12 reviews

OBSIDIAN®Data logger and embedded data acquisition system

The OBSIDIAN® line features advanced data loggers and embedded DAQ systems. They're powered by a low-energy ARM-based CPU on a Linux® architecture. OBSIDIAN is versatile, serving as a standalone data logger, real-time control system, and signal conditioning frontend. We offer high-end multi-channel signal amplifiers compatible with many sensors including voltage, current, IEPE, thermocouple, RTD, and strain gauges.

OBSIDIAN® systems come equipped with our new DewesoftRT embedded software as well as DewesoftX software for signal processing and data analysis. They're backed by an industry-leading 7-year warranty.

Voltage

Voltage

High Voltage

High Voltage

Current

Current

IEPE

IEPE

Charge

Charge

Strain and Stress

Strain and Stress

Quarter Bridge

Quarter Bridge

Half Bridge

Half Bridge

Full Bridge

Full Bridge

Thermocouple

Thermocouple

RTD

RTD

Resistance

Resistance

LVDT

LVDT

DSI compatible

DSI compatible

TEDS compatible

TEDS compatible

Digital

Digital

CAN bus

CAN bus

GPS and GLONASS

GPS and GLONASS

EtherCAT

EtherCAT

Ethernet

Ethernet

WI-FI

WI-FI

OPC UA

OPC UA

XCP/CCP

XCP/CCP

CAN out

CAN out

Data logger

Data logger

PTP synchronization

PTP synchronization

IRIG and GPS timecode

IRIG and GPS timecode

Fanless

Fanless

Shock rating 75g

Shock rating 75g

-40°C to +60°C

-40°C to +60°C

IP67

IP67

OBSIDIAN® highlights

Embedded CPU

The built-in dual-core 1.5 GHz ARM processor, running Linux OS and DewesoftRT software, makes OBSIDIAN ideal for embedded applications like data logging, cloud data collection, and real-time control.

Rugged design

When testing on the field and in harsh environments the OBSIDIAN® R8w model features shock and vibration ratings up to 75 g, IP67 protection against water, dust, and smoke, and a MIL-810F environmental rating. This rugged design protects your investment and your measurements.

Wide temperature range

Certain OBSIDIAN® models are certified to operate from -40°C to 85°C, making them suitable for use in extreme temperature environments.

Onboard data storage

OBSIDIAN® data loggers include 4 GB of internal storage that can be extended up to 1 TB via an SD card slot or a USB Type-C external HDD or SSD.

Low power consumption

Extremely powerful but designed to operate with very low power consumption which makes it a perfect choice for applications where power consumption is of critical importance.

High-end signal conditioning

OBSIDIAN® systems accept our IOLITE® signal conditioning amplifiers. These high-end signal amplifiers are suitable for voltage, current, resistance, IEPE, charge, strain gauge, bridge, digital counters, RTDs, thermocouples, and more.

Redundant power supply

OBSIDIAN’s redundant power supplies seamlessly switch between available power sources, ensuring uninterrupted availability even for the most demanding test applications.

External master mode

When the primary EtherCAT® bus is switched to external master mode, OBSIDIAN sends full-speed buffered data to a PC running DewesoftX software. This way OBSIDIAN® functions the same as any other Dewesoft data acquisition system, enabling full-speed buffered data acquisition to a PC.

Secondary EtherCAT bus

A secondary EtherCAT data bus can be used in parallel to serve data with low latency (real-time) to third-party control systems like Labview, Beckoff, Clemessy Syclone, MTS FlexTest, Acontis, and similar EtherCAT masters.

Great connectivity

Standard data interfaces are available to transfer the data to real-time controllers, cloud servers, and Industry 4.0 clients. OBSIDIAN utilizes a wide variety of standard data interfaces including EtherCAT®, OPC UA, XCP, and CAN.

DewesoftM mobile app

Our DewesoftM mobile app can be used to configure and view live measured data on all OBSIDIAN devices. The app is compatible with iOS and Android devices, and you can download it from your preferred app store today.

Software included

OBSIDIAN® devices come bundled with DewesoftX Professional software for advanced data analysis and DewesoftRT software for stand-alone data logger and controller operation. Both applications include free lifetime software updates.

Dewesoft quality and 7-year warranty

Enjoy our industry-leading 7-year warranty. Our data acquisition systems are made in Europe, utilizing only the highest build quality standards. We offer free and customer-focused technical support. Your investment into the Dewesoft solutions is protected for years ahead.

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.

DewesoftRT: embedded data acquisition software

OBSIDIAN® systems now utilize the new DewesoftRT embedded data acquisition software. This is a versatile, cross-platform software designed to operate on the OBSIDIAN’s Linux system, powered by an integrated ARM processor. "RT" stands for real-time and is designed from the ground up to work in real-time scenarios.

DewesoftRT features a streamlined core, including components for data acquisition, channel configuration, data storage, and support for standard interfaces like XCP, CAN, USB, Ethernet, and EtherCAT. Its flexibility and modular design make it easy to customize and adapt quickly for specific applications or tasks.

