Gamry Interface 5000 User manual

Interface 5000
Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA
Operator’s Manual
Copyright 2015–2018 Gamry Instruments, Inc.
Revision 6.7
January 18, 2018
Gamry P/N 988-00034

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If You Have Problems
Please visit our service and support page at www.gamry.com/service-support/. This page contains information
on installation, software updates, and training. It also contains links to the latest available documentation. If you
are unable to locate the information you need from our website, you can contact us via email using the link
provided on our website. Alternatively, you can contact us one of the following ways:
Internet www.gamry.com/service-support/
Telephone [phone]:00 AM–5:00 PM, US Eastern Standard Time
[phone], Toll Free US and Canada Only
Please have your instrument model and serial numbers available, as well as any applicable software and
firmware revisions.
If you have problems in installation or use of a system containing an Interface 5000, please try to call from a
phone next to your computer, where you can type and read the screen while talking to us.
We will be happy to provide a reasonable level of free support for registered users of the Interface 5000
Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA. Reasonable support includes telephone assistance covering the normal
installation, use, and simple customization of a computerized system containing an Interface 5000 connected to
a Windows®-compatible computer.
A service contract that extends both the hardware warranty and software update period is available at an
additional charge. Software updates do not include software enhancements offered to our customers at
additional cost.
Enhancements to the Interface 5000 and Gamry’s standard applications software that require significant
engineering time on our part can be performed on a contract basis. Contact us with your requirements.

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Limited Warranty
Gamry Instruments, Inc. warrants to the original user of this product that it shall be free of defects resulting from
faulty manufacture of the product or its components for a period of two years from the original shipment date
of your purchase.
Gamry Instruments, Inc. makes no warranties regarding either the satisfactory performance of the Interface
5000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA including the software provided with this product or the fitness of the
product for any particular purpose. The remedy for breach of this Limited Warranty shall be limited solely to
repair or replacement, as determined by Gamry Instruments, Inc., and shall not include other damages.
Gamry Instruments, Inc. reserves the right to make revisions to the system at any time without incurring any
obligation to install same on systems previously purchased. All system specifications are subject to change
without notice.
There are no warranties which extend beyond the description herein. This warranty is in lieu of, and
excludes any and all other warranties or representations, expressed, implied or statutory, including
merchantability and fitness, as well as any and all other obligations or liabilities of Gamry Instruments,
Inc., including but not limited to, special or consequential damages.
This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have others, which vary from state to state.
Some states do not allow for the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages.
No person, firm or corporation is authorized to assume for Gamry Instruments, Inc., any additional obligation or
liability not expressly provided herein except in writing duly executed by an officer of Gamry Instruments, Inc.

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Disclaimers
Gamry Instruments, Inc. cannot guarantee that the Interface 5000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA will work with
all computer systems, operating systems, and third-party software applications hardware or software.
The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate as of the time of
release. However, Gamry Instruments, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors that might appear.
Copyrights
Interface 5000Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA Operator’s Manual copyright 2018, Gamry Instruments, Inc.,
all rights reserved.
Gamry Framework copyright 1989–2018, Gamry Instruments, Inc., all rights reserved.
Interface 5000, Reference 600, ECM8, Gamry Framework, and Gamryare trademarks of Gamry
Instruments, Inc.
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Gamry
Instruments, Inc.
Swagelok is a registered trademark of Swagelok Company. Windows, Vista, and Excel are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation.

