Gamry Interface 5000 - User I;O Connector; Sync Port

Panel Indicators and Connectors
52
User I/O Connector
The User I/O connector contains digital signals used to connect external devices to the Interface 5000. All of its
signals are referenced to earth ground so their connection does not compromise the Interface 5000 ground
isolation.
A full description of this connector is in Appendix C of this manual. This appendix includes details such as
connector pin-out, output and input voltage levels, and full signal descriptions.
The following list is a short description of the signals in the User I/O Connector and their uses:
• Four digital outputs can be used to turn on external devices under control of an Explain experimental
control script.
• Some of Gamry applications assign three of the digital outputs to control stirring, flow of de-aeration
gas, and formation of mercury drops on a mercury-drop electrode.
• Four digital inputs that can be read in an Explain experimental control script.
• An analog output voltage. The output is generated by a 12-bit digital-to-analog converter with an
output span from 0 to 4.096 V.
• This connector includes a 5 V power supply that can provide up to 50 mA of current for external
circuitry.
Sync Port
The Sync Port is used when several Interface 5000 instruments need to be operated with a common clock and
simultaneous data-acquisition. It is an 8-pin mini-DIN connector.
Simultaneous operation is only required when several instruments are connected to a single electrochemical
cell. Examples include rotating ring-disk voltammetry, series flow cells, localized EIS systems, and
electrochemical microscopy. In these examples, data-acquisition starts and stops on all the system’s
potentiostats simultaneously, and any excitation signals are closely coupled to data-acquisition.
Simultaneous operation is generally not required when instruments are connected to different electrochemical
cells. A good example is parallel testing of batteries. You might want to start a number of tests simultaneously,
but the tests need not remain synchronous and they can end independently.
A full description of the Sync Port is in Appendix C of this manual.
Caution: Floating operation of Interface 5000 can be compromised by improper
connections to the User I/O Connector. We do not recommend use of standard 15-pin shielded cables
with this connector. Custom cables with the shield connected to pin 6 of the D-connector are preferred.