GLB-UniLog: A Time-Tagged Data Recording Software for Time and Frequency Applications

Measuring the values of any parameter is an integral part of scientific experiments and device testing. Large datasets collected over a long period need an automated measurement process and validation of the collected data. Test and Measurement (T&M) devices are used for such data collection, and suitable software is required to automate the data recording with the help of personal computers (PC). Many available commercial software or software utilities are used for this purpose, but these have limitations. This work presents the details of a new user-friendly software, GLB-UniLog, in a Windows environment, developed using Python language that can be used for automated data collection from any Virtual Instrument Software Architecture (VISA)-enabled T&M device into a PC with extremely low computer resource load. The software can collect, visualize, and statistically analyze the incoming data stream in real-time and record the data with efficient time stamping into a designated data file. The software also provides the facility to check any missing or repeated data in the collected dataset to ensure the quality of the data before further processing and to understand the device's limitations under test (DUT). Time and Frequency is one of the significant areas of concern in strategic applications, including those of the Test Range; GLB-UniLog is successfully tested in recording data from a Universal Time Interval Counter (TIC) that is used for studying the timing performance of a GNSS receiver. This paper details the software's features, advantages, and test results. The unique features of this software would be helpful for the T&M community, typically those involved in the Time and Frequency domain.