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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Safety Considerations....................................................................................................9
Inspection.........................................................................................................................9
Product Safety ..................................................................................................................9
AC Mains Connection to the Power Brick ..........................................................................9
Grounding in the Interface 5000 .......................................................................................10
Operation with Earth-grounded Cells and Auxiliary Apparatus............................................11
Temperature and Ventilation.............................................................................................11
Defects and Abnormal Stresses..........................................................................................12
Environmental Limits.........................................................................................................12
Cleaning ...........................................................................................................................12
Service..............................................................................................................................13
RF Warning.......................................................................................................................13
Electrical Transient Sensitivity ............................................................................................13
CE Compliance .................................................................................................................14
RoHS Compliance.............................................................................................................14
Chapter 2: Introduction..................................................................................................................15
About this Manual.............................................................................................................15
About the Interface 5000 ..................................................................................................15
Software and Applications .................................................................................................16
Multichannel Potentiostat Systems.....................................................................................16
Front-Panel Customization ................................................................................................17
Notational Conventions.....................................................................................................17
Chapter 3: Installation....................................................................................................................19
Initial Visual Inspection .....................................................................................................19
Physical Location ..............................................................................................................19
Computer Requirements ...................................................................................................20
Quick Start Guide for System Installation...........................................................................20
Software Installation..........................................................................................................20
Reboot Your Computer after Software Installation..............................................................21
Power Cord and Power Connection ..................................................................................21
Power-up Test ..................................................................................................................22
USB Cables.......................................................................................................................23
Multiple Potentiostat Systems ............................................................................................23
Cell Cable Installation........................................................................................................24
Front-panel USB LED ........................................................................................................24
Running the Framework....................................................................................................25
Framework Device Status Bar............................................................................................25
Types of Interface 5000 instruments..................................................................................26
Authorization Codes and Label..........................................................................................26
Firmware Update..............................................................................................................26
The Interface 5000 Customization Label ...........................................................................27
Introduction to the Interface 5000 Customization Label........................................27
Label Sheet Provided with Each Interface 5000 ....................................................28
How to Change the Label on an Interface Family Potentiostat...............................28
Chapter 4: Calibration....................................................................................................................31
Introduction......................................................................................................................31
DC Calibration..................................................................................................................31
Cable Calibration ..............................................................................................................32
Procedure to calibrate the cable...........................................................................33

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Chapter 5: Cell Connections ..........................................................................................................37
Cell Cable Overview .........................................................................................................37
Ancillary Apparatus ..............................................................................................37
Fuses in the Cell Cable......................................................................................................37
Normal Cell Connections ..................................................................................................38
Three-Electrode Battery Connections.................................................................................39
ZRA Mode Cell Connections .............................................................................................40
Membrane Cell Connections.............................................................................................41
Fuses in the Cell Cable......................................................................................................41
Testing For Open Fuses........................................................................................43
Chapter 6: Panel Indicators and Connectors ...................................................................................45
Front Panel .......................................................................................................................45
Power Button ......................................................................................................45
The PWR LED .....................................................................................................45
Cell Connectors ...................................................................................................46
Monitor Connector ..............................................................................................47
The USB LED.......................................................................................................47
Cell On LED ........................................................................................................48
Overload LED......................................................................................................48
Personalization Label Area ...................................................................................49
Rear Panel ........................................................................................................................50
Power In Jack.......................................................................................................50
Chassis Ground....................................................................................................50
USB Port .............................................................................................................51
User I/O Connector .............................................................................................52
Sync Port.............................................................................................................52
Chapter 7: Instrument Circuitry ......................................................................................................53
Interface 5000 Schematic/Block Diagrams .........................................................................53
Appendix A: Interface 5000 Specifications .....................................................................................59
Appendix B: Interface 5000 Cell Connectors ..................................................................................65
Appendix C: I/O Connectors ..........................................................................................................67
User I/O Connector ..........................................................................................................67
Sync Port ..........................................................................................................................67
Monitor Connector ...........................................................................................................68
I Monitor Signal ...................................................................................................69
E Monitor Signal ..................................................................................................69
External Signal In .................................................................................................70
Temperature Monitor Signal.................................................................................70
Appendix D: Power LED Blink Codes and Error Messages...............................................................71
Blink Codes ......................................................................................................................71
Normal Start-up...................................................................................................71
Failure in an electronics module...........................................................................71
Severe problem ...................................................................................................71
Error Messages and Limitations..........................................................................................71
Appendix E: CE Certificate .............................................................................................................73
Declaration of Conformity.................................................................................................73
Appendix F: Heat in Interface 5000 Multichannel Systems .............................................................77
Introduction to Device Power-dissipation .........................................................................77
Potentiostat/Galvanostat Power Model ..............................................................................77
Discharging a Battery ........................................................................................................78
Single Interface 5000 ........................................................................................................79
Vertical Stacks...................................................................................................................79

