Real-Time Data (RTD) Function

• Sep 19, 2023

The Real-Time Data (RTD) function retrieves data in real time from programs that support COM automation. For details on how to create a COM Automation server for use with the RTD function, refer to this article: How to create a RealTimeData server for Excel.

The following properties allow you to control real-time data updates:

• Workbook.Options.RealTimeData.RefreshMode - Specifies whether to update data manually or to use a timer for automatic updates. The default mode is ByTimer. If you use the Manual mode, call the RealTimeData.RefreshData method to retrieve data from the server.

• Workbook.Options.RealTimeData.ThrottleInterval - Specifies the time interval between automatic updates.

Syntax

RTD(ProgID, server, topic1, [topic2], …)

The following table describes the function’s arguments:

Argument	Description
ProgID	The data server’s programmatic ID.
server	The name of the machine on which the real-time data server is running. If the RTD server is running locally, the server name is an empty string or can be omitted.
topic1, topic2, …	Specifies the data to retrieve from the real-time data server. At least one topic is required.