Data Logging with the GL Logger Family

The GL Loggers are special automotive data recorders which can be used in test vehicles or on test benches. They record measurement values and acquire the data communications of CAN/CAN FD, LIN and FlexRay bus systems.

Beside bus communication you can store in addition internal ECU parameters via CCP/XCP and diagnostics as well as measured values of digital and analog inputs in a time-synchronous manner.

Advantages

Flexible loggers for test fleet operators and individual testing tasks
Permanent use in automotive and commercial vehicles due to low current consumption in Sleep/Standby mode
Robust equipment for summer and winter trials
Reliable during long-duration recordings
Event-driven recording for data reduction
Supports the early quality assurance of the later mass production

Application Areas

Whether you are busy in automotive, commercial or transportation industry the GL Loggers support these application areas:

Use in test fleets as well as in single vehicles
Long-term recording
Customized test tasks
Summer and winter vehicle trials
Quality assurance

Highlights

Stand-alone tools for challenging logging tasks
Very short start-up times
Extensive filter and trigger conditions
Support of diagnostics and CCP/XCP
Compact data storage on SD/CF cards or SSD with high memory capacities
Quick data read-out
Graphical configuration tool makes it easy to configure
Offline analysis with the familiar Vector software tools CANoe, CANalyzer, CANape and vSignalyzer
Cloud service for remote access of loggers

Cloud

vLoggerCloud is the easy-to-use infrastructure for all steps around data acquisition in vehicle testing. Starting with the creation of a measurement configuration and its distribution in the fleet, the loggers deliver measurement data via LTE to the cloud, where it can be managed, converted, and analyzed.

In the process, multiple Vector products interlock seamlessly:

Vector Logger Suite (VLS): preparing the loggers to connect to the cloud. Configuration of measurement tasks and assignment to test vehicles.
GL Logger: recording of bus communication in the vehicle and transfer of recorded data via LTE to the cloud.
vMDM Client: management of data sets based on metadata; configuration of conversion jobs.
vSignalyzer/CANape: analysis of data up to data mining and report generation.
vMDM pro: Powerful service for managing measurement data and access rights, as well as for automated execution of data mining algorithms and generation of reports.

All components use the Vector Logger Cloud for data storage and as a link to communicate with each other. This also enables very efficient collaboration of the responsible persons from different offices.

General Functions

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Logging Activities Data Storage Data Transfer Monitoring Offline Analysis

Main Logging Features of the GL Loggers

Time-synchronous logging of these bus systems:
- CAN: with loggers of the GL1000/GL2000/GL3000/GL4000/GL5000 families
- CAN FD: with GL2400 and GL5000 family
- LIN: with loggers of the GL1000/GL2000/GL3000/GL4000/GL5000 families
- FlexRay: with loggers of the GL4000/GL5000 families

Very short start-up times
The system start is acquired from Standby mode (GL2000/GL3000/GL4000 families)
Power management for permanent use in test fleets, very low power consumption in sleep and standby mode
Extensive filter conditions to reduce data volume
Complex trigger conditions for triggering on messages, signals, inputs, manual button activation
Import of databases DBC, LDF , FIBEX and ARXML (AUTOSAR format)
Possible to send CAN/CAN FD messages
Timeout monitoring for messages
Online classing for compact storage of statistical data during the test drive
Battery-buffered real-time clock for logging date and clock time
Compact storage of logging data on quickly removable storage media with high capacities

Pushbuttons on loggers and on remote control device for manually initiating a trigger
Status indicator with LEDs on the logger or on the remote control device
Status indicated on display (only for GL3100/GL3200/GL4000/GL4200/GL5000)
Signal tone can be output for events using the configurable buzzer

Overview of Used Storage Media

Compact storage of the logged data on quickly removable storage media
High capacity storage media
GL1000/GL2000 family: SD/SDHC memory card
GL3000/GL4000 family: CF memory card, Solid State Disc
GL5000 family: Solid State Disc

Data Transfer and Export of Logged Data

Fast read-out of the data directly via USB of the loggers, via SSD or via SD/CF card in commercially available card readers
Wireless data transmission for automated upload of logged data and update of a new logger configuration:
- via WLAN/WiFi: for GL3000/GL4000/GL5000 family
- via wireless communication (LTE): for GL2000/GL3000/GL4000/GL5000 family
Automatic conversion of the logged data depending of the bus system in the following formats:
- Message-oriented: BLF, ASC, ADTF,CSV/TXT, IMG
- Signal oriented: MDF, MATLAB^© v7.3, HDF5, CSV/TXT
- Raw data: CLF