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Interface Power Hub Systems............................................................................................79
Appendix G: Optional Interface 5000 Monitor Board .....................................................................81
Introduction......................................................................................................................81
Connectors .......................................................................................................................81
EXT SIG IN ..........................................................................................................81
AUX IN................................................................................................................81
E Monitor ............................................................................................................82
I Monitor .............................................................................................................82
RTD.....................................................................................................................82
Input (unlabeled) .................................................................................................82
Index.............................................................................................................................................83

Safety Considerations
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Chapter 1: Safety Considerations
Your Interface 5000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA has been supplied in a safe condition. This chapter of the
Interface 5000 Operator’s Manual contains information and warnings that you must follow to ensure continued
safe operation of the Interface 5000.
Inspection
When you receive your Interface 5000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA, inspect it for evidence of shipping
damage. If you observe any damage, please notify Gamry Instruments Inc. and the shipping carrier
immediately. Save the shipping container for possible inspection by the carrier.
Product Safety
The Interface 5000 has been designed, tested, and certified to meet the requirements of EN 61010, Safety
requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use. As defined in this standard,
it is a Category II apparatus, with any “hazardous live voltages”protected by “reinforced insulation”.
Most of the Interface 5000 circuitry operates at voltages low enough to be considered safe. The Interface 5000
contains a limited amount of internal circuitry that is at “hazardous live” voltage as defined in EN 61010 (the
standard mentioned above). “Reinforced insulation” (again defined in EN 61010) is used to reduce the risk of
electrical shock caused by this hazardous live voltage.
The majority of the Interface 5000’s circuitry does not contain voltages higher than 15 V DC. Generally input
and output voltages in the Interface 5000 are limited to ±9 V. This voltage level is considered safe.
The “AC Adapter” supplied with the Interface 5000 is certified under EN 60950. The AC Adapter converts the
AC mains voltage to 48 V DC, which is used to power the Interface 5000.
If your Interface 5000 is not installed in an Interface Power Hub (IPH), use the AC adapter (power brick)
supplied with your Interface 5000 to supply DC power to the instrument. If your Interface 5000 is installed in
an IPH, the IPH provides its power.
AC Mains Connection to the Power Brick
The Interface 5000 does not connect directly to an AC Mains supply. Instead, the mains are connected to a
desktop AC adapter (power brick), which outputs 48 V DC, which in turn powers the Interface 5000.
Caution: Use only Gamry-approved DC power sources with your Interface 5000. Other
power sources may alter the performance and/or safety characteristics of the Interface 5000.
If you power up the Interface 5000 with an Interface 1000 power supply, the unit may work at low
output currents. Operation at full power, however, is likely to cause abnormal operation; the problems
may be subtle. Use only the Interface 5000 power supply with the Interface 5000.
Warning: An Interface 5000 damaged in shipment can be a safety hazard. Do not operate
damaged apparatus until a qualified service technician has verified its safety. Tag a damaged Interface 5000
to indicate that it could be a safety hazard.

