The OBSIDIAN® line features advanced data loggers and embedded DAQ systems. They're powered by a low-energy ARM-based CPU on a Linux® architecture. OBSIDIAN is versatile, serving as a standalone data logger, real-time control system, and signal conditioning frontend. We offer high-end multi-channel signal amplifiers compatible with many sensors including voltage, current, IEPE, thermocouple, RTD, and strain gauges.
OBSIDIAN® systems come equipped with our new DewesoftRT embedded software as well as DewesoftX software for signal processing and data analysis. They're backed by an industry-leading 7-year warranty.
Highlights
Embedded CPU
The built-in dual-core 1.5 GHz ARM processor, running Linux OS and DewesoftRT software, makes OBSIDIAN ideal for embedded applications like data logging, cloud data collection, and real-time control.
Rugged design
When testing on the field and in harsh environments the OBSIDIAN® R8w model features shock and vibration ratings up to 75 g, IP67 protection against water, dust, and smoke, and a MIL-810F environmental rating. This rugged design protects your investment and your measurements.
Wide temperature range
Certain OBSIDIAN® models are certified to operate from -40°C to 85°C, making them suitable for use in extreme temperature environments.
Onboard data storage
OBSIDIAN® data loggers include 4 GB of internal storage that can be extended up to 1 TB via an SD card slot or a USB Type-C external HDD or SSD.
Low power consumption
Extremely powerful but designed to operate with very low power consumption which makes it a perfect choice for applications where power consumption is of critical importance.
High-end signal conditioning
OBSIDIAN® systems accept our IOLITE® signal conditioning amplifiers. These high-end signal amplifiers are suitable for voltage, current, resistance, IEPE, charge, strain gauge, bridge, digital counters, RTDs, thermocouples, and more.
Redundant power supply
OBSIDIAN’s redundant power supplies seamlessly switch between available power sources, ensuring uninterrupted availability even for the most demanding test applications.
External master mode
When the primary EtherCAT® bus is switched to external master mode, OBSIDIAN sends full-speed buffered data to a PC running DewesoftX software. This way OBSIDIAN® functions the same as any other Dewesoft data acquisition system, enabling full-speed buffered data acquisition to a PC.
Secondary EtherCAT bus
A secondary EtherCAT data bus can be used in parallel to serve data with low latency (real-time) to third-party control systems like Labview, Beckoff, Clemessy Syclone, MTS FlexTest, Acontis, and similar EtherCAT masters.
Great connectivity
Standard data interfaces are available to transfer the data to real-time controllers, cloud servers, and Industry 4.0 clients. OBSIDIAN utilizes a wide variety of standard data interfaces including EtherCAT®, OPC UA, XCP, and CAN.
DewesoftM mobile app
Our DewesoftM mobile app can be used to configure and view live measured data on all OBSIDIAN devices. The app is compatible with iOS and Android devices, and you can download it from your preferred app store today.
Software included
OBSIDIAN® devices come bundled with DewesoftX Professional software for advanced data analysis and DewesoftRT software for stand-alone data logger and controller operation. Both applications include free lifetime software updates.
Dewesoft quality and 7-year warranty
Enjoy our industry-leading 7-year warranty. Our data acquisition systems are made in Europe, utilizing only the highest build quality standards. We offer free and customer-focused technical support. Your investment into the Dewesoft solutions is protected for years ahead.

What is OBSIDIAN®
OBSIDIAN® are versatile data acquisition devices that mark a significant innovation in data acquisition systems: the introduction of a low-power ARM processor. This step forward adopts the advanced technology typically found in mobile devices, enabling the integrated ARM CPU to perform complex operations efficiently with minimal energy consumption.
OBSIDIAN® devices are running our new DewesoftRT data acquisition software on a Linux operating system. The ARM CPU enables OBSIDIAN® devices to offer unparalleled flexibility. This combination of Linux OS, ARM CPU technology, and DewesoftRT allows OBSIDIAN® to be adaptable for a variety of uses, including:
- Data acquisition system
- Stand-alone data logger
- Real-time control front-end system
- Signal conditioning system with cloud or Industry 4.0 connectivity
The potential applications are limitless, and this is just the beginning. OBSIDIAN® devices continually receive complimentary software and firmware updates, introducing new features and capabilities. In line with our tradition, we remain committed to listening to our customers and using their feedback to guide our research and development efforts. OBSIDIAN® is more than a mere data acquisition system; it represents a dynamic platform poised for ongoing evolution and expansion.

