Progettazione e sviluppo datalogger sincronizzati

Synchronized dataloggers for a complete and detailed view of the monitored system or environment

When we talk about advanced measurement systems, we are dealing with a set of devices and technologies that enable the acquisition of measurement data with high accuracy and reliability. Used in various fields, such as industry, scientific research, and environmental monitoring, they include high-quality sensors, data acquisition systems, data processing and analysis software, and tools for visualizing results. Among the various types of advanced measurement systems, synchronized dataloggers are implemented to obtain a complete and detailed view of the monitored system or environment.

What are synchronized dataloggers?

Synchronized dataloggers are devices used to record data from different sources in a synchronized or time-coordinated manner. These devices are designed to ensure that readings or data from multiple sensors or sources are recorded simultaneously or in an accurately synchronized manner, often using time reference signals or high-precision internal clocks.

The main features of synchronized dataloggers include:

  • Time accuracy: They have highly accurate internal clocks or use external time reference signals, such as GPS signals or atomic clock signals, to ensure that readings are recorded at exactly the same time or in a highly synchronized manner.
  • Multiplatform: They can record data from a variety of sources, such as temperature sensors, humidity, pressure, acceleration, flow sensors, cameras, measuring devices, and more.
  • Continuous or triggered recording: They can sample data continuously or trigger sampling in response to specific events or external triggers.
  • Data storage: Recorded data are stored on internal storage devices or memory cards, usually with precise time stamps.
  • Data transfer: Data can later be transferred to a computer or server for further analysis or long-term archiving.
Progettazione e sviluppo datalogger sincronizzati (1)

Synchronized data loggers: what are they used for and what are the main areas of application?

Devices designed to record data from various sources in a synchronized or coordinated manner, their use is critical in many applications where it is important to collect data from different sources or sensors at the same time.

The main applications and reasons why synchronized data loggers are used include:

  • Environmental measurements: In environmental monitoring, such as meteorological or climate studies, synchronized dataloggers are used to simultaneously record data from temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, and other sensors in order to have accurate data for climate analysis.
  • Product testing and acceptance testing: In the manufacturing industry, synchronized dataloggers can record data from different parts of a product or system during acceptance testing to ensure that they work synchronously and correctly.
  • Field data acquisition: In environmental and geological sciences, synchronized dataloggers are used to record data from sensors placed in different locations (such as temperature probes in a lake) at the same time to get a complete picture of the situation.
  • . Medical measurements: In medical applications, such as clinical or diagnostic tests, synchronized dataloggers can record data from biomedical monitoring devices to get accurate and synchronized data on patients' vital signs.
  • Vehicle and transportation testing: In the automotive and aerospace industries, synchronized dataloggers can record data from sensors placed on vehicles or aircraft during performance tests, collision tests, and flight tests.
  • Geospatial data acquisition systems: In geospatial data acquisition systems, such as those used in GPS and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) navigation systems, synchronized dataloggers record data from GPS receivers in a synchronized manner to calculate precise positions.
  • Scientific imaging systems: In scientific imaging applications, synchronized dataloggers can record data from cameras, microscopes, and other imaging devices to capture events simultaneously.
  • Complex scientific experiments: In various scientific fields, synchronized dataloggers are used to perform experiments that involve collecting data from multiple sensors or equipment in a coordinated manner, such as in physics, chemistry, and biology.

Synchronized dataloggers: how do they work?

The operation of synchronized dataloggers can vary depending on the type of data to be recorded, the applications, and the specific design of the datalogger itself, but in general, the basic process of operation is as follows:

  • Data acquisition: The datalogger is equipped with data acquisition inputs or channels, each of which is connected to a data source. These sources can be sensors, measuring devices, cameras, or any other equipment capable of generating data.
  • Synchronization of clocks: To ensure that data are recorded in a synchronized manner, synchronized data loggers are equipped with internal clocks or timers that regulate when readings are taken. These clocks are often based on high-precision clocks or time reference signals.
  • Data sampling: The data logger samples data from the different channels based on a predetermined frequency or an external trigger. Sampling can be continuous or triggered in response to specific events.
  • Data Logging: Sampled data are recorded to internal memory or external media, such as memory cards or storage devices. These data are usually timestamped to indicate the time at which they were recorded.
  • Time synchronization: To ensure data synchronization, recorded data are timestamped accurately using the internal clock or time reference signals.
  • Analysis and data storing:After recording, data can be analyzed locally on the datalogger or downloaded to a computer or server for further analysis and archiving.

The effectiveness of synchronized dataloggers depends on the accuracy of the internal clocks and the ability to ensure that all data recorded from different sources are correctly timestamped. This is especially important in applications where time synchronization is crucial, such as monitoring simultaneous events or comparing data from different sources.

SIDeA: alongside every customer with synchronized datalogger design and development solutions

From analyzing and understanding the problem, evaluating the feasibility of interventions, each customer is followed and supported by SIDeA engineers during each phase. When designing synchronized dataloggers and their subsequent development, SIDeA's commitment does not end with the delivery of the required solutions. Indeed, the phase following implementation is that of training, as well as technical support, tutoring, assistance and maintenance to optimize the systems and their use by the customer himself.

A heterogeneous and flexible work team, capable of managing the workload based on the professionalism and skills of each collaborator, guarantees a production flow that can carefully and accurately meet the established delivery deadlines.