timestamps and values along 2 columns
• 2 produces calculated values along a row
• 3 produces timestamps and values along 2 rows
• 4 produces values and percent good along 2 columns
• 5 produces timestamps, values, and percent good along 3 columns
• 6 produces values and percent good along 2 rows
• 7 produces timestamps, values, and percent good along 3 rows
EXAMPLE
The following retrieves totals for the tag located in cell B1, from midnight yesterday to
midnight today at 3-hour intervals from the default PI Server:
=PICalcDat(b1,"y","t","3h","total",24,1,)
Timestamps are also returned. The values are multiplied by 24 before they are displayed in
the spreadsheet.
RELATED TOPICS

PIAdvCalcDat()
Retrieves calculated PI point values using the following syntax:

PIAdvCalcDat(tagname, stime, etime, interval, mode, calcbasis,
minpctgood, cfactor, outcode, PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
calculation
return a value
RETURNS
See specific information for PICalcDat() outcodes (page 105).
EXAMPLE
The following retrieves totals for the tag cdf144, from midnight yesterday to midnight
today at three-hour intervals from the default PI Server:
=PIAdvCalcDat("cdf144","y","t","3h","total","time-weighted",50,1,4
,)
The result is multiplied by 1. The minpctgood is 50 percent so result will only be
displayed if percent good is 50 percent or greater. The percent good is returned next to the
total.
RELATED TOPICS
106
PIAdvCalcFilDat()
Retrieves filtered, calculated PI point values using the following syntax:

PIAdvCalcFilDat(tagname, stime, etime, interval, filtexp, mode,
calcbasis, sampmode, sampfreq, minpctgood, cfactor, outcode,
PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
calculation
return a value
calculations
RETURNS
EXAMPLE
The following retrieves totals for the tag cdf144, from midnight yesterday to midnight
today at 3-hour intervals during the time periods when tag cdf144 is in Manual from the
default PI Server:
=PIAdvCalcFilDat("cdf144","y","t","3h","'cdm158'=""Manual""","tota
l","time-weighted","pt. compressed","10m",50,1,4,)
The result is multiplied by 1. Since point compressed is the specified sampling mode, the
sampling frequency is ignored and the filter expression will be sampled at the compressed
events of cdf144. The percent good is returned next to the total.
RELATED TOPICS

PIAdvCalcExpDat()
Retrieves calculated PI point values based on an expression, using the following syntax:
PIAdvCalcExpDat(expression, stime, etime, interval, mode, calcbasis,
sampmode, sampfreq, minpctgood, cfactor, outcode, PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
return a value
calculations
RETURNS
EXAMPLE
The following retrieves totals for the expression 'cdf144'+'cdt158', from midnight
yesterday to midnight today at 3-hour intervals from the default PI Server:
=PIAdvCalcExpDat("'cdf144'+'cdt158'","y","t","3h","total","time-we
ighted","compressed", "10m",50,1,4,)
RELATED TOPICS
108
PIAdvCalcExpFilDat()
Retrieves filtered, calculated PI point values based on an expression, using the following
syntax:
PIAdvCalcExpFilDat(expression, stime, etime, interval, filtexp,
mode, calcbasis, sampmode, sampfreq, minpctgood, cfactor, outcode,
PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
return a value
calculations
RETURNS
EXAMPLE
The following calculates a time-weighted total for the expression 'cdf144'+' cdt158' when
'productid' = "Product2" at 3-hour intervals from yesterday to today from the default PI
Server:
=PIAdvCalcExpFilDat("'cdf144'+'cdt158'","y","t","3h","'productid'=
"Product2"","total","time-weighted","compressed","10m",50,1,4,)