Monitoring of the Vehicle Buses with CANoe/CANalyzer

GL2000/GL3000/GL4000 family are monitoring interfaces for the monitoring of bus communication with CANoe or CANalyzer
Easy connection of PCs with CANoe or CANalyzer with the loggers via Ethernet
Use the existing logger connections to the vehicle buses
License for the bus systems in CANoe or CANalyzer required

Offline Analysis with Vector Tools and 3rd Party Tools

Analysis of the recorded data with known functions of Vector software tools CANape, CANoe, CANalyzer and vSignalyzer and with Microsoft Excel
The above mentioned Vector tools support the direct import of the raw format CLF

Logging Format	CANoe, CANalyzer	CANape, vSignalyzer	3^rdParty Tools	Signal Oriented	Message Oriented	Note
ASC	yes	yes	yes	-	yes	ASCII (for Vector tools)
BLF	yes	yes	-	-	yes	Binary
MDF	yes	yes	yes	yes	-	Binary
IMG	yes	-	-	-	-	Only MOST data
MAT	-	-	yes	yes	-	MATLAB^© V7.3 (for 3^rd party tools)
HDF5	-	-	yes	yes	-	H5, HE5, HDF5 (for 3^rd party tools)
ADTF	-	-	yes	-	yes	For 3^rd party tools
TXT	-	-	yes	yes	yes	Text format (e.g. for MS Excel)
CLF	yes	yes	-	-	yes	Raw format of the GL Loggers

Special Functions

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Diagnostics CCP/XCP Inputs/Outputs Wireless Data Transfer

Diagnostic Functions of the GL Loggers

The loggers of the GL family have a comfortable diagnostic interface and thus allow a more comprehensive collection of vehicle data. The diagnostic data are cyclical or event-driven read out from the ECU of vehicle and time synchronized with all other logging data recorded.

The parameterization of the diagnostic request is as simple as symbolic choice of CDD, PDX and ODX and MDX files with the help of the 'Vector Logger Suite'. The loggers support the common diagnostic protocols UDS, KWP2000 on CAN and OBD II.

An example - CAN diagnostics workflow:

Logging of ECU Parameters over CCP/XCP

The CCP/XCP logger option lets you time-synchronously log internal ECU parameters via cyclic DAQ lists or the polling mode. After an unexpected disconnection the GL loggers automatically restart the CCP/XCP connection.

GL3000/GL4000/GL5000 loggers also support the recording of internal ECU data with a Vector VX module and serial POD without load on vehicle buses. XCP on Ethernet (DAQ mode) enables a significantly higher data rate than XCP on the vehicle buses. Measurement data from CSM EtherCAT modules can also be read out via XCP on Ethernet.

A CCP/XCP license must be installed on the logger. The license includes depending on the logger CCP/XCP on CAN, XCP on FlexRay and XCP on Ethernet.

Supported protocols are:

Protocol	Loggers	DAQ	Polling	Seed & Key
CCP/XCP on CAN	All GL loggers	yes	yes	yes
XCP on FlexRay	GL4000/GL5000 family only	yes	-	yes
XCP on Ethernet	GL3000/GL4000/GL5000 family only for recording via Vector VX modules with serial POD and CSM EtherCAT XCP Gateway	yes	-	-

To implement Seed & Key CANape 8.0 or higher is required.

The CCP/XCP logger option for time-synchronously logging internal ECU parameters via cyclic DAQ lists or the polling mode

Inputs and Outputs for Further Measurement Tasks and to Control External Hardware

All GL loggers have multiple analog inputs as well as digital inputs and outputs. For loggers of the GL3000/GL4000/GL5000 families, it is possible to increase the number of analog inputs by means of an expansion board.

You can use the analog and digital inputs of GL loggers to log measurement values of external modules time-synchronously to the bus communication.

The digital outputs can be used to control external modules, e.g. to turn them on or off. For precision measurements or high-voltage measurements, the measuring modules from CSM are ideal.

