35670A: How do I convert SDF data files to use with Microsoft Excel?

The SDF utilities (they come standard with the 35670A) will help convert SDF files to several other formats, including, ASCII. Under 'Related Links' at the bottom of this page, the Keysight Model 35670A SDF Utilities contain the SDF utilities User Guide and the SDF utilities.

After you unzip the Keysight Model 35670A SDF 'sdfb0201.zip' file, you will have, among other files, sdftoasc.exe. This file will help with SDF to ASCII conversion. The new file created can then be opened in Excel.

These utilities are to be run from the MS-DOS prompt. Open the MS-DOS prompt by going to MS Windows Start >> Run. Type 'cmd' in the window that pops up.

In the MS-DOS window, go to the directory that contains the 'sdftoasc.exe' file.

To learn how to use the sdftoasc.exe, type the following at the prompt:

>> sdftoasc /u | more

Page No. 4-39 of the Standard Data Format Utilities SDF Users Guide provides the above information as well.

A typical command to convert SDF file to ASCII looks as follows:

>> sdftoasc   /X

The above command converts the SDF file to ASCII. '/X' switch enables the X-axis data of the trace to be included in the as well .

The User Guide provides a few other examples showing several other switches in use.

Note: You can use the Dataviewer** software to view your SDF files, copy the graphs as bitmap graphics and paste them into Word etc, and several other things. Under 'Related Links' at the bottom of this page, the Keysight Model 35670A DataViewer files are available.

Copy the Dataview.exe file to your PC, unzip it to C:\disk1 and run the 'setup.exe' file saved in the C:\disk1 folder to install the 35639A software.

There is a product from M+P International called Smart Office eReporter for the 35670A DSA. SmartOffice eReporter is your logical upgrade from the Keysight DataViewer. m+p International offers a great way to upgrade to Windows 98/NT/2000/XP. Viewing, plotting, browsing, and analyzing all 35670A data is possible. User programming and reporting are included in this package. Keysight SDF 5.0 files are also supported. The M+P International website is located at www.mpiuk.co.uk/so_e.htm

** Dataviewer software is unsupported by Keysight Technologies, Inc. Please use it at your own discretion.