RELATED TOPICS
PITimeFilter()
Returns the amount of time over specified intervals for which a PI point expression evaluates
as true, using the following syntax:
PITimeFilter(expression, stime, etime, interval, timeunit, outcode,
PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
interval (string) The interval between evaluations (in PI time format)
timeunit (string) Time unit of the calculated result (in PI time format)
RETURNS
Outcode Column 1 Column 2
0 Calculated data
1 Timestamps Calculated data
0 and an output code of 3 transposes the output array that results from an output code of 1.
EXAMPLE
The following calculates the amount of time that the expression from cell $A$1 is true from
the PI Server named thevax at one-hour intervals, starting from midnight yesterday to
midnight today:
=PITimeFilter($A$1,"y","t","1h","seconds",1,"thevax")
It also displays the timestamps for the start time of each calculation interval. The calculation
result is expressed in seconds.
RELATED TOPICS
110
PITimeFilterVal()
Returns the amount of time over which a PI point expression evaluates as true for a specified
time range, using the following syntax:
PITimeFilterVal(expression, stime, etime, timeunit, outcode,
PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
timeunit (string) Time unit of the calculated result (in PI time format)
RETURNS
• If the output code (page 84) is 0, 1, or 2 only the calculated value is returned.
• Outcode of 3 is not used.
• If the outcode is 4 or 5, the percent good is returned to the right of the value cell.
• If the outcode is 6 or 7, the percent good is returned below the value cell.
EXAMPLE
The following calculates the amount of time that the expression from cell $A$1 is true from
the PI Server named thevax, starting from midnight yesterday to midnight today:
=PITimeFilterVal($A$1,"y","t","seconds",1,"thevax")
The calculation result is expressed in seconds.
RELATED TOPICS

Tag Functions
PIPointIDToTag()
Retrieves a tag name corresponding to a PI point ID, using the following syntax:
PIPointIDToTag(pointid, PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
pointid (string) A PI point ID, which is a unique internal ID not reused upon deletion
of a point
RETURNS
Tagname
EXAMPLE
The following returns the tagname of the tag with point ID of 123 from server named
thevax.
=PIPointIDToTag("123","thevax")
RELATED TOPICS
• Point ID to Tag (page 43)
112
Tag Functions
PIAttributeMaskToTag ()
Retrieves a tag name corresponding to one or more point attributes, using the following
syntax:
PIAttributeMaskToTag(tagname, descriptor, pointsource, pointtype,
pointclass, engunits, outcode, PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
tagname (string) Tagname mask
descriptor (string) Descriptor mask
pointsource (string) Point Source mask
pointtype (string) Point Type mask
pointclass (string) Point Class mask
engunits (string) Engineering Units mask
outcode (integer) An output code, either 0 or 2
RETURNS
0 Tagname
1.
EXAMPLE
The following returns the tagname of the tags which start with "sin" from server named
thevax.
=PIAttributeMaskToTag("sin*","*","*","*","*","*",0,"thevax")
RELATED TOPICS
• Attribute Mask to Tag (page 44)

PITagAtt()
Retrieves the value of a tag attribute based on a tag name, using the following syntax:
PITagAtt(tagname, attribute, PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
tagname (string) The tag name or names matching the desired attributes
attribute (string) The desired PI point attribute
RETURNS
Tag attribute value
EXAMPLE
The following retrieves from the default PI Server the engineering units for the tag located in
cell D1:
=PITagAtt(d1,"units",)
RELATED TOPICS
• Tag Attributes (page 44)
114
PIAliasToTag()
Retrieves a tag name based on a PI point alias, using the following syntax:
PIAliasToTag(alias, modulepath, querydate, outcode, PIServer)
ARGUMENTS
alias (string) The module database alias corresponding to the desired PI point
modulepath (string) The full module path to the alias
querydate (integer) A date limit such that only aliases created at or after the date are
returned
Outcode (integer) An ouput code, either 0, 1, or 2
RETURNS
0 Tagname
1 Tagname Server of tag
1.
EXAMPLE
The following returns the tagname corresponding to the Temperature alias of module
Reactor1 which is a submodule of Unit1. Unit1 is at the root of the module database for a PI
server named thevax. The module database is queried at current time.
=PIAliasToTag("Temperature","\Unit1\Reactor1","*",0,"thevax")
RELATED TOPICS
• Alias to Tag (page 49)

