You are often faced with decisions to make and the answer you’d like to give is: I want it all and I want it now! Talking about measurement data, this was the common answer the past years. Nowadays, we’re handling such an amount of test data, that in the first place you decide to only collect valued data, you need for the specific development case and secondly you optimize the way of data collecting.
When collecting measurement data, we distinguish between central and decentral measurement systems. This short article will oppose the two systems and make clear the respective advantages and disadvantages as your decision base. Little hint: ask yourself first about your sensor constellation!
Decentralized measurement technology is characterized by its easy expandability. Call it mix & match: Customers can combine the components with existing tools, e.g. their measurement adapters. Also, the parts can easily be exchanged when out of guarantee or defective. That’s the hardware view, but also data quality is higher regarding time: the time stamping close to the sensor is possible. The converter can be placed next to the sensor (e.g. front camera) and the cabling still will be structured. One MDI can convert up to 4 cameras - with a single cable to the recorder.
Much flexibility brings disadvantages from another perspective: you need more products and a 2-step-cabling. Also, more power supplies are affordable, the heat generation is higher what leads to higher expenses. You need more space in the test vehicle and have a more complex mounting and configuration of the measurement system components.
The central measurement technology is easily described with: one for all. All components are united in one hardware. In case of a data transfer failure, the origin can be traced faster to which camera or other sensor the defective cable belongs to. The best is, you know what you get. The power dissipation and mounting dimensions can be predicted and won’t lead to further expanses. You turn on the power from one computer and its power supplies keeps within limits, because the converters can use the power supply from the recorder and don't have to be powered separately.
You know what you get but you also are limited in the modularity. The size and number of products are fixed and cannot be expanded flexibly. In case you would like to change the sensor environment, you need to switch to decentralized solutions anyways.
In general, the size of the computer is decisive. So, make yourself clear, what is your testing environment and where the priorities lay in. If you are sure about size and need no expandability, central measurement technology is your way to go. If you would like to stay flexible for adjustments, a decentralized measurement system is the right one for you.
If you are not sure about it, let’s talk and we will find the best solution for your test environment.