Data Logging Vs Data Acquisition

ICP DAS USA
WHITE PAPER | AUGUST 2022
DATA LOGGING
VERSUS
DATA ACQUISITION
Data logging is the process of gathering data from a device or

system, often through use of a computer. Data acquisition (DAQ)
is the process of collecting data from one or more devices and
systems, as well as storing and analyzing it.
While data logging and DAQ are very similar, the differences can
be seen in their respective goals. Data logging is aimed at storing
data while DAQ focuses on processing it. Data logging involves
recording raw data from individual instruments or components and
storing it in one place for later analysis; DAQ involves collecting
and analyzing real-time data from multiple sources in order to
make decisions about how best to proceed with a given task.
Data logging is typically used for recording data from one or more instruments or components, such as temperature and
pressure sensors. The data is stored for later analysis by a computer system, allowing users to review it at their discretion. Data
acquisition is used to collect real-time data from multiple sources in order to make decisions about how best to proceed with a
given task.
Data Loggers are designed to measure signals over a long

period of time. They take measurements over a period of days,
weeks, or even months. They are installed in a fixed location
where they work for these extended periods, writing data to
internal RAM or to removable data storage. A data logging
system consists of a discrete number of inputs, such as voltage,
current, temperature, and perhaps one other type of signal.
While a data logger is one of many types of data acquisition
devices, the data logger by itself cannot be classified as a data
acquisition system.
ICPDAS- USA. COM PAGE 1

APPLICATION
The application of data logging is best exemplified in
the standalone data logger device. Take, for example
the AR-200 data logger (EX 1). The AR-200, with its
sibling the AR-400 with 4 channels, is a discrete
device designed to measure and log one type of data,
as part of a smaller-scale ready to run solution. A
data logger like this one is designed as a complete
solution for measuring one type of input. In this case,
the AR-200 grabs accelerometer input from
machinery on a factory line and stores the readings
on an SD card for later use. This kind of data logger
allows the operators to upload data, or physically
remove the SD card, as needed without requiring
dedicated DAQ hardware and software. The data
EX 1 : DATA LOGGING SOLUTION FEATURING AR- 200
logger provides different trigger modes so that a user ACCELEROMETER DATA LOGGER
can specify start/stop time, and duration of data collection, based on their needs. Contrast this device to an “always on” data
acquisition system that performs more of a supervisory function.
Data loggers are often used in conjunction with a

data acquisition system. A typical DAQ system can
provide the user with a graphical interface that
allows them to monitor their measurements in real-
time or over time. Some DAQ devices will also
store the information they collect so that it can be
analyzed later on.
The types of data acquisition systems vary

depending on the type of data being collected, as
you might have imagined by now, DAQ systems
tend to be larger-scale, comprehensive systems
that may or may not include data loggers as one
part of the larger whole. An example DAQ system
(EX 2) usually combines multiple input types into
EX: 2 A BASIC DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM THAT MONITORS
TEMPERATURES AT A BEVERAGE PLANT one passive monitoring system.
This example shows a monitoring system for a large beverage plant. On the bottom of the diagram, you can see three different
types of temperature sensor: each is connected to one data acquisition module. DAQ modules serve a similar purpose to the
DAQ system that the data logger does to its system. DAQ modules, and this is the crucial difference, usually don’t store data on
their own. These devices capture data directly from the sensors and translate it into a machine readable format. In this case, the
temperature input modules are capturing the sensor data and encoding it as Modbus values for transmission over the RS-485
network. You will also notice that the DAQ system typically makes use of more devices that act as intermediaries between the
data collecting device and the users. In this case, the example uses WISE IIoT edge controllers to provide local control, alarm
functions, and to relay the captured data to the control system. At the highest level, the DAQ system will often make use of IoT
software or SCADA software to control the entire system, store historical data, and view live incoming data.