PIPropertyToValue()
Retrieves the value of a specified PI point property, using the following syntax:
PIPropertyToValue(property, modulepath, querydate, PIServer,
outcode)
ARGUMENTS
Property (string) The module database property corresponding to the desired PI point
modulepath (string) The full module path to the property
querydate (integer) A date limit such that only properties created at or after the date are
returned
Outcode (integer) An ouput code, either 0, 1, or 2
RETURNS
• An output code (page 84) of 0 displays the value of the property in a column.
• An output code of 2 displays the value of the property in a row.
EXAMPLE
The following returns the value corresponding to the Implementer property of module
Reactor1 which is a submodule of Unit1. Unit1 is at the root of the module database for a PI
server named thevax. The module database is queried at current time.
=PIPropertyToValue("Implementer","\Unit1\Reactor1","*","thevax")
RELATED TOPICS
• Property to Value (page 50)
116
Input Functions
Input Functions
PIPutVal()
PIPutVal(tagname, value, time stamp, PIServer, outcell)
PIPutVal supports all PI 3 data types (including string input to string tags), as well as
sub-second data. Timestamps are interpreted using client machine time zone information for
PI 3 unless the Use PI Server Time Zone is enabled.
ARGUMENTS
tagname (string) The tag for which you to write the value to PI
value (reference) The reference to a value to be written, either a string (for digital
states) or a number
time stamp (string) A timestamp in PI time format
outcell (reference) A reference to a cell in which the return value of this macro
function is displayed
RETURNS
Returns the string value False if the macro function fails and writes an error message to the
outcell. If the write to the PI Server succeeds, the string True is returned and the status is
written to the outcell.
Note: PIPutVal() does not verify the user-specified range for a tag before writing. The
range is defined from zero to zero + span, where zero and span are tag
attributes specified during point (tag) creation. DataLink returns a value even
though Over Range or Under Range may be entered in PI.
EXAMPLE
The following puts the value located in the cell A5 into the PI Server of the default PI Server
for midnight today for the tag testtag:
=PIPutVal("testtag",a5,"t",,e5)
The result of the macro function is placed into cell E5 on the macro sheet.

Appendix C
Technical Support and Resources

You can read complete information about technical support options, and access all of the
following resources at the OSIsoft Technical Support Web site:
http://techsupport.osisoft.com (http://techsupport.osisoft.com)
Before You Call or Write for Help
When you contact OSIsoft Technical Support, please provide:

• Product name, version, and/or build numbers
• Computer platform (CPU type, operating system, and version number)
• The time that the difficulty started
• The message log(s) at that time
Help Desk and Telephone Support
You can contact OSIsoft Technical Support 24 hours a day. Use the numbers in the table
below to find the most appropriate number for your area. Dialing any of these numbers will
route your call into our global support queue to be answered by engineers stationed around
the world.
Office Location Access Number Local Language Options
San Leandro, CA, USA 1 510 297 5828 English
Philadelphia, PA, USA 1 215 606 0705 English
Johnson City, TN, USA 1 423 610 3800 English
Montreal, QC, Canada 1 514 493 0663 English, French
São Paulo, Brazil 55 11 3053 5040 English, Portuguese
Altenstadt, Germany 49 6047 9890 English, German
Manama, Bahrain 973 1758 4429 English, Arabic
Singapore 65 6391 1811 English, Mandarin
Perth, WA, Australia 61 8 9282 9220 English
Support may be provided in languages other than English in certain centers (listed above)
based on availability of attendants. If you select a local language option, we will make best
efforts to connect you with an available Technical Support Engineer (TSE) with that language
skill. If no local language TSE is available to assist you, you will be routed to the first
available attendant.

