One Memory group is a logically defined storage area within a measurement data acquisition system in which measurement values are recorded in a structured and automated manner. It enables the autonomous storage of measurement data directly in the device—without requiring a permanent connection to a PC or server.
Storage groups are particularly important in industrial applications where measurement data must be reliably collected and archived, even when there is no continuous network connection.
How does a storage group work?
A storage group functions as an independent data storage unit within the measurement system. It records measurement values from various sources, such as:
- Analog inputs
- Digital Inputs
- Digital Outputs
- Virtual Channels
- Software channels
- Calculated Process Values
Depending on the application, data logging can be continuous or event-driven. This allows for the efficient documentation of both long-term measurements and specific measurement events.
Trigger and Timing Control
Storage groups can use different recording strategies:
Continuous Recording
Measurement data is continuously stored and is available at any time for analysis or documentation.
Event-Driven Recording
Data storage begins automatically in response to defined trigger events, such as:
- Exceedances of Limit Values
- Alert Messages
- Digital Switching Signals
- Process States
- Custom Conditions
This reduces storage requirements and enables the targeted recording of relevant events.
Benefits of Storage Groups
The use of storage groups offers numerous advantages:
- Standalone Measurement Data Storage
- Independence from PC systems
- High Data Security
- Structured Archiving
- Flexible Trigger Functions
- Efficient Long-Term Recording
- Reliable data collection even during network outages
- Easy Data Provision for Analysis
As a result, storage groups are particularly well-suited for demanding applications in industry, research, and testing technology.
Storage Groups in Delphin Measurement Systems
The measurement data acquisition systems from Delphin Technology feature integrated data storage that enables self-sufficient and fail-safe measurement data acquisition directly at the process. Measurement values can be recorded without requiring a permanent PC connection and can be retrieved centrally at a later time. In addition, the systems support the intelligent preprocessing of measurement data as well as the flexible integration of sensors, fieldbuses, and automation systems.
Storage groups serve as logically separate storage areas in which measurement data from different channels can be organized. The recorded data can be retrieved via network connections or remote access systems and used for analyses, reports, or process evaluations.
Automatic Retrieval of Measurement Data
Automatic retrieval mechanisms can be used for the regular retrieval and further processing of stored data. Time-controlled functions—for example, via a scheduler—enable the automatic retrieval and transmission of stored measurement data to:
- Control Rooms
- Databases
- Analysis software
- Cloud Platforms
- Reporting Systems
This allows measurement data to be processed continuously without manual intervention.
Typical areas of application
Storage groups are frequently used in:
- Long-term recordings
- Test benches
- Energy Monitoring
- Process monitoring
- Environmental Measurements
- Machine monitoring
- Laboratory Applications
- Condition Monitoring
- Research Projects
- Quality Management
Distributed or unattended measurement points, in particular, benefit from the ability to store data locally and in a fail-safe manner.
Significance for Modern Measurement Data Acquisition
In the age of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial IoT, the reliable storage of measurement data is a key component of digitalization. Storage groups ensure that measurement data is preserved even in the event of communication failures and can be fully analyzed later.
In doing so, they lay the foundation for:
- Data-Driven Decisions
- Transparent Process Documentation
- Predictive Maintenance
- Energy Efficiency Analyses
- Plant Optimization
- Proof of Quality