Data Logger Mode

In the Data Logger mode, the computer's clock controls measurement start/stop/interval, and readings are stored in a data log on the computer.

Note: For more efficient file management, file partitioning is used for data logs that generate large data files. The file size limit varies by bench application and is based on the number of data points, traces, and captures. If the data file size exceeds the file size limit for the bench application, BenchVue saves that file, closes it, and then opens a new file.

Data Log Name

The default file name consists of the USB Modular DMM model number followed by "Data Log" and a numeric index. For example, U2741A Data Log 3.

To change the default name, click on the existing name to open the file name editor. You can edit the prefix name and also have the option to include or exclude the date, current time, and numeric index. The date is in the form yyyy-mm-dd and the time is in the form hh-mm-ss (24-hour time format). For example, <model> Data Log 2015-12-20 11-40-26 1 – December 20, 2015 at 11:40:26 with a numeric index of 1.

If included, the date, time, and numeric index fields are automatically updated with each subsequent data log operation from this bench application.
The date and time fields are based on your computer's internal clock setting.

Note: By default, data logs are stored in the "My Documents" folder on your computer and are organized by instrument type. For example – C:\Users\<user_name>\Documents\Keysight\BenchVue\USB Modular Digital Multimeter\Data Logs\.

Start Data Logging

Immediately with Start Button - Start data logging when you click the button or the button.

At Specific Time - Start data logging at a specific time and date. Enter the desired date in the form yyyy (year), mm (month), and dd (day). Enter the desired time in the form hh (hours), mm (minutes), and ss (seconds).

Note: Selecting different measurement types and settings will affect the instrument measurement performance.

Stop Data Logging

Immediately with Stop Button - Terminate data logging when you click the button or the button.

After Elapsed Time - Terminate data logging after the specified amount of time has elapsed. Enter the desired duration in the form dd (days), hh (hours), mm (minutes), and ss (seconds). For an unlicensed version of the BenchVue software, data logging is limited to a maximum of 8 hours. To upgrade to the Pro Version of this bench application with unrestricted data logging, see Upgrading to Pro Version for more information.

Sample Period

Enter the desired period between samples in the form dd (days), hh (hours), mm (minutes), ss (seconds), and ms (milliseconds). Select Minimum to select the shortest period based on the instrument's current settings.

Limit Testing

Check the readings against upper and lower limits. A limit failure occurs when the measured signal goes above the upper limit, or below the lower limit.

Available in Pro Version Only. This feature is available only with the Pro Version of this bench application. To upgrade to the Pro Version, click here and follow the instructions on the web site to purchase a license.

Enable Limit Testing - Check here to enable limit testing.

Upper Limit - Specify the upper limit in the units of the selected measurement (must be greater than the lower limit). Enable +INF/+OVLD to set the infinite or overload value as the upper limit.

Lower Limit - Specify the lower limit in the units of the selected measurement (must be less than the upper limit). Enable -INF/-OVLD to set the infinite or overload value as the lower limit.

Actions to Take When Limit Reached

Send Computer Beep - The PC and the instrument beep on each limit failure.

Send E-mail Message - Sends an e-mail to the specified recipient upon the first limit failure (multiple failures per test result in just one e-mail). To specify an e-mail recipient, go to the main Global Settings menu in BenchVue and select "Settings".

Execute Batch File - Execute a custom batch file upon first limit failure (multiple failures per test result in executing the batch file just once). After enabling this mode, click ... and browse to the file location where you have stored custom batch files that you have created.