Especially in the hectic everyday life on machines, systems and laboratories, it is becoming increasingly important to be able to carry out measurement tasks spontaneously and without great effort. There are many applications where additional data acquisition can provide added value. Here, measurement data of different types must be recorded decentrally - ideally with little wiring and set-up effort. A new desktop device is designed to make this possible.
With the compact LoggitoLab desktop devices from Delphin Technology, users can decide whether they need a stand-alone data logger (LoggitoLab Logger) or whether PC-supported data logging (LoggitoLab USB) is more suitable, depending on the measurement task at hand. The LoggitoLab Logger: LoggitoLab Logger is the device of choice when PC-independent operation with fail-safe internal data storage and intelligent analysis functions is required. As an option, LoggitoLab Logger offers server functionality that allows measurement data to be visualized and analysed directly on a smartphone or tablet. With the optional WLAN interface, the user is completely independent of the existing network infrastructure. The LoggitoLab USB: LoggitoLab USB offers the ideal expansion option for the LoggitoLab logger if more channels are required or PC-supported measurement data acquisition is planned. LoggitoLab USB offers the same high-precision data logging and the same connection options as LoggitoLab Logger at an affordable price. Power is supplied and measured values are transmitted via the USB cable supplied.
DIFFERENT CONNECTION VARIANTS
The sensors are often already present on the systems and in the laboratory. Regardless of whether the user requires laboratory sockets for connecting U, I, R signals or thermocouple miniature sockets for the direct connection of any thermocouples or a combination of both - LoggitoLab has a solution for every application, according to the manufacturer. All connection variants have eight analog inputs and two software-switchable digital inputs/outputs. The variants are available for both LoggitoLab Logger and LoggitoLab USB. This results in the greatest possible flexibility for both the user and the application, and expandability is also possible at any time.
- Connection variant: 8 AI-RTD with eight universal analog inputs for connecting any voltage, current and RTD signals in 2-, 3- and 4-wire technology via 4 mm laboratory sockets.
- Connection variant: 8 TC with eight analog inputs for direct connection and high-precision measurement of any thermocouples via thermocouple miniature sockets.
- Connection variant: 4 AI-RTD 4 TC for full flexibility with a combination of 4 analog inputs with 4 mm laboratory sockets and 4 analog inputs with miniature thermal sockets.
Creation of system and process visualizations with ProfiSignal 20
UNIVERSAL, PRECISE ANALOG AND DIGITAL I/OS
The most important basis for measurement data acquisition is the quality of the signal inputs and outputs. Attention should also be paid to the universality of the analog inputs. Often, different measured variables need to be recorded simultaneously at a specific location, for example a temperature, a pressure and a voltage signal. In addition to analog inputs, digital inputs and switching outputs are often required to monitor and control processes. LoggitoLab meets all these requirements. Regardless of the connection variant, it has eight universal, differential analog inputs. Depending on the connection variant, any current/voltage and temperature signals can be recorded here. The analog inputs of the LoggitoLab devices offer a resolution of 24 bits and have a measuring accuracy of 0.01 % of the measuring range end value for voltage, current and resistance measurements. Two software-switchable digital inputs/outputs with frequency measurement, counting and PWM functions are also integrated.
INTERNAL DEVICE INTELLIGENCE AND AUTONOMOUS OPERATION
In applications where there is no permanent connection to a measuring computer or PLC, it is particularly important that the recorded measurement data is stored reliably in the recording device. The device should also be able to take over control tasks independently, for example if a system needs to be shut down quickly if a limit value is exceeded. Ideally, the device should have so much internal intelligence that it can take over the (partial) automation of processes. LoggitoLab Logger contains an optional internal data memory of 4 GB or 8 GB, which enables the storage of up to 240 million measured values. High-quality, industrial-grade data storage is used to prevent data loss. Thanks to the device's internal intelligence in the form of so-called software channels, LoggitoLab Logger can not only solve simple control tasks, but can even implement complex logic circuits. This means that the devices are able to monitor and automate processes and trigger alarms even without a connected PC.
INTERFACES AND PROTOCOLS
In times of advancing digitalization, both horizontal M2M communication and vertical communication to other company levels and the cloud are becoming increasingly important. When selecting a data collection device, it is important to ensure that modern communication standards are supported so that the device can easily exchange data with all levels involved. OPC UA, which is now established as a quasi-standard for Industry 4.0 applications and enables reliable manufacturer- and platform-independent data exchange, should be mentioned first and foremost. LoggitoLab loggers can communicate via OPC UA, Modbus TCP or user-defined protocols using the integrated LAN and USB interfaces. An OPC UA HA server interface is available for LoggitoLab loggers, with which the OPC UA standard can also be used to access historical measured values. This function is currently required by more and more users.
LoggitoLab Logger is the device of choice when PC-independent operation with fail-safe internal data storage and intelligent analysis functions is required. As an option, LoggitoLab Logger offers server functionality that allows measurement data to be visualized and analysed directly on a smartphone or tablet. LoggitoLab USB offers the ideal expansion option for the LoggitoLab Logger if more channels are required or PC-supported measurement data acquisition is planned.
VISUALIZATION AND ANALYSIS
With its optional server functionality, LoggitoLab displays the measurement data on a tablet or smartphone via WLAN. The new, platform-independent ProfiSignal 20 software is the perfect complement to LoggitoLab and enables the visualization and control of running processes directly in the field - even on mobile devices. The display and operating concept are optimized for the respective platform. ProfiSignal 20 completely maps the structures. From the hall overview to each individual machine or system. From the test laboratory to the respective test bench. With ProfiSignal 20, the user can check the current operating parameters of individual plant components or machines on mobile devices.
ALL MEASURED VALUES ON THE SCREEN WITH ONE SCAN
With the new Scach function, the user only needs to scan an individual QR code attached to each machine with the camera of the smartphone or tablet and a single measured value diagram or even the complete system visualization appears on the mobile device. This means that the user only needs to walk to the parts of the system whose measured values are of interest. Relevant data can be displayed without any effort. The same ProfiSignal 20 project can also be used to display the data on a desktop PC. The LoggitoLab devices offer universal isolated analog inputs with high measurement accuracy, software-switchable digital inputs and outputs with frequency measurement, counting and PWM functions, future-proof interfaces and optimum usability. Thanks to the internal data memory and internal intelligence, LoggitoLab Logger is predestined for stand-alone use and is suitable for the independent monitoring and control of systems. And all this with a high level of user-friendliness and in a handy format with dimensions of D x W x H approx. 150 x 190 x 80 mm and a weight of just under 800 g.
Pictures: Delphin, ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash
COMPANY
Delphin Technology AG
Lustheide 81 , 51427 Bergisch Gladbach
Phone 02204 / 97685-0
Mail: info@delphin.de
AUTHOR
Jan Tippner, B.Eng., Head of Sales,
Delphin Technology AG, Bergisch Gladbach