Why is DD needed in .NET API?

[twally]

I have seen many post about this but still have not seen the answer I am looking for.  The DD is not needed in the old API even when using block and parameter names.  So why is it needed in the .NET API?  Is there any hope to get this changed?  Most of us know how to use block index and parameter by index, but this is not what we want to do.

Also there are some error messages from the API that say "check code" or something very useful like that.  Any chance of getting any of those improved?

Message Edited by twally on 07-21-2009 12:02 PM

[Vince Shen]

Hi,

DD is used by .NET API to obtain accurate device parameters. If DD is not loaded, NI-FBUS software will try finding the information from standard DD.

Standard DD is provided by Fieldbus Foundation. It defines standard and advanced function blocks and parameters. 

For standard and advanced blocks, you can also access the parameters from these function blocks. (Profile 0x0000 - 0x0FFF)

For custom blocks defined by device manufacturers,   NI-FBUS software can not get parameter information if DD is not loaded. (Profile 0x8000 - 0x8FFF)