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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
General Properties of Diodes
The purpose of this experiment is to investigate the characteristic curves (I vs. V) of various types of diodes and to determine their “turn-on” voltages.
Resonance in Air Columns
A sine wave generator drives an open speaker to create a standing sound wave in a resonance tube. The driving frequency and the length of the tube are varied to study their relationship to wavelength and the speed of the sound...
Introduction to Measurement
The purpose of this experiment is to measure the period of a simple pendulum and to use scientific methods to determine the relationships between the period of a pendulum and its length, its mass, and the amplitude of its motion.
Light Intensity versus Distance
The relative light intensity versus distance from a point light source is plotted. As the Light Sensor is moved by hand, the string attached to the Light Sensor that passes over the Rotary Motion Sensor pulley to a hanging mass...
Atwood's Machine
In a study of an Atwood’s Machine apparatus, a photogate is used to measure the velocity of both hanging masses as one moves up and the other moves down. The slope of the graph of velocity vs. time is the acceleration of the...
Physical Pendulum
A rod oscillates as a physical pendulum. The period is measured directly by the Rotary Motion Sensor, and the value is compared to the theoretical period calculated from the dimensions of the pendulum.
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 | |
