Introduction of data logger and its types
Data collection and storage is a common measurement application. In its most rudimentary form, data collection involves measuring and storing physical or electrical values over a period of time.
This data can be temperature, traction, displacement, current, pressure, voltage, resistance, power and many other parameters.
If you are an industry activist, have you ever wondered what a data logger is? What is the use of Datalogger? If we want to explain accurately, the data logger is a device or equipment whose main task is to store information from sensors and transmitters at the field level or small or large industrial units.
Data logger or data logger (Data Logger) means that the data measured by the sensor itself or by an external device or save over time. A data logger is an electronic tool that reports measurement records over a period of time. Most data loggers are usually small and portable and have laboratory, test and measurement applications. Data loggers have a sensor that measures the data of the desired parameter and then stores it in its internal memory. Some recorders have a display and the stored data can be viewed in it. Depending on the data logger, measurements can include: air temperature, relative humidity, AC / DC current and voltage, pressure difference, usage time (lights, motor, etc.), light intensity, water temperature, water level, oxygen Solution, soil moisture, rainfall, wind speed and direction, pulse signals and many more.
The data logger is usually equipped with a battery, microprocessor, data storage component and one or more sensors and is used in a wide range of indoor, outdoor and underwater environments. Data loggers are usually connected to a computer via a USB interface, and the measured data can be viewed and processed on a computer by a special data logger software.
One of the main advantages of using loggers is the ability to collect information 24 hours a day. Data loggers are usually left unattended as soon as they are activated to measure and store information during the monitoring period. This feature allows a comprehensive and accurate picture of the environment under monitoring, such as air temperature or humidity.
Dataloggers cover a very wide range of products; From a simple measuring device to more complex devices that perform various analyzes on data. Data collection and storage meets the needs of many projects, but some projects require online analysis, offline analysis, display, reporting and data sharing . Some projects even require the collection and storage of different data such as audio and video .
The various stages of data logger operation are as follows :
One of the characteristics of data loggers is the ability to capture sensor values and store data for future use. However, in cases where the data logger is used, only data collection and storage is rarely used. You need to be able to analyze and present stored data in order to make critical decisions based on stored data. A complete data logger should often include the following components:
Data withdrawal
This step includes sensors and data logger hardware that is used to convert physical phenomena into digital signals.
Online analysis
This step includes all the analysis that the user wants to do before saving the data. A concrete example of this type of analysis is the conversion of measured voltage into scientific units such as degrees Celsius.
The user can perform these complex calculations and compress the data before saving it.
Controlling a part of the system (such as pump shut-off, etc.) based on current measurements is part of online analysis.
All data logger software must convert binary data to voltage and convert voltage to practical units.
Remember the
This step involves saving the analyzed data in a specific file format.
Offline analysis
This step includes analyzes that are performed on the stored data.
A simple example of offline analysis is searching for specific data in previous data or compressed data.
View, share and report
This step involves creating reports that the user needs to display their data.
However, online analytics can be displayed directly.
This feature enables the user to monitor and display their data while collecting and analyzing it.
The benefits of data loggers
Eliminate the human error of the controller
Creating a comprehensive and accurate picture of environmental conditions by data loggers
Data loggers compensate for problems that require the constant presence of human resources.
Applications Dataloggers
You may be wondering what is the use of Datalogger? You want to record the temperature of a tank for 1 year and be able to analyze it at other times, one of the applications of the data logger is that by connecting temperature sensors to it, you can easily measure the temperature according to your needs. Save time
Some of the applications of Datalogger include the following:
- Record humidity and ambient temperature information
- Record DC pulse information
- Record engine speed information
- Record tank pressure information
- Record fluid level information
- Record information of analyzers
- Record information of thermocouples and RTD
- Record voltage information
- Unattended weather station such as speed, direction, temperature and relative humidity of wind and solar radiation
- Record information at non-hydrographic care stations such as surface, depth, flow, pH and water conductivity
- Automatic storage of soil moisture
- Automatic gas pressure saving
- Road traffic counting
- Measurement of temperature and humidity and items related to perishable materials during shipment
- Process monitoring for maintenance and troubleshooting of applications
- Wildlife Research
- Vibration measurement and transport conditions (fall height) in distribution.
