OBSIDIAN® instruments are our high-end data loggers and embedded data acquisition systems based on a low-power ARM processor with Linux-based open architecture. OBSIDIAN® can act like a standalone data logger, real-time control system, and signal conditioning frontend, all at the same time. High-end multi-channel signal amplifier cards are available for voltage, current, IEPE, thermocouple, RTD, and strain gages sensors.
 
Embedded Data Logger With Low-Power ARM Processor and Linux OS
For the first time in history, the Dewesoft device is hosting an embedded low-power ARM processor, and what a processor it is! Borrowed from cutting-edge technology in mobile devices, the integrated ARM CPU can perform powerful tasks, all while consuming very little power.
 
Dewesoft RT: embedded data acquisition software
OBSIDIAN data loggers run new Dewesoft RT software. It is a cross-platform embedded software that runs on the Linux operating system platform powered by the built-in ARM processor.
 
Integrated and expandable data storage
OBSIDIAN® R8 data logger has 4 GB of internal data storage that can be used to store recorded data. Additionally, all OBSIDIAN® data loggers feature two expansion slots:
 
SD card expansion slot: allows you to insert SD card storage to the capacity of 1 TB.
USB Type-C expansion port: allows for connection of external hard drives.
 
This transforms OBSIDIAN into a fully stand-alone data logger, where data can be logged either into an internal or externally connected SD card. 
 
Perfect Signal Conditioning for Precise Measurements
OBSIDIAN offers great signal conditioning with its range of input and output modules. You can measure voltage, current, strain, stress, vibration, sound, temperature (thermocouples and RTDs), counters, and more.
 
Proven high-quality Dewesoft data acquisition hardware combined with award-winning DewesoftX data acquisition software performs data collection without losing even a single sample. It also provides great data visualization and processing capabilities.
 
Data can be stored in a time-series database and served to SCADA systems using standard interfaces such as OPC UA or XCP to truly support Industry 4.0 applications.
 
Off-the-shelf DewesoftX data acquisition software with a series of supported industry-standard interfaces makes OBSIDIAN the perfect choice for even the most price-sensitive measurement and control tasks.
 
OBSIDIAN 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.
 
Dual EtherCAT Data Buses for Maximum Data Integration 
OBSIDIAN data acquisition system is equipped with two fully independent EtherCAT bus systems that work in parallel.
 
The Primary Bus
When OBSIDIAN is switched to external master mode, the primary bus is used for perfectly timed and synchronized data acquisition. It connects to the PC running DewesoftX data acquisition software and streams any number of input and output channels at high speed to the PC's hard drive. 
 
The Secondary Bus
OBSIDIAN's secondary EtherCAT bus can be used in two ways:
 
Low latency front-end interface for any 3rd party EtherCAT compatible real-time controllers.
Additional bus for redundant 3rd party data acquisition system in critical DAQ applications.
 
Excellent Connectivity With Standard Data Interfaces and Protocols
The acquired data is available to other data systems or controllers using standard data protocols:
 
EtherCAT: an industry standard for real-time control applications. OBSIDIAN uses two EtherCAT buses in parallel. When it is switched to external master mode, the primary EtherCAT bus is used for full-speed buffered data acquisition to a computer. In contrast, the secondary bus is mainly used to serve data in real-time to any 3rd party control system.
OPC UA: a leading standard for Industry 4.0 applications. The data can be served to SCADA, ERPs, MES systems as well as mobile clients in real-time.
CAN and XCP on Ethernet: with the XCP protocol you can provide the data to ECU calibration software such as ETAS INCA or Vector CANape in real-time with minimum latency.
 
Redundant Power Supply
OBSIDIAN data acquisition systems are equipped with a redundant power supply completing the feature set for the ideal and reliable front-end system. 
If the primary power supply fails, the system will be powered by a secondary power supply without any interruption or system shutdown/restart.
 
Merging Data Acquisition and Real-Time Control
Until the IOLITE system, the worlds of data acquisition and control were completely disconnected. Controller and PLC systems are dedicated to reacting to events as fast as possible, and recording data is a secondary concern. On the other hand, the data acquisition systems are made to acquire data as fast as possible, and doing real-time control is secondary or simply unavailable in many of them.
 
Very often test benches require both precise signal conditioning and processing, and real-time control. In the past, DAQ and PLCs were often connected by using an analog connection - one cable for each signal.
 
This is where the IOLITE system shines with the dual independent EtherCAT buses. Only one EtherCAT line is required between the PLC and DAQ. This greatly reduces cabling and eliminates redundant analog-to-digital conversion of the same signals. The worlds of control and data acquisition are combined in one elegant system.
 
The Endless Possibilities
IOLITE - a perfect solution for your data acquisition and control applications. And this is just the start.
 
With its outputs, the IOLITE data acquisition and control system totally eliminates the need for PLC hardware. Any PLC software can fully control the outputs of an IOLITE DAQ system.
Only your preferred EtherCAT-based real-time controller software is needed, and the IOLITE system can drive the actuators.
 
There is no longer a need for two independent systems. One system can perform everything - Dewesoft IOLITE.