Monitoring and automation with data loggers
Whether voltages, temperatures or humidity: data loggers enable the monitoring of different measured variables and are therefore versatile. The use of an electronic data logger is much more effective, reliable and precise than manual periodic recording. Read more about the use of data loggers and the advantages of devices for recording measurement data here.
What should you look out for when choosing a data logger?
- Which data/sensors can be recorded
- Associated software for evaluation and analysis
- Accuracy of the measured values
- Which sampling rate is required
- Which resolution is required
- Follow-up costs during use
What is a data logger?
Data loggers are electronic devices that record measurement data from The data logger can collect data from various sensors, such as humidity, temperature, pressure signals or voltage. The data logger contains connections for sensors and records these measured values. These measured values are stored in the data logger and transferred to a computer for analysis. The measured values are documented with a time stamp and can then be analyzed and evaluated using software. Intuitive all-in-one software makes it very easy to visualize, analyse and monitor the measurement data. A user-friendly range of functions plays an important role here.
How does a data logger work?
The functionality of a data logger always depends on its intended use and the associated type of data recording. A basic distinction is made between the recording of data:
- Digital sources
- Analog sources
Data loggers that record digital information are connected directly to the computing unit that generates the data via an interface. Data recording and storage on the storage medium is controlled by software.
Data loggers that are intended to collect and store analog information, such as temperatures, humidity or machine parameters, are connected to additional sensors via the inputs (0-20 mA, 4-20 mA, 0-10 V, ...). These sensors record the physical, analog, binary information and forward it to the data logger via the interface. Here the data is first digitized, then processed and stored.
In which industries are data loggers needed?
- Mechanical engineering
- Energy technology
- Universities and Schools
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
- Chemical and pharmaceuticals
- Environmental technology
- Luminaires
- Electrical technology and ICA
- Automotive
How are Delphin data loggers used?
In almost all industries, measurement data acquisition and analysis form the basis of all optimization and decision-making processes. The quality of measurement data acquisition systems is therefore particularly important. Delphin offers precise and long-term stable measuring devices and easy-to-use software with extensive analysis and visualization options.
The Loggito and Expert Loggerdata loggers record measured values, store them autonomously, monitor the values and pre-process them for analysis. ProfiMessage devices are used for combined measuring, monitoring and control tasks.
The ProfiSignal software is ideal for monitoring and evaluation. Recorded data is analysed, visualized and archived. The focus is on simple and intuitive operation in order to carry out cost- and time-efficient analyses. Despite its ease of use, ProfiSignal can also handle very demanding data acquisition tasks.
Integration into a heterogeneous environment is easy thanks to the many interfaces. Drivers enable the import and export of data to other hardware and software. Laboratory devices such as scales or analysis/output devices can be connected via RS232/RS485. Special protocols are also available. PROFIBUS, PROFINET, OPC UA and Modbus TCP/RTU are used to exchange data with process control systems.
Advantages of a data logger from Delphin
A particular advantage of the Delphin data loggers is that all channels can be configured universally. It is possible to record different signals synchronously in one device. All inputs and outputs are galvanically isolated and therefore suitable for potential measurements. The same applies to the interfaces and the supply voltage. These device properties prevent interfering earth or ground loops.
- Universal and galvanically isolated inputs (mA, mV, thermocouples, Pt100(0), frequencies, pulses, oscillations, etc)
- Monitoring and automation via analog and digital outputs
- High data security thanks to logger memory and password protection
- Extensive visualization options through trends and displays
- Intuitive software for measurement data analysis
- Configuration, visualization, analysis and operation from any PC workstation
- Decentralized, autonomous or PC-supported measurement data acquisition
- Mobile use of data collection devices
- Monitoring and alarm functions (SMS, e-mail, digital outputs)
- Data transmission via Ethernet, Internet, Intranet, GPRS/UMTS or USB
Why are data loggers so important?
Data loggers are required to document measured value curves and monitor limit values. It does not matter which measured variables are involved. Examples include pressures, temperatures, speeds, illuminance levels, radioactivity or voltages and currents in general. An alarm informs inspectors quickly and easily if values are not being adhered to and they can take direct action. This procedure saves time and money, as regular analog tests are not necessary. Especially for sensitive goods, such as chilled food or vaccines, measurement is essential in order to comply with legal regulations and ensure good quality.
What variants of data loggers are there?
- Temperature data logger: The temperature data logger can log both temperature and humidity data. With this data logger, a distinction is made between disposable devices and long-term devices - depending on the area of application and measurement accuracy.
- USB data logger: With a USB data logger, measured values can be transferred to a computer in no time at all and easily analyzed using the appropriate software.
- GPS data logger: During road tests, environmental and position data are recorded synchronously and analyzed together.
- Print data logger: A pressure data logger is used to analyze pressure curves over time and to detect short and transient pressure pulses and peaks.
- Environmental data logger: An important point for premises is the Co value. With the help of an environmental data logger, it is possible to measure the levels and concentrations of CO2 and other gases and to react quickly to critical values and eliminate problems.
- Shock data logger: Transportation plays a major role in the delivery of goods - shocks can lead to a loss of quality. Schock data loggers help here: they record vibrations and guarantee documentation from production to delivery.
- Radio data logger: Numerous values can be measured with the wireless data logger. However, many data loggers have to be evaluated manually; with the wireless data logger, measured values are transmitted to the computer via WLAN in no time at all.