GL2000/GL3000/GL4000/GL5000 families - Wireless data transmission over WLAN or wireless communication

The Wireless LAN and wireless communication logger options are available for wireless transmission of logging data from vehicles to a server as follows:

GL2000 family: Option 4G/LTE
GL3000/GL4000/GL5000 families: Option WLAN and 4G/LTE

To reduce the volume of data, you may transmit just a subset of the data. The loggers initiate the connection to your server. The trigger condition for initiating a connection is configurable.

With vLoggerCloud, Vector offers you a powerful turnkey infrastructure. At the same time, you get the optimal integration of the cloud into the Vector tool chain. You can find more details on the range of functions here.

As an alternative to the cloud solution, ML Server software is available that users can run on their own servers. This software communicates with the loggers and stores the logging data for each logger in its own structure and offers it new measurement configurations provided by the user for download.

GL Logger Family in Detail

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Overview GL1000 GL2000 GL3000 / GL4000 GL5000

Graphic with a technical overview of the GL Logger Families

GL1000 / GL1010

GL1000, GL1010 – Compact data loggers for CAN, LIN, I/O in standard design and IP65 design

GL1000
The optimal solution for operators of test fleets for logging the CAN and LIN data communication of small networks. Messages are saved and evaluated according to the loaded configuration. In addition, its very compact package simplifies installation of the logger in any vehicle.

GL1010
The IP65 variant for use in rough surroundings on test drives.

Functions:

Simultaneous logging of 2 CAN channels (e.g. 100 % bus load at 500 kBit/s), 2 LIN channels and 4 analog and 2 digital inputs
Saving of data on SD card (up to 2 GB) resp. SDHC card (up to 32 GB)
Fast start-up time, typical 150 ms
Permits continuous use in vehicle due to low current consumption in Sleep mode
Fast read-out of the logging data directly via USB, commercially available SD/SDHC card reader
Automatic conversion to BLF, ASC, MDF or TXT format
Ring buffer, e.g. for long-term or event-driven logging
Logging of diagnostic data over CAN
Optional measurement data acquisition over CCP/XCP as well, including with seed & key
Signal sound by buzzer
GL1010 as IP65 variant
Easy-to-use graphical configuration tool

GL2000 / GL2010 / GL2400

GL2000, GL2010 - Handy data loggers for CAN, LIN, I/O, 3G/UMTS in standard design and IP65 design

GL2000

This logger is the ideal solution for operators of test fleets to log the CAN and LIN data communication of moderate-sized networks. Messages are saved and evaluated according to the loaded configuration. This logger exhibit low current consumption in Sleep mode and are therefore ideal for continuous use in the vehicle. The GL2000 is immediately ready to log from Standby mode, so the system start can be acquired. In addition, its compact package simplifies installation of the logger in any vehicle.

GL2010 is the IP65 variant for use in rough sourroundings on test drives.

GL2400 adds the CAN FD support to the GL2000 feature set.

Functions:

Simultaneous logging of 4 CAN channels, 2 LIN channels and 4 analog and 4 digital inputs
GL2400 supports 4 CAN/CAN FD channels
Saving of data on SD card (up to 2 GB) resp. on SDHC card (up to 32 GB)
Fast start-up time, typical 170-180 ms - provided: 2 GB Xmore SD memory card
Recording of the system startup (wake-up cause) from standby mode
Permits continuous use in vehicle due to low current consumption in Sleep mode (<1 mA) or in Standby mode (typ. 60 mA)
Logging of the system start (case of wake-up) from Standby mode
Fast read-out of the logging data directly via USB orcommercially available SH/SDHC card reader
Optional wireless data transmission via wireless 4G/LTE to upload the logged data and to download a new configuration
Automatic conversion to BLF, ASC, MDF or TXT format
One ring buffer either for long-term or for event-driven logging
Supports databases for symbolic selection of messages and signals in configuring filter and trigger conditions
Remote controlled initiation of a manual trigger
Logging of diagnostic data over CAN, import of diagnostic descriptions in CDD, ODX/PDX and MDX formats
Optional measurement data acquisition over CCP/XCP as well, including with Seed & Key
Online classing
Signal sound by a buzzer
GL2010 as IP65 variant
Easy-to-use graphical configuration tool

Further infos in our video "Logging and Data Analysis with GL2000" ( English subtitles, 3:50 min):

Video about logging and data analysis with the data logger GL2000 (with English subtitles)

GL3000 / GL3100 / GL3200 / GL4000 / GL4200

The loggers of the GL3000 family are the perfect solutions for operators of test fleets who need to record extensive CAN/LIN networks. These loggers exhibit low current consumption in Sleep Mode and are therefore ideally suited for continuous use in the vehicle. The loggers are immediately ready for operation from Standby mode, so that the system start can also be acquired.