Safety Considerations
10
The Interface 5000 is normally provided with an AC line cord suitable for your location. This AC line cord
connects the AC mains to the AC power adapter. If your Interface 5000 has been provided without an AC line
cord, or a cord that is not compatible with your local AC mains socket, obtain a line cord certified for use in
your country. Contact your local Gamry Representative or email to [email protected] if you are
uncertain what AC line cord to use.
Grounding in the Interface 5000
The circuitry and the metal case of the Interface 5000 are not connected to an earth ground. If they were
connected to earth ground, it would compromise the Interface 5000’s ability to make measurements in
electrochemical cells that contain earth-grounded metal. A few examples of such cells include fuel cells, flow
batteries, and certain complex battery-packs.
Most electrochemical cells are isolated from earth ground, so isolation of the Interface 5000 from earth is not
required. In these cases, connection of the Interface 5000 chassis to an earth ground may lower the noise seen
in an electrochemical test. A Chassis Ground banana jack on the rear panel of the Interface 5000 easily
implements this connection. Simply run a wire from this binding post to a suitable source of earth ground. A
black 1.2-meter banana-to-banana lead is provided with the Interface 5000 to facilitate this connection.
This connection of the Interface 5000 to an earth ground is not a “Protective Earth Ground” as defined in EN
61010. The Interface 5000 is safe in the absence of this connection.
This binding post is not intended for any use other than connecting the Interface 5000 to an earth ground to
improve shielding against noise. Connecting this binding post to a hazardous voltage can create a significant
safety hazard.
Sources of earth ground include
• Most metal water pipes,
• The chassis of most electronic apparatus (which are generally earth-grounded), and
• The protective ground terminal of an AC mains power plug.
We recommend that you discuss grounding with an electrical or electronics professional prior to making this
earth-ground connection.
The Interface 5000’s AC Adapter is rated for operation from 100 to 240 V AC, 47 to 63 Hz.
It should therefore be useful throughout the world.
Warning: Do not connect the chassis ground binding post to any voltage other than
earth ground. An improper connection can create a safety hazard, which could result in personal injury or
death.

Safety Considerations
11
The Interface 5000 contains surge suppressors that limit the voltage difference between the Interface 5000’s
chassis ground and earth ground to about 28 V. These surge suppressors are not part of the safety mechanisms
in the Interface 5000. Instead they are present to limit the possibility of improper instrument operation or
instrument damage due to electrostatic discharge (static electricity) and other surge events such as lightning.
Operation with Earth-grounded Cells and Auxiliary Apparatus
As described above, the Interface 5000 circuitry is isolated from earth ground, allowing it to make
measurements on cells that include an earth ground. This ground isolation is often called floating operation.
Cells with earth ground include many fuel cells, flow batteries, and certain complex battery-packs.
Connection of the Interface 5000 to auxiliary apparatus will often earth-ground the Interface 5000, destroying
its ability to float and make measurements on earth-grounded cells. Connection of the Monitor Connector to
an oscilloscope is an example where the instrument is earthed.
The User I/O connector must be connected with care. Connection of the User I/O connector to earth-
grounded apparatus can easily earth-ground the Interface 5000. The metal shell on the Interface 5000 User I/O
Connector is connected to the instrument’s chassis which is a floating ground. In a system that needs isolation
from earth ground, the shield of your I/O cable must not connect the D-connector’s metal shell to earth ground.
Reference all user I/O signals to pin 6 of the D-connector, which is an earth ground on the Interface 5000.
Temperature and Ventilation
Your Interface 5000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA was designed for indoor use at ambient temperatures
between 0C and 45C.
The Interface 5000 uses forced-air cooling to keep the Interface 5000 components within their operating
temperature range. Most of the air needed to cool the Interface 5000 enters the chassis through holes in its
bottom plate. Some air also enters the chassis from small slots on the right side of the chassis (as viewed from
the front of the instrument).
The fan within the Interface 5000 has two operating speeds with different audible noise levels. The Interface
5000 normally operates with the slower, quieter fan setting. The fan switches to a higher speed when the
Interface 5000’s internal heat sink gets hotter than 50C.
The cooling air flows through a heat sink mounted inside the chassis. The air exits through a large array of slots
on the left side of the instrument.
Caution: The surge suppressors can be irreparably damaged by non-transient voltages
that exceed their threshold voltage of ±28 V. In the worst case this can cause catastrophic failure of the
system. Do not connect an Interface 5000 to a cell in a battery or fuel cell stack when the cell voltage is far
from earth ground.
Caution: Floating operation of the Interface 5000 can be compromised by improper cables
to your 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.

