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.
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 | 850 Universal Interface | |
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Ports |
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Connectivity |
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USB connection to computers |
Software | SPARKvue (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Chromebooks) or PASCO Capstone (Windows/Mac only) | PASCO Capstone (Windows/Mac only) |
Sensors |
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|
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.