Technical Support and Resources
If all available TSEs are busy assisting other customers when you call, you will be prompted
to remain on the line to wait for the next available TSE or else leave a voicemail message. If
you choose to leave a message, you will not lose your place in the queue. Your voicemail
will be treated as a regular phone call and will be directed to the first TSE who
becomes available.
If you are calling about an ongoing case, be sure to reference your case number when you call
so we can connect you to the engineer currently assigned to your case. If that engineer is not
available, another engineer will attempt to assist you.
Search Support
From the OSIsoft Technical Support Web site, click Search Support.
Quickly and easily search the OSIsoft Technical Support Web site's Support Solutions,
Documentation, and Support Bulletins using the advanced MS SharePoint search engine.
Email-based Technical Support
[email protected]
When contacting OSIsoft Technical Support by email, it is helpful to send the following
information:
• Description of issue: Short description of issue, symptoms, informational or error
messages, history of issue
• Message logs: See documentation for your PI System for information on obtaining
message logs pertinent to the situation.
Online Technical Support
From the OSIsoft Technical Support Web site, click Contact us > My Support > My Calls.
Using OSIsoft's Online Technical Support, you can:
• Enter a new call directly into OSIsoft's database (monitored 24 hours a day)
• View or edit existing OSIsoft calls that you entered
• View any of the calls entered by your organization or site, if enabled
• See your licensed software and dates of your Service Reliance Program agreements
Remote Access
From the OSIsoft Technical Support Web site, click Contact Us > Remote Support
Options.
OSIsoft Support Engineers may remotely access your server in order to provide hands-on
troubleshooting and assistance. See the Remote Access page for details on the various
methods you can use.
120
Input Functions
On-site service
From the OSIsoft Technical Support Web site, click Contact Us > On-site Field Service
Visit.
OSIsoft provides on-site service for a fee. Visit our On-site Field Service Visit page for more
information.
Knowledge Center
From the OSIsoft Technical Support Web site, click Knowledge Center.
The Knowledge Center provides a searchable library of documentation and technical data, as
well as a special collection of resources for system managers. For these options, click
Knowledge Center on the Technical Support Web site.
• The Search feature allows you to search Support Solutions, Bulletins, Support Pages,
Known Issues, Enhancements, and Documentation (including user manuals, release
notes, and white papers).
• System Manager Resources include tools and instructions that help you manage: Archive
sizing, backup scripts, daily health checks, daylight savings time configuration, PI Server
security, PI System sizing and configuration, PI trusts for interface nodes, and more.
Upgrades
From the OSIsoft Technical Support Web site, click Contact Us > Obtaining Upgrades.
You are eligible to download or order any available version of a product for which you have
an active Service Reliance Program (SRP), formerly known as Tech Support Agreement
(TSA). To verify or change your SRP status, contact your Sales Representative or Technical
Support (http://techsupport.osisoft.com/) for assistance.

Index
A F
Add-in, Excel • 1, 10 formats, time and number • 16, 20
Advanced Calculated Data function • 35 functions • 27, 49, 51
Alias to Tag function • 49 define • 8, 11, 13
annotations, show • 20 Dialog Boxes • 87
apostrophe, use in Excel • 14, 15 Entering into Excel • 82
Archive Value function • 28 Excel • 13
arguments, PI Datalink function • 15 function dialog boxes • 11
array size • 55 function task panes • 8
array, function • 51, 52, 54 modify • 54
Attribute Mask to Tag function • 44 Refreshing PI data in a spreadsheet • 51
average • 35
M
B Microsoft Excel • 4
backwards in time • 29 minimum percent good • 35
boundary type • 29 Module Database, browse • 47
browse • 49 move function arrays • 54
C N
Calculated Data function • 35 notifications, PI system • 65
calculation basis • 35 number formats • 16, 20, 22
calculation expressions • 76
calculation mode • 35 O
cell references • 14 operators • 75
cells, spreadsheet orientation controls • 20
function values • 51 OSIsoft Technical Support • 119
references • 14, 15 outcode argument • 82, 84
Compressed Data function • 29 Output Fields • 15
Connections • 12
conversion factor • 35 P
Current Value function • 27
performance equations • 76
D PI calculation expressions • 76
PI DataLink • 1
data access • 71 for Excel Services • 2
interface • 7
E setup • 71
errors • 85 system requirements • 3
expression sampling frequency • 35 PI menu • 8, 10
expression sampling mode • 35 PI Module Database • 47
expressions browse • 49
PI calculation • 76 functions • 49
syntax • 75 PI Notifications • 65
PI SDK • 2
PI server connections • 12

