OBSIDIAN®Data logger and embedded data acquisition system

What is OBSIDIAN®

OBSIDIAN® are versatile data acquisition devices that mark a significant innovation in data acquisition systems: the introduction of a low-power ARM processor. This step forward adopts the advanced technology typically found in mobile devices, enabling the integrated ARM CPU to perform complex operations efficiently with minimal energy consumption.

OBSIDIAN® devices are running our new DewesoftRT data acquisition software on a Linux operating system. The ARM CPU enables OBSIDIAN® devices to offer unparalleled flexibility. This combination of Linux OS, ARM CPU technology, and DewesoftRT allows OBSIDIAN® to be adaptable for a variety of uses, including:

• Data acquisition system

• Stand-alone data logger

• Real-time control front-end system

• Signal conditioning system with cloud or Industry 4.0 connectivity

The potential applications are limitless, and this is just the beginning. OBSIDIAN® devices continually receive complimentary software and firmware updates, introducing new features and capabilities. In line with our tradition, we remain committed to listening to our customers and using their feedback to guide our research and development efforts. OBSIDIAN® is more than a mere data acquisition system; it represents a dynamic platform poised for ongoing evolution and expansion.

Stand-alone data logger mode

When set up for stand-alone operation in data logger mode, OBSIDIAN® devices offer versatile data storage directly on the device through several options:

• 4 GB of built-in SSD storage for quick and efficient data saving.

• An SD card slot that supports adding extra storage up to 1 TB, providing ample space for extensive data collection.

• A USB Type-C port that facilitates the connection of external hard drives, further expanding storage capabilities.

OBSIDIAN® data loggers are capable of handling a wide range of input channels at maximum sampling rates, making them ideal for various data recording tasks.

Additionally, the DewesoftRT data logger software comes with multiple standard features for data storage, including:

• Trigger-based saving, which allows data to be stored automatically when specific conditions are met. Triggered storing can work on any input channel including CAN bus channel.

• The option to save data in either a single file or multiple files.

Anyone can review and analyze stored data files using the included DewesoftX software, which is an award-winning tool for data acquisition and signal processing.

Multiple chassis options

OBSIDIAN® offers multiple chassis options designed for different applications:

• OBSIDIAN® R8: Designed for various testing applications, the OBSIDIAN® R8 chassis can fit just about anywhere. The chassis boasts IP50 protection and can operate in -10°C to 50°C temperature range. Some configuration variations allow operating from -40°C to 85°C. OBSIDIAN® R8 can hold up to 8 signal amplifier cards.

• OBSIDIAN® R8w: Designed for the field and toughest testing conditions. With this chassis option, your data is in safe hands. Designed to withstand the toughest conditions. It features an IP67-rated chassis that's resilient to dust and water. It operates flawlessly in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C, can handle shocks up to 75G, and meets MIL-810F standards for vibration resistance. This ensures your measurements are secure, no matter the environment. OBSIDIAN® R8w can hold up to 8 signal amplifier cards. This chassis also boosts an integrated WiFi module and 10 Hz GPS/GNSS module.

• OBSIDIAN® R12: This 19-inch rack-compatible chassis option is designed for higher channel count applications and is more suitable for indoor applications such as test-bench integrations. The R12 chassis offers IP30 protection and can operate at -10°C to 50°C temperature. Some configuration variations allow operating from -40°C to 85°C. OBSIDIAN® R12 chassis can hold up to 12 signal amplifier cards. Any existing IOLITE® R12 chassis can be upgraded to OBSIDIAN simply by changing the IOLITE gate slot to OBSIDIAN gate.

Compare the specs of all systems on the OBSIDIAN® tech specs page.

Easy channel count expansion

Increasing your channel count is straightforward with the EtherCAT® expansion feature. By simply connecting additional data acquisition systems like KRYPTON®, IOLITE®, or another OBSIDIAN®, you can easily increase your system's capabilities. The beauty of this setup lies in its simplicity and efficiency: systems can be extended using a daisy chain topology, meaning you only need a single cable to connect each device* . This one cable handles everything – power, synchronization, and data transfer between devices. 

This design simplifies scaling up your data acquisition setup and minimizes the clutter and complexity of managing multiple connections. Whether you're looking to add more channels for comprehensive data collection or need to adapt to growing project demands, this streamlined approach makes expanding your system fast and easy.

