Basics
Trimble Precision SDK (Windows) is shipped in two naming styles:
- TPSDK [version number] (e.g. v3.6) – legacy core
- TPSDK [year] (e.g. 2018) – current core
Legacy builds support Windows CE / Windows Mobile in addition to desktop; the current core targets Windows Desktop only and relies on a more modern, reduced Microsoft technology footprint.
Using and Updating TPSDK
Distributing or updating TPSDK normally requires two coordinated actions:
- Add/update interface assemblies as project references (API surface)
- Ship/update the corresponding driver binaries (runtime implementation)
There is a strict 1:1 relationship between interface assemblies and their drivers. Always update both; mismatches can cause runtime load failures.
Inside the Drivers folder you will find x86 and x64 subfolders with native binaries. Do not change their relative paths—drivers expect this layout when resolving native components.
Microsoft Visual Studio and .NET Versions
Supported IDE baseline: Visual Studio 2008 and later.
- TPSDK [version number] targets .NET 3.5
- TPSDK [year] targets .NET 4.0+ (built with .NET 4.8 toolchain)
To build for Windows CE / Windows Mobile you must use Visual Studio 2008 SP1 (last release with the required Mobile compilers):
- TPSDK [version number] builds with VS 2008 SP1
- TPSDK [year] builds with VS 2022
VCRedist Packages
TPSDK combines managed (C#) and native (C++) components. Managed parts require the .NET runtime; native parts require the appropriate Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable DLLs (VCRedist).
TIM includes a redistributable installer that deploys required dependencies (runtime libraries, selected instrument drivers) based on what is missing on the target machine.
Additional Sample Applications
Each component (SSI, SIL, CSI, etc.) has a small interface‑oriented sample demonstrating its API 1:1. These are ideal for discovering functionality but are not always workflow friendly.
Trimble can also provide workflow‑centric samples (on request) that stitch multiple interfaces together—useful when you need end‑to‑end patterns instead of isolated calls. The primary combined sample integrates SSI, CSI, and SIL with a focus on vision control.
If you need a domain‑specific sample, contact Trimble through standard support channels.