Safety Considerations
12
Be careful when operating the Interface 5000 in an enclosed space (such as an enclosed relay rack or NEMA
enclosure). The temperature within the enclosure must not exceed 45C. You may need to provide ventilation
holes or even forced air-cooling for the enclosed space if excessive temperature rise occurs.
Defects and Abnormal Stresses
Treat your Interface 5000 as potentially hazardous if any of the following is true of the unit:
•It shows visible damage,
•It does not operate properly,
•It has been stored for a long period of time under unfavorable conditions,
•It has been dropped or subjected to severe transport stress,
•It has been subjected to environmental stress (corrosive atmosphere, fire, etc.).
Do not use your Interface 5000 or any other apparatus if you think it could be hazardous. Have it checked by
qualified service personnel.
Environmental Limits
Note that there are environmental limit conditions on the storage, shipping and operation of this equipment.
The Interface 5000 has not been designed for outdoor use.
Storage
Ambient temperature
–40C to 75C
Relative humidity
Maximum 90% non-condensing
Shipping
Same as storage plus
Acceleration
Maximum 30 G
Operation
Ambient temperature
0C to 45C
Relative humidity
Maximum 90% non-condensing
Cleaning
Disconnect the Interface 5000 from all power sources prior to cleaning.
Use a cloth lightly dampened with either clean water or water containing a mild detergent, to clean the outside
of the Interface 5000 enclosure. Alternatively, you may use isopropyl alcohol. Do not use a wet rag or allow
Warning: The Interface 5000 is not designed for operation in conditions where liquid water
may enter the chassis, or water vapor may condense within the chassis. Operation of an Interface 5000 that
has water within the chassis can create a safety hazard, which could result in personal injury or death.
Caution: Do not block the airflow into or out of the Interface 5000 chassis. The circuitry is
thermally protected so over-temperature will cause the instrument to enter a shut-down state. If shut-down
occurs during data-acquisition, experimental data could be lost. Running the Interface 5000 without
adequate cooling could also shorten the time to failure of some of the circuitry.

Safety Considerations
13
fluid to enter the Interface 5000 enclosure. Do not immerse the Interface 5000 in any type of cleaning fluid
(including water). Do not use any abrasive cleaners.
Service
Your Interface 5000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA has no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer all service to a
qualified service technician.
RF Warning
The Interface 5000 has been tested for both radiated and conducted RF interference and for immunity to RF
fields, and has been found to be in compliance with FCC Part 18 and EN 61326:1998—Electrical equipment
for measurement, control, and laboratory use—EMC Requirements.
However, your Interface 5000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA still does generate some radio-frequency energy.
The radiated levels are low enough that the Interface 5000 should not create an interference problem in most
industrial laboratory environments.
Your Interface 5000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA may also respond to environmental radio-frequency energy.
We recommend you avoid using mobile phones and other radio-frequency equipment in the same room as an
Interface 5000. The Interface 5000 circuitry has been tested for operation in high-intensity RF fields and has
demonstrated little response to those fields. However, there is no guarantee that the electrochemical cell and its
connections will not respond to RF fields. This response most often appears as DC shifts in a cell’s response
caused by rectification of the RF signal.
A Faraday cage surrounding your cell may be used to minimize the effect of environmental RF fields. If your cell
is isolated from earth ground, Gamry recommends connecting your Interface 5000 to earth ground, and then
connecting the Faraday cage to the Interface 5000’s floating ground (the black lead on the cell cable).
Electrical Transient Sensitivity
Your Interface 5000 Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA was designed to offer reasonable immunity from electrical
transients, including transients on the incoming AC mains supply and electrostatic discharge. It has been tested
for compliance with EN 61326:1998—Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use—EMC
Requirements describing acceptable limits for electrical transient susceptibility in laboratory test equipment. It
should continue to operate when subject to the standard ESD and power-line events defined in EN 61326.
In severe cases involving transients beyond the limits tested in EN 61326, the Interface 5000 could still
malfunction as a result of electrical transients. If you are having problems in this regard, the following steps may
help:
If the problem is static electricity (sparks are apparent when you touch the Interface 5000 or its cables):
•Try placing your Interface 5000 on a static-control work surface. Static-control work surfaces are now
generally available from computer-supply houses and electronics-tool suppliers. An antistatic floor mat
may also help, particularly if a carpet is involved in generating the static electricity.
•Air-ionizers or even simple air-humidifiers can reduce the voltage available in static discharges.
Warning: Never operate the Interface 5000 with any cover or panel on the chassis
open. Dangerous voltages may be present at several points within the Interface 5000 chassis, including PC
board traces. Always remove the power connection before opening the Interface 5000 case.