- Tank level monitoring
- Environmental monitoring
- Car testing
- Monitoring the status of relays in railway signaling
- Storage of electrical load diagrams for energy consumption management
- Data collection of temperature and pressure variables along the pipeline
- Monitoring of oil and gas pipelines
How do data loggers work?
Data loggers use sensors to convert physical phenomena and stimuli into electronic signals such as current or voltage. These electrical signals are then converted to binary data and transmitted to the desired computer or memory. This binary data can be easily analyzed by computer programs and stored on computer hard disks or storage media such as memory cards, CDs, DVDs, etc.
Data logger components
Data loggers have different sections that include the following:
- Hardware for converting signals to digital data, including sensors, signal recovery circuits (such as amplifiers and noise reducers) and analog-to-digital converter circuits
- Data sensor part, which can be an internal or external sensor
- Data logger power supply section
- Data loggers – long-term data storage hardware, usually a memory card or computer.
- Data loggers data control section
- Data logger software – Data logger software used to collect, analyze and display data.
Characteristics of a data logger
Number of channels: The
number of data logger channels indicates the number of sensors and converters that can be connected to the data logger at the same time.
Sampling frequency: The
number of times a data logger reads data from each sensor and transmits it to a computer or memory is called a data logger frequency. As a data logger with a sampling frequency of 300 Hz, it means that every three hundredths of a second, the data obtained from the sensors is transmitted to a computer.
Type of support sensors:
Usually each data logger supports specific sensors and converters. For example, a data logger may only be able to support RTD thermal sensors but may not be able to support thermocouples.
Processing of collected data:
Usually, each data logger is equipped with a software that makes it possible to apply its settings and view the graphs obtained from the sensors during sampling.
Data recording time:
A basic parameter in data logger systems is the ability to record information for a long time, for example several years. To achieve this goal, data logger systems need to have high-volume storage media and very low power consumption.
Usually each data logger is equipped with a software that allows it to apply its settings and view the graphs obtained from the sensors during sampling.
A key parameter in data logger systems is the ability to record information for long periods of time, such as several years. To achieve this goal, data logger systems need to have high-volume storage media and very low power consumption.
How to use data loggers
Follow the steps below to use data loggers:
- Connect the sensors to the data logger. Sensors can be thermocouples, thermal resistors, RTD, pressure gauges, accelerometers, etc.
- Use the data logger software to adjust the data logger.
• Configure configuration values such as sampling rate, alarms, start and end conditions for data collection operations. - Once the hardware has collected the sensor data, it can be used to analyze data, prepare reports, and store data for future use.
Types of data loggers
The first data loggers recorded information on paper and plotted all the information continuously on paper. Gradually, with the advancement of technology, they stored it on RAM, and today, in addition to memory, they provide information in the form of industrial networks. Industrial controllers and computers.
- Data loggers on paper
- Data loggers on external memory
- Data loggers with industrial networks
- Smart data loggers
Data loggers
Data loggers are usually produced in two categories
1- Data loggers for specific applications and specific inputs
2- Universal data loggers with the ability to support all standard signals.
Standard signals:
Support for thermocouples of all types J, K, R, S, T, N, E, B
Supports RTD and NTC sensors
Support for voltage signals
Support for current signals
Support for resistance signals
Important points to buy a data logger
Sample as many inputs as you need, try to consider 20% more in the data logger. For example, in a project you need to record the information of 5 temperature sensors, when you want to buy a data logger, try to select with 6 input channels.
Make sure that the sensor or input you need supports the data logger. For example, if your sensors are 4 to 20 mA, be careful when buying that the data logger input channels support this type of current input.
Sampling frequency is one of the most important parameters that you should consider before buying a data logger. The sampling frequency is actually the amount of time that the data logger takes a sample of the inputs. For example, you need to take a sample of the input signals every 10 milliseconds, so you should pay attention to this point before buying.
The number of samples it can store, or more simply how long it can record information.
How to display information, you have to choose according to your needs how the data logger will provide you with information, in the form of industrial network, PC connection, access to information via WIFI and…