power data logger

A data logger (sometimes spelled "datalogger") is an electronic instrument (or specialised computing device in some cases) that records digital, analogue, frequency or smart protocol based measurements over time. Some data loggers are small, battery-powered devices, equipped with a microprocessor, data storage and even a sensor. Others are general-purpose devices that are designed to connect to a wide range of voltages and sensor types.

The programmability of data loggers varies widely. Some are completely static with no changing of parameters possible (commonly found in single temperature recorders) to others that are completely programmable with virtual machine, scripted programming languages and configurable parameters. Low Power Data Logger with USB Memory Stick from dataTaker.

There is little standardisation amongst data logger manufacturers - however a number of data logging companies are starting to output data in XML format which is a good sign for the industry which has been traditional plagued with the problems of interchangeability of historical or archived data. As to reuse or interchangeability of instrumentation a smart protocol standard called 'SDI-12' exists that allows some instrumentation to be connected to a variety of data loggers. The use of this standard has not gained much acceptance outside the environmental industry. There are a number of data logger manufacturers suppling instruments supporting this standard such as DeltaTRAK, Datataker and Campbell Scientific.