Safety Considerations
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If the problem is AC power-line transients (often from large electrical motors near the Interface 5000):
•Try plugging your Interface 5000 into a different AC power branch circuit.
•Plug your Interface into a power-line surge-suppressor. Inexpensive surge-suppressors are now
generally available because of their use with computer equipment.
Contact Gamry Instruments, Inc. if these measures do not solve the problem.
CE Compliance
The European Community has instituted standards limiting radio-frequency interference emitted by electronic
devices, setting limits for susceptibility of apparatus to RF energy and transient events, and mandating safety
requirements. Gamry Instruments, Inc. has designed and tested the Interface 5000 to comply with these
standards.
The relevant CE regulations include EN 61010 and EN 61326.
RoHS Compliance
The Interface 5000 is built using lead-free components and lead-free solder. It is in compliance with the
European RoHS initiative.

Introduction
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Chapter 2: Introduction
About this Manual
This manual covers the installation, safety, and use of the Gamry Instruments Interface 5000
Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA.
This manual describes use of an Interface 5000 with Revision 6.3 (and later revisions) of the Gamry Framework
software. It is equally useful when setting up a newly-purchased potentiostat or modifying the setup of an older
potentiostat for use with new software.
Chapter 1 was an in-depth discussion of safety issues. This chapter describes this manual and gives a brief
overview of the Interface 5000 features. Chapter 3 contains Interface 5000 installation instructions. Chapter 4
describes cell cable-connections, and Chapter 5 describes the Interface 5000’s front and rear panels. Chapter 6
is a description of the electronic circuitry in the Interface 5000.
You will find technical material such as specifications and connector pin-outs in the Appendices. Appendix E
discusses heat-generation in multiple-potentiostat systems based on the Interface 5000 and makes
recommendations for heat-management.
This manual discusses software installation and software operation in some detail. The installation is written
assuming installation using Revision 6.3 of Gamry’s Framework software. Installation is also described in
Gamry’s Quick-Start Installation Guide for USB Potentiostats.
Software support for the Interface 5000 is described in the Gamry Help system.
All Gamry Instruments applications running under the Gamry Framework control the Interface 5000 via a
PSTAT object. See the Framework’s Help for information concerning PSTAT objects and their functions.
About the Interface 5000
The Interface 5000 is a value-oriented, research-grade electrochemical instrument packaged in a small, easy-to-
handle case. It works particularly well in systems with multiple instruments connected to one computer. It offers
measurement capabilities similar or superior to those of instruments that are more than ten times its size and
weight and more than three times its price.
The Interface 5000 excels at laboratory testing of small- to medium-sized single-cell energy-storage and power-
conversion devices. Such devices include batteries, electrical double-layer capacitors, fuel cells, and
photovoltaic cells. The Interface 5000 can apply and measure currents from 5 A to ~0.05 µA.
The Interface 5000 can operate as a potentiostat, a galvanostat, or a ZRA (zero-resistance ammeter).
Features of the Interface 5000 include:
•Six-decade current auto-ranging,
•Electrical isolation from earth ground,
•Current-interrupt iR compensation, and
•Both analog and digital filtering.
The Interface 5000 has a special feature to improve its ability to discharge batteries. See Appendix E for details.
The Interface 5000 compliance voltage is normally ±6.5 V. The Framework software, when discharging a
battery, lowers one side of the instrument’s compliance to 2.3 V. This greatly reduces power-dissipation and
heat generation in the instrument, allowing 5 A current flow in a compact package.
A sine-wave generator on the Interface 5000 allows the instrument to make accurate impedance measurements
at frequencies up to 1 MHz. EIS performance is good for low-impedance systems (such as low-ESR electrical
double-layer capacitors).