Future iterations of DewesoftRT software will include math capabilities including online calculations such as simple math formulas, statistics, fatigue analysis, and more.

The software excels in fast data transfer and real-time operations, such as control mechanisms or watchdog functionalities. Over time, DewesoftRT’s capabilities will evolve based on user and application requirements. If you have a specific application in mind, we encourage you to get in touch with us.

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.

External master mode

Rather than exclusively run on embedded DewesoftRT software, the primary EtherCAT® data bus can be switched to external master mode and connected to PC and DewesoftX data acquisition software.  

This feature makes OBSIDIAN® devices extremely versatile. It allows OBSIDIAN® devices to function in the same way as any other Dewesoft data acquisition system. It enables full-speed buffered data acquisition to a computer running DewesoftX data acquisition software. This mode transforms any OBSIDIAN® device into an advanced data acquisition system for online or offline signal processing jobs.

Mutliple 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 boosts 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.

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

High-end signal conditioning

OBSIDIAN® devices offer exceptional signal conditioning capabilities, accommodating a wide variety of input and output modules. These modules are capable of measuring a diverse range of signals including:

  • Voltage and high voltage

  • Current

  • Resistance

  • Strain, stress, and force.

  • Sound and vibration (IEPE and charge)

  • Temperature (thermocouples and RTDs)

  • Digital counters

  • And others

Multi-channel amplifier cards offer data in 24-bit resolution, alias-free with high dynamic and low SNR. Sampling rates are software selectable per each input channel and offer acquisition speeds up to 20 kS/s. 

The combination of Dewesoft's high-quality data acquisition hardware and software ensures that data collection is seamless and precise, without missing a single sample. Robust data visualization and signal processing features are available through the included DewesoftX software.

Available signal amplifier modules

See the overview of the available multi-channel amplifier module cards for OBSIDIAN® data loggers. All modules fit inside the OBSIDIAN® box chassis and can be installed with an easy slide-in mechanism. Amplifier modules feature 24-bit ADC (analog-to-digital converter) with a 20 kS/s sampling rate per channel. All amplifier settings are software selectable per every channel.

ModuleVoltageCurrentResistanceStrainIEPEChargePTxThermocouplePotentiometerLVDTDigital inputDigital outputTEDSExcitation
IOLITE multi-channel amplifier modules
8xACC✓✗✗✗✓✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✓✓
6xSTG✓✓✓✓DSIDSIDSIDSI✓DSI✗✗✓✓
8xSTGS✓✗✗✓✗✗✗✗✓✗✗✗✓✓
8xLV✓✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗
8xLVe✓✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✓✗✗✗✓✓
16xLV✓✗✓✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗
4xHV✓✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗
8xLA✗✓✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗
8xTH✓✗✗✗✗✗✗✓✗✗✗✗✗✗
8xTH-HS✓✗✗✗✗✗✗✓✗✗✗✗✗✗
8xRTD✓✗✓✗✗✗✓✗✗✗✗✗✗✗
8xRTD-HS✓✗✓✗✗✗✓✗✗✗✗✗✗✗
4xCNTTTL✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✓✗✗✓
16xAO✓✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗✗

*DSI = Dewesoft Sensor Interface. Learn more about DSI adapters.

See full OBSIDIAN technical specifications for detailed specs about the OBSIDIAN data acquisition systems and its signal amplifiers.

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®, SIRIUS® EtherCAT, 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 the process of 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.

Excellent connectivity with standard data interfaces and protocols

The data collected by OBSIDIAN® systems is easily accessible to other devices such as third-party devices, controllers, test benches, and SCADA systems. Standard data protocols ensure easy integration with other systems:

  • EtherCAT®: Recognized as an industry standard for real-time control applications, OBSIDIAN can operate dual EtherCAT buses simultaneously. In external master mode, the primary EtherCAT bus facilitates high-speed, buffered data acquisition directly to a computer. Meanwhile, the secondary bus primarily offers real-time data to any third-party control system, ensuring timely and efficient data transfer.

  • OPC UA: A cornerstone for Industry 4.0 applications, OPC UA allows OBSIDIAN to provide data in real-time to SCADA systems, ERPs, MES, and even mobile clients, enabling seamless integration across a broad range of industrial applications.

  • CAN and XCP on Ethernet: Through the XCP protocol, OBSIDIAN can deliver data in real-time to ECU calibration software, such as ETAS INCA or Vector CANape, with minimal latency. This ensures that data is quickly and efficiently processed, ideal for tasks requiring precision and speed.

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.

Redundant power supply

OBSIDIAN® DAQ systems come with a built-in redundant power supply, rounding out their features as the ideal and dependable front-end and data logging system. 

Should the primary power source fail, the system seamlessly switches to a secondary power supply, ensuring there are no interruptions, shutdowns, or restarts. This provides continuous and reliable operation.