The loggers of the GL4000 family offer all of the functionality of the GL3000 family and also offer access to FlexRay.

Functions:

Simultaneous logging of 9 CAN channels, 2 LIN channels and 14 analog and 8 digital inputs
GL4000 family: additional 2 FlexRay channels
Saving of data on CF card (GL3000, GL3100, GL4000) or SSD (GL3200, GL4200)
Fast start-up time, typical 20 ms
Permits continuous use in vehicle due to low current consumption in Sleep mode or Standby mode
Logging of the system start (case of wake-up) from Standby mode
Fast read-out of the logging data directly via USB, commercially available CF card reader or Ethernet
Optional wireless data transmission via wireless LAN or 4G/LTE to upload the logged data and to download a new configuration
Automatic conversion to BLF, ASC, MDF or TXT format
2 independently configurable ring buffers, e.g. for long-term or event-driven logging
Extensive filter and trigger conditions
Supports databases for symbolic selection of messages and signals in configuring filter and trigger conditions
Remote controlled initiation of a manual trigger
Logging of diagnostic data over CAN, import of diagnostic descriptions in CDD, ODX/PDX and MDX formats
Optional measurement data acquisition over CCP/XCP as well, including with Seed & Key
Online classing
Logger as alternative interface hardware for monitoring applications in CANoe or CANalyzer
Easy-to-use graphical configuration tool

GL5350 / GL5370

GL5350 - Multibus data logger with CAN FD

The GL5350 is the perfect solution for operators of test fleets who need to record extensive CAN/CAN FD/LIN/FlexRay networks. With its powerful hardware it supports you in complex logging tasks. The logger exhibits low current consumption in sleep mode and is therefore ideally suited for continuous use in the vehicle.

GL5370 offers more CAN channels and significantly more CAN FD channels with the same range of functions.

Functions:

Simultaneous logging of up to 24 CAN channels, 6 LIN channels, 2 FlexRay channels, 14 analog and 4 digital inputs
- GL5350: 20 CAN channels, thereof 4 CAN FD channels
- GL5370: 24 CAN channels, thereof 12 CAN FD channels
CAN FD channels selectively configurable for ISO CAN FD or NON-ISO CAN FD
Saving of data on SSD with high-capacity
Fast start-up time, max. 40 ms
Permits continuous use in vehicle due to low current consumption in sleep mode
High performance for demanding tasks
Fast read-out of the logging data directly from SSD or via USB
Optional wireless data transmission via wireless LAN or 4G/LTE to upload the logged data and to download a new configuration
Independently configurable ring buffers, e.g. for long-term or event-driven logging
Extensive filter and trigger conditions
Supports databases for symbolic selection of messages and signals in configuring filter and trigger conditions
Remote controlled initiation of a manual trigger
Logging of diagnostic data over CAN via UDS, KWP2000 on CAN and OBD II. Import of diagnostic descriptions in CDD, ODX/PDX and MDX formats
Optional measurement data acquisition over CCP/XCP as well, including with Seed & Key
Automatic conversion to BLF, ASC, MDF or TXT format
Online classing
Easy-to-use graphical configuration tool

Poster

Vector offers specialized logging solutions for in-vehicle use on test drives or for test benches.

This reference chart gives you:

An overview about the Vector logging solutions
Illustrates the logging process
Indicates the configuration possibilities