Introduction
16
Data can be acquired at frequencies up to 100 000 points per second.
A unique DSP (Digital Signal Processing) data-acquisition mode allows the Interface 5000 to reject noise, from
the instrument itself, from the electrochemical cell, and from the lab environment. In many cases where other
instruments require a cell in a Faraday shield to make quiet measurements, the Interface 5000 can be used
with the cell exposed on a bench top.
The Interface 5000, like all Gamry potentiostats, requires a computer for its use. The Interface 5000 connects to
this computer through a USB connection. The USB connection has become truly universal, with USB ports
found on all modern computers. Gamry Windows®-based software currently supports up to 16 Gamry
Potentiostats connected to one computer. A system can include a mixture of Gamry Reference and Interface-
family instruments.
The Interface 5000 is isolated from earth ground. You therefore can use it to make measurements on cells that
contain an earth-grounded metal. A few of the many examples of such systems are fuel cells, flow batteries, and
certain complex battery-packs.
Software and Applications
The Interface 5000 supports all Gamry electrochemical applications software, including the Gamry
Electrochemical Energy software. The Electrochemical Energy software was not supported on several older, low-
cost instruments.
The Interface 5000 is particularly useful in laboratories where high-test throughput is required. Multiple
Interface 5000s can be used to configure flexible multichannel systems, where the number of potentiostats in
each system can vary as needed. For example, a dozen Interface 5000s in a lab can be used as one eight-
potentiostat multichannel system and four stand-alone systems in one week, then used as two six-potentiostat
multichannel systems the next week.
Typical applications for the Interface 5000 include:
•Research in electrochemical storage and conversion, and
•Battery and electrochemical capacitor evaluation.
Multichannel Potentiostat Systems
The Interface 5000 can form several different types of multiple-potentiostat systems. You can mix Interface
5000s and Interface 1000s in all systems.
In one type of system, multiple Interface 5000 units are simply stacked on top of each other. The Interface
5000 chassis was designed for easy and secure stacking. The rubber feet on the bottom of one instrument mate
with indentations in the top of the instrument below.
In this type of system, each Interface 5000 is powered by an individual AC Adapter, which, in turn, can be
powered by a multiple output AC power strip. The multiple USB connections for the system can be obtained
from an inexpensive commercial USB hub. We do not recommend bus-powered hubs in these systems.
In a more formal, less-cluttered system, you can add multiple Interface 5000 units to a special Gamry-supplied
rack called the Interface Power Hub. This smart rack arranges units side-by-side and takes care of power and
USB connections. Individual units can still be easily added and removed as required.
In some multiple potentiostat systems, users want synchronized operation of several potentiostats. This is often
desirable when multiple units are connected to one electrochemical cell. Examples of this include ring-disk
systems, series-connected laminar-flow generation-detection systems, localized EIS, and electrochemical
microscopy.
A special synchronization port (Sync port) on the rear of each Interface 5000 allows one Master instrument to
control the clocks and data-acquisition timing of multiple Serf instruments. The Master can even generate sine

Introduction
17
waves used for EIS experiments and the Serfs can acquire very accurate EIS data derived from the Master’s
excitation waveform. Additional information concerning synchronization cables can be found in Appendix C.
Heat can be an issue in a multichannel potentiostat system. This subject is discussed in detail in Appendix E of
this manual.
Front-Panel Customization
The Interface 5000 supports a custom labeling scheme for identifying potentiostats in a multiple-potentiostat
system. A clear window in the plastic overlay on the Interface 5000’s front panel lets you create your own
identification of each potentiostat in a system.
Interface 5000s are shipped with an identifier in this label location. For individual instruments, this label is the
serial number. In larger multichannel systems, this might be Pstat 1, Pstat 2, Pstat3, etc. See Chapter 4 for more
details.
Notational Conventions
In order to make this manual more readable we have adopted some notational conventions. These are used
throughout this manual and all other Gamry Instruments manuals:
•Numbered lists. A numbered list is reserved for step-by-step procedures, with the steps always
performed sequentially.
•Bulleted list. The items in a bulleted list, such as this one, are grouped together because they represent
similar items. The order of items in the list is not critical.
•File names and folders. Inside paragraphs, references to computer files and Windows folders will be
capitalized and placed within quotes, for example: “C:\MYGAMRYDATA\CV.DTA”and
“GAMRY5.INI”.
The term Interface 5000 is generally written in place of the more correct but awkward term Interface 5000
Potentiostat/Galvanostat/ZRA.

