Above data acquisition was covered, now here data logging will be covered in more detail. The first question that is asked is what is a data logger? To answer that we take a look at this: a data logger is basically any device that stores data. This data includes data from any data acquisition device. This could be a plug-in board or some type of serial communication system. Data loggers have also been known as stand alone devices that are capable of reading various signals and storing that data for later retrieval. One reason data loggers are used is because they are independent. They don’t need a computer to work, unlike a data acquisition device. Data loggers have the following characteristics:
• Input signal: As explained briefly above, a data logger takes signals that are inputted into them and stores that data. These signals could be in any form from AC voltage to sound waves. Whatever the reason and use is, that is the signal that is stored.
• Number of inputs: Just like was stated above, data loggers come in many designs. Many of them can handle up to 400 channels at one time. It depends on the way the logger was constructed will determine how may channels it will have.
• Size: Many loggers will be small so as to be able to carry them around in a pouch or bag. This makes it convenient for the user.
• Speed: The only problem with data loggers is that they are slow. They only have one type of memory where all data is stored. So this makes the unit slow when collecting the data.