Introduction
UI-5001
®
®
2
013-14545A
Introduction
Interface
The PASCO
®
550 Universal Interface is a multi-port data collection interface designed for use with
any PASCO sensor and PASCO Data Collection software (available separately). Users can plug a
sensor into one of the six input ports on the interface, perform the necessary setup in the Data
Collection software and then begin collecting data. The software records, displays and analyzes the
data measured by the sensor.
The 550 Universal Interface comes with a universal serial bus (USB) cable for connecting to a USB
port, and a power supply (adapter with power cord) that converts input of 100 to 240 volts, alternating
current (100 to 240V AC) to output of 15 volts, direct current, at two amps (15V DC at 2 A)
The 550 Universal Interface can also connect wirelessly to a Bluetooth-compatible computer or tablet.
The 550 Universal Interface has a built-in signal generator and power output. The power output ports
provide up to 3.2 watts (W) of power. The interface can output direct current (DC) or alternating
current (AC) in a variety of waveforms such as sine, square, and sawtooth. The interface has built-in
voltage and current sensors that measure the output signal.
(Please note that the 550 Universal Interface is not compatible with the PASCO CI-6552A Power
Amplifier because there is no ‘signal output’ from the DIN plug ports.)
Note:
The 550 Universal Interface is compatible with all PASCO PASPORT sensors and
ScienceWorkshop
sensors. The PASPORT sensors have a “PS-” prefix, and the
ScienceWorkshop
sensors have a “CI-”, “ME-”, “SN-”, or “TD-” prefix. See the PASCO web site at www.pasco.com for
more information about the sensors.
Computer Requirements for the 550 Universal Interface
Windows
®
-Based Computers:
Windows™ XP SP2 (or higher), 2 GHz (or higher) processor,
200 MB (megabytes) available disk space, 2 GB (gigabytes) RAM (random access memory), display
size 1024 by 768.
[
The interface cannot be used with Windows 3.1, 95, ME, 2000, or NT 4.0].
Macintosh Computers:
Mac OS X 10.6 (or higher), Intel CPU, 100 MB available disk space,
2 GB RAM.
General Operation Requirements and Setup
A. Operation Requirements and Precautions
a) The 550 Universal Interface requires PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue software.
b) The included power supply (AC adapter) is required for operation. Always plug the power cord of
the AC adapter into a standard, grounded wall outlet.
WARNING:
The interface is not water-proof. To avoid the risk of shock, keep the interface,
AC adapter, and cable away from water and liquids. If conducting an experiment with liquids or water,