Index
PI time strings • 73 single quote • 14, 15

PIAdvCalcDat • 106 spreadsheets • 51
PIAdvCalcExpDat • 108 standard deviation • 35
PIAdvCalcExpFilDat • 109
PIAdvCalcExpFilVal • 104 T
PIAdvCalcExpVal • 103 Tag Attributes function • 45
PIAdvCalcFilDat • 107 tag functions • 43
PIAdvCalcFilVal • 102 Tag Search • 41
PIAdvCalcVal • 101 time arguments • 16
PIAliasToTag • 115 Time Filtered function • 39
PIArcVal • 88 time formats • 16, 73
PICalcDat • 105 time interval • 28
PICalcVal • 99 Time Interval • 32
PICompDat • 92 Timed Data function • 33
PICompFilDat • 93 timestamps • 17, 18
PICurrVal • 87 Totals • 35
PIExpDat • 96 trend • 57
PIExpVal • 89 troubleshooting • 85
PINCompDat • 90
PINCompFilDat • 91 V
PIPropertyValue • 116
PIPutVal • 117 value attributes, show • 19
PISampDat • 94
PISampFilDat • 95
PITagAtt • 114
PITimeDat • 97
PITimeExpDat • 98
PITimeFilter • 110
PITimeFilterVal • 111
Point Access • 72
Point ID to Tag function • 43
Property to Value function • 50
R
refresh, data • 52
automatic • 52
manual • 53
retrieval mode • 33
S
Sampled Data function • 32
Settings • 22
setup • 71
configure Excel • 4
silent installation • 71
system requirements • 3
show annotations • 20
show percent good • 19
show timestamp • 18
show value attributes • 19
124

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PI DataLink User Guide

Copyright © 1992-2009 OSIsoft, Inc.

Chapter 2 Basics ..........................................................................................................................7

Chapter 3 PI Functions ..............................................................................................................27

Chapter 4 PI Tags and Attributes .............................................................................................41

Chapter 5 Module Database Objects........................................................................................47

Chapter 6 Spreadsheets ............................................................................................................51

Chapter 7 Trend Displays..........................................................................................................57

PI DataLink User Guide iii

Specify the Time Range...................................................................................................60

Appendix A Supplementary Information .................................................................................71

Appendix B Function Syntax Reference..................................................................................87

Appendix C Technical Support and Resources....................................................................119

PI DataLink User Guide 1

PI DataLink for Excel Services (DLES)

OSIsoft system prerequisites

Client Software for PI DataLink

Additional Client Software for PI Notifications Search

PI DataLink User Guide 3

Installation and Upgrade

Microsoft Excel 2007

3. Go to Add-ins > Manage Com Add-Ins > Go and enable PI DataLink or PI

Microsoft Excel 2000-2003

PI DataLink User Guide 5

About this Document

PI DataLink User Guide 7

PI DataLink for Excel 2007

Function Task Panes

Once a function task pane is open:

PI DataLink User Guide 9

PI DataLink for Excel 2000-2003

PI DataLink for Excel 2000-2003 uses a standard menu configuration:

Function Dialog Boxes

PI DataLink User Guide 11

To display the context menu:

To manage connection settings:

Graphic Function Components

PI DataLink User Guide 13

• Select an item from choices in a list , such as a calculation or a sampling method.

• Select values from a PI server or other sources through a tag or module

PI DataLink User Guide 15

PI DataLink User Guide 17

Appended Data Array

Function/Mode Output Cell Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5

Show Percent Good

Show Value Attributes

PI DataLink User Guide 19

PI DataLink User Guide 21

Copy Items to Sheet

Copy PI Server name

Use PI Server Time Zone

Display #N/A instead of Blanks

Disable automatic task pane display on click

Disable "Resize to show all values" message

PI DataLink User Guide 23

PI DataLink User Guide 25

PI DataLink User Guide 27

PI DataLink User Guide 29

SHOW VALUE ATTRIBUTES

PI DataLink User Guide 31