* Expanding OBSIDIAN with IOLITE or another OBSIDIAN requires a power supply via a 2-pin power connector.

Dual EtherCAT® data bus 

The OBSIDIAN® devices feature two completely independent EtherCAT® bus systems operating in parallel.

The Primary Bus

In external master mode, the primary bus performs data acquisition that is precisely timed and synchronized. It connects to a PC running DewesoftX data acquisition software and streams numerous input and output channels at high speeds directly to the PC's hard drive.

The Secondary Bus

The secondary EtherCAT® bus of OBSIDIAN® serves two purposes:

1. It acts as a low-latency interface for any third-party EtherCAT-compatible real-time controllers, including NI Labview, Beckhoff Twincat, MTS FlexTest, and Acontis. This allows for seamless integration with a variety of real-time control systems.

2. It can also function as an additional bus for creating a redundant data acquisition system in critical DAQ applications, enhancing reliability and data integrity in environments where data loss cannot be tolerated.

CAN and CAN-FD data logging

OBSIDIAN® devices have the capability to log and decode CAN and CAN FD streams through the following connections:

• Integrated CAN bus ports:

  • The back panel of OBSIDIAN systems includes two integrated CAN bus ports.

  • These ports support standard CAN 2.0b data but are not compatible with higher-speed CAN FD buses.

• IOLITEir 4xCAN-FD expansion card:

  • This card can be inserted into any available card slot.

  • It supports data rates up to 5 Mbit/s with a single bus or up to 2 Mbit/s when all four bus channels are used simultaneously.

  • All four channels are backward compatible with CAN 2.0.

Additionally, OBSIDIAN® supports OBDII and XCP/CCP protocols when configured to run as a standard data acquisition system connected to DewesoftX software.

When OBSIDIAN® operates in stand-alone data logger mode, the embedded DewesoftRT software allows logging raw CAN data streams and decoding up to 100 CAN bus channels (including SAE J1939) in real-time. The decoded channels can be used in trigger conditions. All raw CAN bus data can also be decoded offline using DewesoftX software.

Merging data acquisition and real-time control

Historically, data acquisition and real-time control existed in different worlds, and there was no overlap. Controllers, including PLC systems, prioritized rapid response to events, and data recording was a secondary function. At the same time, data acquisition systems focused on recording speed, neglecting real-time control completely.

However, many applications require both functionalities. For example, test benches require precise signal conditioning and signal processing, along with real-time control. Integrating DAQ instruments and PLCs required redundant cabling, each dedicated to a specific signal.

The introduction of the Dewesoft EtherCat-based systems like OBSIDIAN, IOLITE, and SIRIUS RT changed the landscape by offering dual independent EtherCAT data buses. With this innovation, one bus could be used for high-speed, buffered data acquisition and the bus could send low-latency data to third-party controllers. 

With today’s Dewesoft instruments, only one data bus is needed between the PLC and the DAQ, drastically reducing cable complexity. This not only simplifies installation but also avoids unnecessary analog-to-digital hardware on the controller side. Dewesoft systems elegantly merge control and data acquisition, solving the integration of DAQ and real-time control once and for all.

This feature is available to any third-party controller software with EtherCAT master enabled. Dewesoft systems can easily command and control actuators, for example.

The days of requiring two independent systems are gone - Dewesoft does it all.

OBSIDIAN® applications

Because OBSIDAN® systems are very versatile and flexible they are suitable for a wide array of different testing applications. Scenarios cover everything from data recording, signal conditioning, and signal processing, to real-time control.

Here are some common applications where OBSIDIAN® devices are deployed today:

• DURABILITY and ROAD LOAD DATA: Capture the road profiles and replay the data on the MTS or other durability test bench using the same device.

• STRUCTURAL TESTING: Field structural testing of various vehicles and heavy machinery.

• MONITORING: Long-term monitoring and data logging of various signals from voltage, strain, vibration, temperature, current, etc.

• SIGNAL CONDITIONING: Real-time outputs through analog out, CAN bus, XCP on Ethernet, and EtherCAT. Easily output the measured data and send it to 3rd party devices.

• FLEET monitoring: Easily observe and monitor several parameters of your fleet, including position with the embedded GPS/GNSS sensor.