Introduction
18

Installation
19
Chapter 3: Installation
This chapter of the Gamry Instruments Inc. Interface 5000 Operator’s Manual covers normal installation of the
Interface 5000. We assume the Interface 5000 is installed as part of a Gamry Framework-based electrochemical
measurement system containing a Microsoft Windows®-compatible computer.
Figure 3-1
Front View of an Interface 5000
Initial Visual Inspection
After you remove your Interface 5000 from its shipping carton, check it for any signs of shipping damage. If you
observe any damage, please notify Gamry Instruments, Inc. and the shipping carrier immediately. Save the
shipping container for possible inspection by the carrier.
Physical Location
Normally users place their Interface 5000 on a flat workbench surface. Keep easy access to the rear of the
instrument because some cable connections are made from the rear. The Interface 5000 is generally operated
in a flat position (see Figure 3-1). Operation in other orientations is possible as long as you insure that air
movement through the chassis is not restricted.
Warning: The “reinforced insulation” that keeps the operator from accessing the
“hazardous live” voltages in the Interface 5000 can be rendered ineffective if the Interface 5000 is damaged
in shipment. Do not operate damaged apparatus until a qualified service technician has verified its safety.
Tag a damaged Interface 5000 to indicate that it could be a safety hazard.
If the Interface 5000 is taken from a cold location (for example outdoors in winter conditions) to a warm,
humid location, water vapor may condense on the cold surfaces inside the Interface 5000, possibly creating
a hazardous condition. Before connecting power to a “cold” Interface 5000, allow at least one hour for the
Interface 5000 to warm at room temperature.

Installation
20
If you place your Interface 5000 within an enclosed space, make sure that the internal temperature within that
space does not exceed 45C, the maximum ambient temperature for the Interface 5000. Be particularly careful
if a computer or other heat-dissipating equipment is mounted in the same enclosure as the Interface 5000.
The Interface 5000 is not designed for outdoor use.
Computer Requirements
Before you connect an Interface 5000 to a computer, you must make sure that your computer meets these
requirements:
•A computer based on one of the x86 or x64 families ofIntel microprocessors, or a 100%-
compatible processor from another vendor,
•Microsoft®Windows 7 or higher is required. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of these operating
systems are supported. See the Gamry website “www.gamry.com” if you have a newer edition of
Windows®.
•A USB port that supports Full Speed (12 Mbits/second) or High Speed (480 Mbits/second) USB
transfers. It must be compatible with Revision 1.1 or Revision 2.0 of the USB specification.
Quick Start Guide for System Installation
Your shipment should have included a document entitled Quick-Start Installation Guide - USB Potentiostat.
It contains the latest instructions for installing Gamry hardware and software onto a computer system. If this
document is missing, you can find it on www.gamry.com. The Quick-start Guide found at www.gamry.com
contains the latest information concerning system installation, so the information provided below is always
subject to change.
Software Installation
The Interface 5000 is compatible with the Windows®Plug & Play configuration system. Like most Plug & Play
hardware, it is best if you install the software for the Interface 5000 before you install the potentiostat
hardware.
Gamry’s software can be installed from a physical medium such as a DVD or a pre-programmed software flash
drive, or it can installed via an Internet download. The most up-to-date download can be found on
www.gamry.com.
If you install from a physical medium, Gamry Software Setup program will normally start automatically when
you place the Gamry Instrument’s installation medium into your computer.
An Internet download of Gamry’s software will download a self-extracting .EXE file. Running this file will extract
the software and begin the same installation process as you get with a physical medium.
If you have inserted the Gamry DVD or flash drive into your computer and the Gamry Setup program does not
start automatically:
Caution: Do not block the airflow into or out of the Interface 5000 chassis. The Interface
5000 will enter a power-down state if it becomes overheated. If this occurs during data-acquisition, you
may lose experimental data.