Introduction to the AF SDK Getting Started Guide

The AF SDK is a .NET-based library that provides access to PI System data. The information in this guide covers basic usage of AF SDK. AF SDK is one of the available developer technologies that can help you maximize the utility of your PI System.

Using the AF SDK, you can access the following components:

• Hierarchically structured assets and their properties and relationships

• Time-series data from Data Archive and other sources

• Event frames that record and contextualize process events

• Data Archive, PI points, and PI point data

Advantages of using AF SDK

The AF SDK provides a comprehensive, Windows-based programmatic interface to the PI System. It provides an object-oriented approach to interacting with AF structures and data, as well as Data Archive directly. Software development with the AF SDK allows you to perform the following tasks:

• Build complex AF hierarchies efficiently. Many users prefer this method over using the PI Builder add‑in for Microsoft Excel.

• Develop middleware applications that are situated between the PI System and other systems.

• Integrate other systems with the PI System in a resource-efficient manner. It is also possible to automate element generation and synchronization between PI AF and other systems.

• Create rich and customized client applications with AF SDK. Most client applications that make up the PI Visualization Suite were developed using AF SDK and its predecessors.

AF SDK prerequisites

You should have a background in .NET application development using C# and a familiarity with the PI System; however, familiarity with the AF SDK is not required.

The AF SDK is designed for use with Microsoft .NET languages, such as Visual Basic .NET, C#, and Managed C++. The following software must be installed on both your development computer and the computer running AF SDK‑based applications:

• Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6.2+ installed for the .NET Framework version of AF SDK, or

• Microsoft .NET Framework 8.0+ installed for the .NET 8 version of AF SDK.

PI developers should consider getting familiar with PI SQL Framework, PI Web API or PI Builder. Using the AF SDK effectively in a complex application is easier if you have an understanding of PI SQL or PI Web API.

When developing applications for the PI System, you have several options from which to choose, including any of the family of products that make up the PI SQL Framework, PI Web API, or AF SDK. However, for best performance from your application, AF SDK has the greatest potential of all of the products in the PI System Access suite.