MadgeTech Blog

The Importance of Pre- and Post-Trigger Data

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To make the most out of the maximum memory capacity, a data logger is oftentimes programmed to start recording at a given time or threshold. However, to gain a complete overview of the event, the data logger should not only provide data for the specified trigger time but pre- and post-trigger data as well.

Typically, data loggers and data acquisition systems give users the option to enable/disable and select the number of pre- and post-trigger samples. Pre- and post-trigger data is often vital in detecting and identifying deviations that are responsible for triggering for the event in question.

The main purpose of the pre-trigger is to signal the start of the event, but it can also provide insight of the moments leading up to the event. The buffer period after the event is the post-trigger. This data not only ensures the event is entirely captured but is essential for analyzing the outcome of the event.

Knowing the circumstances before and after an event can be extremely helpful, especially when troubleshooting. When a threshold is unknown, pre- and post-trigger data is crucial for pinpointing an event and analyzing the root cause.


MadgeTech offers a variety of data logging solutions for any application with free software included. To find the ideal data logger for your application, call us at (603) 456-2011 or email [email protected].

To customize trigger settings for your MadgeTech data logger, click here.

About MadgeTech Marketing:

Founded in 1996, MadgeTech takes pride in maintaining our production process entirely out of our headquarters in Warner, New Hampshire. Proudly known as an industry expert, MadgeTech data logging solutions are sold in more than 100 countries around the world to the world’s most regulated industries, providing the validation needed for compliance and quality control.