Integrated GNSS positioning

The OBSIDIAN® R8w systems come equipped with an embedded GNSS sensor designed for precise location tracking. This 10 Hz GNSS sensor is compatible with multiple satellite constellations, including BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS, and GPS/QZSS, ensuring accurate positioning within 2.5 meters and velocity accuracy up to 0.05 meters per second.

With this integrated GNSS sensor, you can effortlessly monitor and record various parameters such as:

  • Longitude

  • Latitude

  • Altitude

  • Velocity

  • Number of satellites

Please note, that the current version of embedded GNSS does not yet support RTK (Real-Time Kinematics) correction, but this advanced feature is expected to be available soon.

All OBSIDIAN devices also support the connection of external GNSS sensors via the USB-C connector. Any of our USB-type GNSS receivers can be used.

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.

DewesoftM - your data on the go!

DewesoftM represents a cutting-edge mobile application tailored for OBSIDIAN® devices. Compatible with Android and Apple smartphones and tablet devices. It provides users with a user-friendly interface to collect, visualize, and interpret data on-the-go. It is perfectly suitable for both field and lab measurement applications.

The DewesoftM app ensures effortless connection to Dewesoft OBSIDIAN® data acquisition devices. With device auto-discovery, users can easily locate available devices on their network, while device status and live data become instantly accessible with just a tap.

You can download DeweoftM today:

To learn more about DewesoftM app, please visit the DewesoftM product page.

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.

SOFTWARE

Award-Winning Data Acquisition Software Included for Free

Dewesoft data acquisition systems are bundled with award-winning DewesoftX data acquisition software. It is the world's most advanced and easy-to-use data recording and signal processing software. Software and hardware work together like magic. It offers simplicity as well as deep functionality to tackle any test and measurement task.

And the best part? You get lifetime FREE software updates and technical support. Software is evolving all the time. New major releases are released every 3 months constantly adding new features, optimizations, and other improvements. There are no hidden costs and will remain free forever.

Plug and Play

Connecting the DAQ system and sensors could not be faster or easier. DewesoftX software will automatically detect the connected DAQ systems and TEDS-equipped sensors will configure the channel configuration automatically. Features like:

  • Hardware auto-detection.

  • Smart sensors.

  • Sensor database.

  • Advanced TEDS sensor support.

  • Built-in unit conversion.

  • Real-time signal preview.

  • Wiring schematics.

will make you ready for measurement in seconds. Spend less time configuring your DAQ hardware and be more productive. Time is money!

Measure and Store

Powerful storing capabilities with more than 500 MB/s sustained stream rates mean you can always store data at full speed and never again worry about losing data that could compromise your tests. DewesoftX storing features offer:

  • Real-time data acquisition.

  • Synchronized acquisition of analog, counter, video, GPS, CAN bus, and many other sources.

  • Advanced triggering and alarms.

  • Single or multi-file storage.

  • Remote and distributed network storing.

  • Automated test sequences.

Even if you store gigabytes of data, our innovative data file format​​​​​​​ will ensure you can reload and analyze your data as fast as in a blink of an eye.

Analyse and Publish

NVH, structural testing, power analysis, and more. Forget about using several complex software solutions to record and analyze your data. DewesoftX offers one-stop shop for all test and measurement tasks. Our software offers:

  • Online and offline mathematics.

  • Flexible real-time visual displays.

  • Synchronized video support.

  • PDF and Word reporting tools.

  • Data export to many standard file formats.

  • Unlimited FREE licens seats to view and analyze stored data.

DewesoftX is designed with the mindset of a test engineer and offers a complete testing solution in a single software package that is easy and joy to use.

Lifetime Free Updates

We are offering no-bluff or hidden cost licensing model for our data acquisition software. A new major version is released every three months bringing new features, performance boosts, bugfixes, with no additional cost to you. All updates for our existing users are free forever.

Unlimited License Seats

Our licensing model offers unlimited seats for analysing the recorded data. The recorded data file will bundle the license. Simply share data file with your colleagues and they can download software for free and ready to fully analyze the data. No additional licenses are needed.

Free Technical Support

We are putting our customers first. Free worldwide technical support is available for our DAQ software and hardware. Our technical support team is responsive and will attend to every support request and solve it in the fastest possible manner. Local technical support in our local offices is also available for you at no extra cost.

Lovedby Many Engineers

Again, thanks for all of the new features that are being included in DewesoftX. It is already a fantastic product and deserves to become the Microsoft Word of data acquisition software.

We absolutely enjoy using the Dewesoft data acquisition equipment and its software. I think of it as the Porsche 911 of data acquisition (my dream car/our dream test equipment).

We recommend SIRIUS data acquisition system as a great unit to anyone that asks how we like it.

I wanted to personally write to you and tell you how impressed I am with Dewesoft products. The whole Dewesoft team impressed me as extremely happy, smart, and dedicated.

FAQFrequently asked questions

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