Array size

When a PI DataLink function writes a function array, it automatically sizes the array to fit the returned data. Functions write the function array when you select OK or Apply on a task pane or when you select Recalculate (Resize) Function on the shortcut menu.

Other methods that recalculate or update a function do not write a new function array. These methods only update array values; the array size remains unchanged. For example, if you specify function inputs with cell references and change the value in a cell, the function will update returned values but the size of the array remains the same. The update might return more or fewer values than the function array on the worksheet can show. Settings control what PI DataLink returns:

• If the update returns fewer values, PI DataLink either returns blanks or #N/A in the cells without values.

• If the update returns more values than the function array can show, PI DataLink returns the text Resize to show all values at the bottom of the array unless the preference settings disable the message.

Empty values can change the appearance of a worksheet. To maintain a constant size, consider setting function inputs to limit returned data. For example, in the Compressed Data function, you can specify the number of values to retrieve rather than a time period during which you retrieve all values.

See also

Calculation frequency

Resize arrays

Manage PI DataLink settings from Excel