DewesoftRT: embedded data acquisition software
OBSIDIAN® systems now utilize the new DewesoftRT embedded data acquisition software. This is a versatile, cross-platform software designed to operate on the OBSIDIAN’s Linux system, powered by an integrated ARM processor. "RT" stands for real-time and is designed from the ground up to work in real-time scenarios.
DewesoftRT features a streamlined core, including components for data acquisition, channel configuration, data storage, and support for standard interfaces like OPC-UA, XCP, CAN, USB, Ethernet, and EtherCAT. It's flexibility and modular design make it easy to customize and adapt quickly for specific applications or tasks.
Future iterations of DewesoftRT software will also add openDAQ™ support and include math capabilities, such as online calculations, simple math formulas, statistics, fatigue analysis, and more.
The software excels in fast data transfer and real-time operations, such as control mechanisms or watchdog functionalities. Over time, DewesoftRT’s capabilities will evolve based on user and application requirements. If you have a specific application in mind, we encourage you to get in touch with us.

Stand-alone data logger mode
When set up for stand-alone operation in data logger mode, OBSIDIAN® devices offer versatile data storage directly on the device through several options:
- 4 GB of built-in SSD storage for quick and efficient data saving.
- An SD card slot that supports adding extra storage up to 1 TB, providing ample space for extensive data collection.
- A USB Type-C port that facilitates the connection of external hard drives, further expanding storage capabilities.
OBSIDIAN® data loggers are capable of handling a wide range of input channels at maximum sampling rates, making them ideal for various data recording tasks.
Additionally, the DewesoftRT data logger software comes with multiple standard features for data storage, including:
- Trigger-based saving, which allows data to be stored automatically when specific conditions are met. Triggered storing can work on any input channel including CAN bus channel.
- The option to save data in either a single file or multiple files.
Anyone can review and analyze stored data files using the included DewesoftX software, which is an award-winning tool for data acquisition and signal processing.

Use OBSIDIAN® with DewesoftX data acquisition software
Rather than exclusively running embedded DewesoftRT software, the OBSIDIAN® devices can be used like any other Dewesoft DAQ device connected to a PC running DewesoftX data acquisition and signal processing software. There are two possible ways to do this:
- EtherCAT®: In this so-called external master mode, OBSIDIAN® devices are connected to the PC via Ethercat port and operate as EtherCAT® slave devices. Multiple OBSIDIAN® systems can be used in the EtherCAT® chain and interconnected with other Dewesoft EtherCAT®-based data acquisition systems, such as KRYPTON® or IOLITE®.
- Ethernet: The OBSIDIAN® devices can also be connected via the Ethernet network through the available GLAN ports. Multiple OBSIDIAN® devices or other LAN-enabled Dewesoft DAQ devices can be interconnected using standard Ethernet cables and/or our DS-LAN network switches and synchronized via PTP v2.
The versatility of OBSIDIAN® devices is truly remarkable. They can be used in the same way as any other Dewesoft data acquisition system, offering full-speed buffered data acquisition to a computer running our award-winning DewesoftX software. This flexibility transforms any OBSIDIAN® device into an advanced data acquisition system, ready for any online or offline signal processing task.

Multiple chassis options
OBSIDIAN® offers multiple chassis options designed for different applications:
- OBSIDIAN® R8: Designed for various testing applications, the OBSIDIAN® R8 chassis can fit just about anywhere. The chassis boasts IP50 protection and can operate in -10°C to 50°C temperature range. Some configuration variations allow operating from -40°C to 85°C. OBSIDIAN® R8 can hold up to 8 signal amplifier cards.
- OBSIDIAN® R8w: Designed for the field and toughest testing conditions. With this chassis option, your data is in safe hands. Designed to withstand the toughest conditions. It features an IP67-rated chassis that's resilient to dust and water. It operates flawlessly in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C, can handle shocks up to 75G, and meets MIL-810F standards for vibration resistance. This ensures your measurements are secure, no matter the environment. OBSIDIAN® R8w can hold up to 8 signal amplifier cards. This chassis also boosts an integrated WiFi module and 10 Hz GPS/GNSS module.
- OBSIDIAN® R12: This 19-inch rack-compatible chassis option is designed for higher channel count applications and is more suitable for indoor applications such as test-bench integrations. The R12 chassis offers IP30 protection and can operate at -10°C to 50°C temperature. Some configuration variations allow operating from -40°C to 85°C. OBSIDIAN® R12 chassis can hold up to 12 signal amplifier cards. Any existing IOLITE® R12 chassis can be upgraded to OBSIDIAN simply by changing the IOLITE gate slot to OBSIDIAN gate.
Compare the specs of all systems on the OBSIDIAN® tech specs page.