Network Metrology Standard SMA(f) Demonstrator kit and carry case

The Network Metrology Standard SMA(f) Demonstrator Kit, product code PQ187, combines the essential accessories required to calibrate and independently verify a PicoVNA measurement setup.

The official kit contains:

• 2 × TA336 N(m)-SMA(m) standard VNA test leads
• 1 × TA345 Standard SMA(f) SOLT calibration kit
• 1 × TA431 SMA(f-f) non-insertable check standard
• Serial-number-specific reference data for TA345 and TA431
• USB memory containing the reference data
• Protective carry case
• Network Metrology Training Kit documentation and supporting files

The PQ187 does not include a PicoVNA instrument. It is an accessory and metrology kit designed to be used with a suitable VNA.

VNA Calibration and Independent Verification

A major advantage of the PQ187 is that it provides equipment for both calibration and verification.

The TA345 SOLT calibration kit establishes the VNA error correction at the measurement reference planes.

The TA431 check standard then provides an independent way to verify whether the calibrated VNA, test leads and complete measurement setup are producing results consistent with the standard's characterised reference data.

This can help identify problems such as:

• Incorrect SOLT calibration
• Test-lead movement after calibration
• Connector contamination
• Incorrect connector torque
• Reference-plane errors
• Damaged RF cables
• Measurement drift
• Incorrect calibration data
• Unexpected changes in the measurement system

This distinction is important. The SOLT kit performs calibration, while the check standard is used to verify the resulting calibrated measurement setup.

Two TA336 Standard VNA Test Leads

PQ187 includes two TA336 standard 8.5 GHz test leads.

Each TA336 uses:

• N-type male connector at the VNA end
• SMA male connector at the measurement end
• 50 Ω RF architecture
• Standard professional-grade construction
• Phase-stable design for VNA measurements

The two test leads connect the VNA ports to the SMA female calibration standards and devices under test.

They are suitable for:

• S-parameter measurements
• Filter testing
• Amplifier characterisation
• Antenna measurements
• Cable testing
• Connector measurements
• PCB transmission-line analysis
• RF component testing

The official PQ187 package specifically contains two TA336 leads, so the quantity should be clearly stated on the RevineTech page.

TA345 Standard SMA Female SOLT Calibration Kit

The PQ187 includes the TA345 Standard 8.5 GHz SOLT Calibration Kit with SMA female interfaces.

The TA345 is a manual mechanical calibration kit containing:

• Short
• Open
• Load
• Through

It uses a four-piece, five-port construction and is characterised from 300 kHz to 8.5 GHz.

The calibration standards allow a VNA to calculate corrections for systematic errors such as:

• Directivity
• Source match
• Load match
• Reflection tracking
• Transmission tracking
• Forward measurement errors
• Reverse measurement errors

The TA345 is a manual SOLT kit, not an electronic E-Cal module. It does not contain USB-controlled switching or an internal oven.

SMA Female Calibration Reference Plane

The TA345 uses SMA female calibration interfaces, which mate directly with the SMA male measurement ends of the included TA336 test leads.

This provides a logical measurement chain:

PicoVNA → TA336 N(m)-SMA(m) test leads → TA345 SMA(f) calibration standards

After calibration, the TA345 is removed and the device under test or check standard is connected without unnecessarily moving the test leads.

Serial-Number-Specific TA345 Calibration Data

The TA345 supplied in the PQ187 kit includes calibration data associated with its individual serial number.

This data represents the actual electrical characteristics of the:

• Short standard
• Open standard
• Load standard
• Through adaptor

Using characterised data allows the VNA to account for the real frequency-dependent behaviour of the standards instead of assuming that the standards are electrically ideal.

TA431 Non-Insertable Check Standard

The PQ187 also includes the TA431 CHK-NON-F non-insertable check standard.

The TA431 uses:

• SMA female port 1
• SMA female port 2
• Non-insertable female-to-female configuration
• Mismatched transmission-line architecture
• Serial-number-specific reference data

The check standard is measured after completing the VNA calibration.

The live measurement can then be compared with the supplied reference data to determine whether the calibrated measurement system is behaving as expected.

Full S-Parameter Verification

The TA431 allows verification using the four fundamental two-port S-parameters:

• S11 for input reflection
• S21 for forward transmission
• S12 for reverse transmission
• S22 for output reflection

These measurements can be evaluated in terms of:

• Return loss
• Insertion loss
• Magnitude
• Phase
• Smith-chart response
• Transmission behaviour

This makes the check standard useful for verifying both reflection and transmission measurement performance.

Traceable Reference Data

Pico states that the SOLT calibration kit and check standard are supplied with reference data traceable back to national standards.

The official training guide further confirms that PQ187 includes serial-number-specific data for both the TA431 and TA345 on a USB stick.

This supports applications requiring:

• Measurement traceability
• VNA calibration verification
• Research documentation
• Laboratory quality control
• Measurement assurance
• Educational demonstrations
• Production validation
• Reference measurements

A separate NABL certificate should only be stated if it is specifically supplied and confirmed for the RevineTech commercial package.

Designed to Realise PicoVNA Measurement Capability

Pico describes the PQ187 as a kit capable of helping users realise and verify the measurement capability and accuracy of a PicoVNA.

The combination of:

• Stable RF test leads
• Characterised SOLT standards
• Independent check standard
• Traceable reference data

provides a more complete measurement workflow than using a basic calibration kit alone.

Network Metrology Training

The PQ187 is also designed as a demonstrator and training package.

It can be used to teach concepts such as:

• S-parameters
• One-port measurements
• Two-port measurements
• SOLT calibration
• Calibration reference planes
• Directivity
• Source match
• Load match
• Reflection tracking
• Transmission tracking
• Connector repeatability
• Cable movement
• Measurement uncertainty
• Calibration verification
• Traceability
• Reference measurements

Pico provides a dedicated Network Metrology Training Kit User's Guide and supporting files for the PQ187/PQ188 measurement ecosystem.

Suitable for Research Applications

The PQ187 is not limited to classroom demonstrations.

Pico specifically identifies the demonstrator kits as suitable for wider use in research and doctorate projects, where accurate measurements can establish reference and error terms for experimental measurements.

Typical research applications include:

• RF filter development
• Antenna characterisation
• Amplifier testing
• Matching-network design
• PCB transmission-line measurements
• Cable and connector analysis
• Wireless component evaluation
• RF material experiments
• Network metrology studies

Typical Calibration and Verification Workflow

A practical PQ187 measurement procedure is:

1. Allow the VNA, test leads and standards to stabilise.
2. Inspect and clean the RF connectors.
3. Connect both TA336 leads to the VNA ports.
4. Position the cables as they will be used during measurement.
5. Load the serial-number-specific TA345 calibration data.
6. Perform the manual short, open, load and through calibration.
7. Save the completed VNA calibration.
8. Connect the TA431 check standard.
9. Load its supplied reference data.
10. Compare the measured S-parameters with the reference values.
11. Investigate any unexpected difference.
12. Remove the check standard.
13. Connect the device under test without disturbing the calibrated test leads.

This workflow separates calibration from independent verification.

Applications

The PQ187 is suitable for:

• Vector network analyser calibration
• VNA calibration verification
• Network metrology training
• RF and microwave education
• University laboratories
• Research projects
• Antenna measurements
• Filter testing
• Amplifier characterisation
• Cable and connector testing
• PCB transmission-line analysis
• Wireless component development
• Telecom testing
• Production validation
• Measurement assurance
• RF laboratory training