The 550 is fast, powerful, and incredibly affordable. It offers half the ports and many of the same features as our 850 Interface in a smaller package.
See the Buying Guide for this item's required, recommended, and additional accessories.
Product Summary
The 550 Universal Interface is fast, powerful, and incredibly affordable. The cost-effective 550 offers half the ports and many of the same features as our 850 Universal Interface, including both Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The 550 Universal Interface includes two PASPORT sensor ports, two digital sensor ports, two analog sensor ports, and a built-in signal generator.
The 550’s two digital inputs are compatible with all ScienceWorkshop digital sensors, as well as timing devices, and photogates. The two analog ports connect with our analog ScienceWorkshop sensors and can support a 2.0 MHz max sampling rate and 1.22 mV resolution for voltage sensing.
The 550’s built-in signal generator powers motors, speakers, circuits, and many other devices. With PASCO Capstone software and the 550, you can control various DC and AC waveforms, without requiring any other technology. The 550 provides 8V at 400 mA, selectable voltage limits, built-in voltage and current measurements, and DC offset. Capstone software turns the 550 into a live oscilloscope that can display simultaneous traces.
Beyond having USB 2.0 connectivity, the 550 can also send data wirelessly to any Bluetooth enabled computer, iPad, or Android tablet using PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue software.
Features
- USB or Bluetooth Connection
- 3.2 W power amplifier
- 2.0 MHz max sampling rate
- 100 kHz signal generator with built-in Voltage and Current sensors
- Compatible with PASPORT, ScienceWorkshop, and Wireless Sensors
- 2 high-speed analog inputs
- 2 digital inputs for photogates and other timing sensors
- 2 PASPORT sensor inputs
- Can be used simultaneously with other PASPORT interfaces
- Uses Capstone Software or SPARKvue Software
Typical Experiments
- Newton’s Laws
- Conservation of Momentum
- Brewster’s Angle
- DC and AC Circuit Analysis
- Simple Harmonic Motion Oscillator/Driver
Product Specifications
| 2 High-Speed Analog Inputs |
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| 2 Digital Inputs |
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| 2 PASPORT Inputs |
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| Signal Generator |
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Software Required
This product requires PASCO software for data collection and analysis. We recommend the following option(s). For more information on which is right for your classroom, see our Software Comparison: SPARKvue vs. Capstone »
Buying Guide
| Requires One Of These | P/N | Price |
|---|---|---|
| SPARKvue Software | -- | -- |
| PASCO Capstone Software | -- | -- |
| Recommended Accessories | P/N | Price |
|---|---|---|
| NewUniversal 550 Physics Experiment Bundle | UI-5830 | $4,999 |
| Universal 550 Physics Experiment Manual | UI-5831 | $36 |
| Voltage Sensor (shrouded) | UI-5110 | $27 |
Product Guides
PASCO Interfaces Comparison
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.
Experiment Library
Perform the following experiments and more with the 550 Universal Interface.
Visit PASCO's Experiment Library to view more activities.
Electric Field Mapping
The purpose of this qualitative activity is to introduce the students to the concept of a field and to make the idea of the electric field more concrete by examining a number of examples. A number of rules about the electric field...
Interference of Sound Waves
The purpose of this activity is to measure and analyze the behavior of two sounds that combine to produce beats. This activity also examines the relationship between the beat frequency and the frequencies of the two interfering...
Uncertainty and Error Analysis
In this lab, you will learn to observe and record the uncertainty in measuring the diameter and circumference of four different sized disks.
Specific Heat
A temperature sensor is used to measure the temperature change of a volume of warm water when a cold piece of metal is placed in it. The data will be used to determine the total amount of heat transferred from the warmer water...
Ohm's Law
The purpose of this experiment is to verify Ohm’s Law for commercially manufactured resistors and to examine the limits of validity for Ohm’s Law. The behavior of resistors, a diode, and a light bulb are examined.
Boyle's Law
This lab uses the Ideal Gas Law Apparatus syringe to examine Boyle's Law. Using this apparatus, you will hold the temperature of a gas constant while changing the volume of the gas and measuring the volume and the absolute pressure.
Support Documents
| Manuals | ||
|---|---|---|
| 550 Universal Interface Reference Guide | English - 934.44 KB | |
| Knowledge Base | ||
| How do I connect a PASCO Bluetooth 2.0 wireless interface to a Windows computer? | Dec 18th, 2019 | |
| Square Wave & Positive Square Wave not working on 850 or 550 interface in Capstone 2.0 | Mar 9th, 2020 | |
