Multichannel data logger

Multichannel data loggers enable flexible measurement of a wide variety of signals using just one device/system. Compared to conventional data loggers with one or less input channels, multichannel data loggers have multiple analog and digital inputs. A high number of different sensors, e.g. for temperature, pressure or humidity, can then be connected to a single device. This article explains the benefits of multichannel data loggers, which areas of application can be served by the devices and what makes data loggers from Delphin Technology so special.

Data loggers can be used to document measurement value processes and monitor limit values. Modern data loggers are capable of handling and processing a wide variety of measured variables, such as pressures, temperatures, radioactivity and voltages. For small-scale systems or applications with only one measurement variable to be recorded, "basic" data loggers are perfectly capable of performing the tasks required of them. For monitoring larger systems or for applications where several measuring locations have to be monitored using sensors, basic data loggers quickly reach their limits. Devices that have one or less inputs can only work with this one input, and accordingly can only process one input signal. Large-scale measurement tasks would then require a large number of data loggers. An extensive, complex set-up and parallel management of multiple individual devices would also be required, as well as a large financial investment. This is exactly where multichannel data loggers are needed. Because multichannel data loggers easily enable multiple sensors to be connected, the number of devices required is drastically reduced. Costs are then reduced and time saved, and there is the flexibility to monitor large-scale plants, machinery and test set-ups.

Modern multichannel data loggers have almost unlimited possibilities for connecting sensors. Multichannel data loggers are highly adaptable and scalable, whether for voltages or currents, thermocouples or Pt100(0) sensors. With the Expert Logger multichannel data loggers from Delphin Technology, the various sensors are connected by means of plug-in screw terminals on a large connection panel. This ensures that the overview can be maintained at all times, even with a high concentration of channels. Delphin's multichannel data loggers are highly flexible, enabling four terminals each to be configured as two differential inputs for current and voltage measurement, for thermocouples or for measuring a Pt100(0) in a four-wire circuit.

Standard multichannel data loggers usually offer up to 20 analog channels for different measurement signals. Accordingly, these data loggers enable up to 20 sensors to be used in parallel. However, these devices also have a decisive disadvantage: they are generally not expandable. For measurement tasks with significantly more sensors, flexible scalability is needed. This is precisely where Delphin Technology comes in with the data loggers from the Expert Logger and ProfiMessage D series. These multichannel data loggers can be expanded almost infinitely, which is a unique feature in the field of professional data loggers.

For monitoring multiple systems spread over a large area, even the most powerful multichannel data loggers will reach their technical limitations. Even if access to the measurement values is possible via Ethernet/WLAN, the sensors still need to be connected to the data logger by cable, which limits spatial expansion. Delphin Technology has the perfect solution for such applications: the Delphin Data Center (DDC). The software operates with individual data loggers to enable decentralised acquisition of multiple channels and automatic synchronisation. This then enables parallel measuring of large-scale systems or spatially dispersed test set-ups.

Using multichannel data loggers requires structured, simple, safe and efficient recording of the acquired data. This cannot be achieved via manual data acquisition (and would not even be technically possible), so highly specialised measurement data acquisition software is required. This software, also called DAQ (Data Acquisition Software), acquires the data recorded by sensors, processes it and makes it available for further use. The Delphin Data Center software has been developed precisely for use with multichannel data loggers. The software can be run on a desktop PC, a server or in the cloud. All acquired measurement data can be exported in various formats (for example as MS Excel) or viewed using Delphin’s ProfiSignal 20 software. It is also possible to easily connect LabView to the DDC.

Costs per measurement channel are included in calculations when purchasing measurement technology and as a costing factor in plant construction. Multichannel data loggers provide a clear economic advantage when considering the total number of inputs and outputs required, known as the quantity structure. This is because the price per channel decreases due to the large number of channels provided by the devices. Multichannel data loggers are an economical, cost-saving alternative to using multiple individual devices, especially for long-term use in large-scale systems where multiple sensors are to be used. We will be happy to advise you in detail in a personal meeting on the expected costs per channel for our Delphin multichannel data loggers. Call us to find out more.