^{Format: DIN A1 upright, folded to DIN A4}

Comparison of the GL Loggers

^{GL1000 GL1010 (IP65 variant)}	^{GL2000 GL2010 (IP65 variant) GL2400}	^GL3000 ^GL3100 ^GL3200	^GL4000 ^GL4200	^GL5350 ^GL5370
^{Bus systems logging}
^{CAN, LIN}	^{CAN, CAN FD, LIN}	^{CAN, LIN}	^{CAN, LIN, FlexRay}	^{CAN, CAN FD, LIN, FlexRay}
^Channels
^{2 x CAN 2...12 x LIN}	^{4 x CAN 2...12 x LIN} ^GL2400: ^{4 x CAN FD}	^{9 x CAN 2...1.6 x LIN}	^{9 x CAN 2...16 x LIN 2 x FlexRay}	^{GL5350: 20 x CAN, incl. 4 x CAN FD GL5370: 24 x CAN, incl. 12 x CAN FD 6...16 x LIN 2 x FlexRay}
^Memory
^{Max. 32 GB (SD/SDHC card)}	^{Max. 32 GB (SD/SDHC card)}	^{GL3000/GL3100: CF cards GL3200: 512 GB SSD}	^{GL4000: CF cards GL4200: 512 GB SSD}	^{512 GB SSD, 1 TB SSD}
^{Data transfer}
^USB	^{USB, LTE}	^{USB, Wi-Fi, LTE, Ethernet}	^{USB, Wi-Fi, LTE, Ethernet}	^{USB, Wi-Fi, LTE, Ethernet}
^{Wake-up, Sleep mode functionality}
^Yes	^Yes	^Yes	^Yes	^Yes
^{Start-up time}
^{typ. 150 ms (with 2 GB Xmore SD card)}	^{typ. 170 ms (with specified Xmore SD card)}	^{Max. 20 ms}	^{Max. 20 ms}	^{Max. 40 ms}
^{Control inputs/outputs}
^{2 digital inputs/outputs (0 V...36 V) 4 analog inputs (0 V...16V)}	^{4 digital input/outputs (0 V...36 V) 4 analog inputs (0 V...18 V)}	^{8 digital inputs/outputs each 6 analog inputs (0 V...18 V) Optional: Board with 8 analog inputs (0 V...18 V)}	^{8 digital inputs/outputs each 6 analog inputs (0 V...18 V) Optional: Board with 8 analog inputs (0 V...18 V)}	^{4 digital inputs/outputs each 6 analog inputs (0 V...32 V) Optional: Board with 8 analog inputs (0 V...18 V)}
^{Keyboard/display}
^No	^No	^{GL3100/GL3200: 4 keys, 1 display}	^{4 keys, 1 display}	^{4 keys, 1 display}
^{Supply voltage}
^{5 V...30 V}	^{6 V...30 V}	^{6 V...36 V}	^{6 V...36 V}	^{7 V...50 V}
^{Temperature range}
^GL1000: ^{-40 °C...+ 85 °C GL1010:} ^{-20 °C...+ 80 °C (depending on SD card)}	^{GL2000/GL2400: -40 °C...+ 80 °C GL2010: -20 °C...+ 80 °C}	^{Operating: -40 °C...+70 °C}	^{Operating: -40 °C...+70 °C}	^{Operating: -40 °C...+70 °C}
^{Dimensions (approx. L x H x D)}
^{GL1000: 107 x 85 x 35 mm} ^{GL1010: 130 x 85 x 35 mm}	^{GL2000/GL2400: 194 x 137 x 35 mm} ^{GL2010: 175 x 137 x 35 mm}	^{213 x 78 x 235 mm}	^{213 x 78 x 235 mm}	^{290 x 74 x 212 mm}

Configuration Programs

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Logger Suite Logging Exporter

The Vector Logger Suite is the comfortable program for creating configurations for all loggers of the GL families. The program is already included in the scope of delivery.

The Vector Logger Suite is used to configure hardware settings for the CAN, CAN FD, LIN and FlexRay channels. This includes configuration of the filter and trigger conditions, logging of analog and digital inputs. CCP/XCP measurements and diagnostic requests for reading out internal ECU data are also configured with this program. LEDs can be set to indicate individual events. The Vector Logger Suite supports reading out the logged data and converting it to a variety of logging formats for the various target groups. In addition, the logging files can be easily exported from archived raw data (ZIP format) to other formats or with additional options – even later on.

The Vector Logging Exporter is a separate program for readout stations that enables convenient and intuitive conversion of the logged data of all Vector loggers in the necessary target formats for the various target groups. The program is included in the scope of delivery.

The Vector Logging Exporter automatically determines the logger type and the associated analysis package from the logging files. The data is selectively read from the connected logger, card reader, or a directory on a hard disk or server. You can quickly select the export settings for each target group using preset conversion profiles. With the Vector Logging Exporter, you thus provide the logged data promptly in the desired target formats to all target groups. In addition, the logging files can be easily exported from archived raw data (ZIP format) to other formats or with additional options – even later on.