PASCO Interfaces Guide

We offer a variety of interfaces with diverse applications. Some of our products, such as the PASPORT and ScienceWorkshop sensors, require an interface, while others do not. This helpful page compares interface features, applications, and connectivity to help you decide which interface will serve you best. You may also wish to see a comparison table of our interfaces: PASCO Interfaces at a Glance.

PASPORT Sensor Compatible Interfaces

Connect any of the over 80 PASPORT sensors to your Mac or Windows computer, iPad, iPhone, Android tablet, Android phone, or Chromebook using any of the following PASPORT compatible interfaces.

An All-In-One Stand-Alone Datalogger for Wireless and PASPORT Sensors

  • Directly connect two PASPORT sensors to the LXi2.
  • Can connect via USB or Bluetooth® 4 Low Energy.
  • Comes with SPARKvue, Matchgraph!, and Spectrometry software.
  • Accepts all PASPORT sensors and most ScienceWorkshop sensors with the proper adapter.
  • Includes dedicated ports for temperature and voltage probes.
PASCO Spark LXi Datalogger Top View PASCO Spark LXi Datalogger Bottom View

Wireless Sensor Links for PASPORT (Blue) Sensors

  • Connect a single PASPORT sensor to your Mac or Windows computer, Chromebook, iPad, iPhone, Android tablet or smartphone.
  • Can connect via USB or Bluetooth® 4 Low Energy
  • Compatible with SPARKvue and PASCO Capstone software.
  • Accepts all PASPORT sensors and most ScienceWorkshop sensors with the proper adapter.
  • Connect two PASPORT sensors to your Mac or Windows computer, Chromebook, iPad, iPhone, Android tablet or smartphone.
  • Can connect via USB or Bluetooth® 2 Classic.
  • Compatible with SPARKvue and PASCO Capstone software.
  • Accepts all PASPORT sensors and most ScienceWorkshop sensors with the proper adapter.
  • Includes dedicated ports for temperature and voltage probes.

Universal Sensor Interfaces with Built-In Signal Generation and Power Supply

  • Compatible with Mac or Windows computer, Chromebook, iPad, iPhone, Android phone or tablet.
  • Can connect via USB or Bluetooth® 2 Classic.
  • Compatible with PASCO Capstone and SPARKvue software.
  • Directly accepts all PASPORT and ScienceWorkshop sensors.
  • Up to 2 MHz Analog sampling.
  • Includes 2 PASport, 2 analog, and 2 digital (photogate) sensor inputs.
  • ± 8 V @ 400 mA, 100 kHz signal generator.
  • Compatible with Mac or Windows computers.
  • Connects via USB.
  • Compatible with PASCO Capstone software.
  • Directly accepts all PASPORT and ScienceWorkshop sensors.
  • Up to 10 MHz analog sampling.
  • Includes 4 PASport, 4 analog, and 4 digital (photogate) sensor inputs.
  • ± 15V @ 1A, 100 kHz signal generator.
  • Dual High Frequency function generators.
  • External Trigger Input/Output.
  • 44-pin Expansion Port.

Comparing the 550 and 850 Universal Interfaces

Called "Universal" interfaces because they can accept both PASPORT (blue) and classic ScienceWorkshop (black) sensors directly, the 550 and 850 also boast unparalleled features and functionality.

The 550 Universal Interface is fast, flexible, and affordable, and it still has all the power you need to ignite student learning in your lab. The 550 is equipped with high-speed data collection, signal generation and power supply, FFTs, timers and more.

Unlike the 850 the 550 works with SPARKvue software and has bluetooth connectivity (as well as USB connectivity), making it the choice for use with tablets.

550 Universal Interface

The 850 Universal Interface has all the speed and power you need for your most demanding physics experiments. And it can replace most of the equipment in your physics lab including oscilloscopes, power supplies, timers, and function generators, multi-meters, and more.

850 Universal Interface
550 Universal Interface 850 Universal Interface
Ports
  • 2 high speed-analog inputs
  • 2 digital inputs for photogates and other timing devices
  • 2 PASPORT sensor inputs
  • 4 high speed-analog inputs
  • 4 digital inputs for photogates and other timing devices
  • 4 PASPORT sensor inputs
Connectivity
  • USB connection to computers and/or Chromebooks™
  • Bluetooth® connection to iPads®, Android™ tablets and supported computers.
USB connection to computers
Software SPARKvue (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Chromebooks) or PASCO Capstone (Windows/Mac only) PASCO Capstone (Windows/Mac only)
Sensors
  • Works with all ScienceWorkshop and PASPORT sensors.
  • Can be used along with other PASCO interfaces.
  • Note: Wireless Sensors and Smart Carts don't require an interface.
  • Works with all ScienceWorkshop and PASPORT sensors.
  • Can be used along with other PASCO interfaces.
  • Note: Wireless Sensors and Smart Carts don't require an interface.
Max Sampling Rate Up to 2 MHz on one channel 10 MHz on two channels simultaneously
Analog Input ±10 V, optional voltage gain 10x, 100x ±20 V, optional voltage gain 10x, 100x, 1000x
Signal Generator 400 mA at ±8 V, DC to 100 kHz #1: ±15 V at 1A, DC to 100 kHz
#2: 50 mA at ±10 V, DC to 500 kHz, independent
#3: 50 mA at ±10 V, DC to 500 kHz, independent

Interfaces play a central role in STEM experimentation, and are among one of the most important purchases a science educator can make. This chart compares the features, applications, and connectivity of our interfaces to help you choose your next interface with confidence.

AirLink SPARKlink Air SPARK LXi2 550 Universal 850 Universal
PASPORT Ports 1 2 2 2 4
Built-in Temp and Voltage No Yes Yes No No
Analog Inputs 0 0 0 2 (±10 V, optional gain voltage 10x, 100x) 4 (±20 V, optional gain voltage 10x, 100x, 1000x)
Digital Inputs 0 0 0 2 4
Connects via USB Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Connects via Bluetooth Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Rechargeable battery for cordless operation Yes Yes Yes No (AC adapter only) No (AC adapter only)
Works with PASCO Capstone Software Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Works with SPARKvue Software Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Accepts PASPORT Sensors Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Accepts ScienceWorkshop Sensors No* No* No* Yes Yes
Maximum Sampling Rate Sensor-dependent <1000 Hz Sensor-dependent <1000 Hz Sensor-dependent <100,000 Hz Up to 2 MHz on one channel 10 MHz on two channels simultaneously
Signal Generator N/A N/A N/A ±8 V, at 400 mA, DC to 100 kHz #1 ±15 V at 1 A, DC to 100 kHz
#2 & #3 ±10 V at 50 mA DC to 500 kHz, independent
Included Items USB Cable AC adapter, USB cable, fast response temperature probe, voltage probe AC adapter, USB cable, fast response temperature probe, voltage probe USB cable, power supply USB cable, power supply
Expansion Port No No No No 44-pin port with voltage outputs, analog inputs, and digital I/O channels
* The AirLink, SPARKlink Air, and SPARK LXi2 can accept most ScienceWorkshop sensors with the proper adapter, although they won’t have the same high maximum sample rates. One exception is the Sound Sensor (UI 5101), which is not recommended for use with an adapter.

Additional Resources

If you have additional questions regarding our equipment or software, contact PASCO Technical Support. We're here to help.