APPLICATION
While there remain many similarities between data loggers and data acquisition systems, the key operating features presented
above are the generally understood differences. These differences are usually defined by the application space in which the
devices are used. The needs of your application will usually dictate which type of solution is the best fit.
A larger, more complex system that integrates with control software and IIoT platforms may be required for a large factory,
power plant, or multi-story building. The diagram pictured below shows an example of a more complex DAQ, control and
monitoring system in place at a facility that stores renewable energy. This system is much more spread out, both figuratively
and geographically, than the previous examples.
The system makes use of multiple field level control systems that, if taken in isolation, could be called data logging systems.
Each little network takes power readings from the battery cells and stores them on a local controller. The local controller logs
data and provides emergency shutdown automation at the level of each battery bank while also providing an interface to the
cabinet management platform. The cabinet management platform, in turn, provides local control and data acquisition for
multiple battery banks while providing an interface to the overall control network through a cloud platform. The actual control
center is located miles away from the site of the battery banks, but operators can access both real time and historical data from
almost anywhere using their cloud server.
At the scale of this example, it should be

clear why the term “data logging”
wouldn’t be a proper fit. A data
acquisition system of this scale has a
much broader scope of function. It
collects different types of data, stores it
in multiple locations, provides control
and automation functions, and then
makes the data accessible to the user’s
cloud platform.
There is, of course, a wide gray area in

the middle between data logging and
data acquisition, where both terms may
apply. It’s important, then, to consider
the specific needs of the application. In
many cases, it will be clear which device
or devices are needed. As a rule of
thumb: if you need real-time monitoring
or analysis over time, a data acquisition
EX 3 : LARGE DAQ & CONTROL SYSTEM USED FOR RENEWABLE POWER STORAGE
system will likely be required; if
immediate measurements are needed, or if it’s a smaller application, then a standalone data logger is what’s required.

ABOUT ICP DAS USA
ICP DAS USA is a manufacturer of cutting edge industrial automation and control hardware and software. It offers a broad
range of flexible and cost-effective total solutions for various industries, including energy and power, factory and machine,
agriculture, aerospace, oil and gas, etc. Its products range from M2M and "Internet of Things" (IoT) controllers and protocol
converters to remote data acquisition I/O modules, supporting a wide range of protocols.
KEY PRODUCTS FEATURED IN THE EXAMPLES:
AR-200/400 DATA LOGGER

Accelerometer data logging module, comes in 2 channel (AR-200) and 4 channel (AR-400) versions. Measures vibrations from
industrial equipment and stores it with an onboard SD card. It provides an Ethernet control interface.
M-7015P RTD INPUT MODULE

Modbus RTU input module that has 6 channels of RTD temperature sensor input. This module eliminates 3-wire lead resistance
over longer wire lengths.
WISE-5231 IIOT EDGE CONTROLLER

Multifunction IIoT controller. This module possesses an easy to use web interface for configuration and programming
if/then/else logic functions. It supports a wide range of protocols including: Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, MQTT, FTP, SNMP,
SSL/TLS, CGI, and DDNS. It provides an interface between field devices and control system.
XP-8341-CE6 PROGRAMMABLE AUTOMATION CONTROLLER

3 slot, rack mount controller that combines the processing power and familiar interface of a PC with the reliability of a PC. This
controller offers 4 serial ports, 1 VGA port, 2 USB ports, and 2 Ethernet ports for a wide range of networking possibilities.
I-8120W CAN COMMUNICATION MODULE

A slot I/O module that adds one port of CAN bus communication to any of our rack mount PACs or I/O expansion racks.
I-87017W SLOT I/O ANALOG INPUT MODULE

A slot I/O module that adds 8 channels of voltage or current input to any of our rack mount PACs or I/O expansion racks.

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ICP DAS USA

WHITE PAPER | AUGUST 2022

Data logging is the process of gathering data from a device or

Data Loggers are designed to measure signals over a long

ICPDAS- USA. COM PAGE 1

Data loggers are often used in conjunction with a

The types of data acquisition systems vary

ICPDAS- USA. COM PAGE 2

At the scale of this example, it should be

There is, of course, a wide gray area in

ICPDAS- USA. COM PAGE 3

KEY PRODUCTS FEATURED IN THE EXAMPLES:

AR-200/400 DATA LOGGER

M-7015P RTD INPUT MODULE

WISE-5231 IIOT EDGE CONTROLLER

XP-8341-CE6 PROGRAMMABLE AUTOMATION CONTROLLER

I-8120W CAN COMMUNICATION MODULE

I-87017W SLOT I/O ANALOG INPUT MODULE

ICPDAS- USA. COM PAGE 4

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