.jpg)
Standard test port adaptor, SMA(m-m)
Precision You Can Trust
NABL-Accredited Calibration | Available on Request
The Pico TA342 Standard Test Port Adaptor is a precision SMA male-to-male RF adaptor designed to convert a female test port into a male test port. With 50 Ω impedance and bandwidth up to 18 GHz, it supports PicoVNA, RF and microwave measurement setups requiring flexible DUT connector interfacing, network analysis and high-frequency component testing..
- Detail
- Special Features
- Specification
The Pico TA342 Standard Test Port Adaptor SMA(m-m) is designed for RF engineers, laboratories and vector network analyzer users who need to change an SMA female test port into an SMA male test port.
The adaptor features SMA male connectors at both ends and is identified by Pico Technology as the TA342 standard test port adaptor. Pico's current technical information specifies a 50 Ω impedance and 18 GHz bandwidth, making it suitable for broadband RF and microwave measurement applications.
SMA Male-to-Male Test Port Conversion
The primary purpose of the TA342 is connector gender conversion.
It can be used to:
- Convert an SMA female test port to an SMA male interface
- Connect compatible SMA female devices under test
- Adapt VNA measurement setups for different DUT connector genders
- Support RF component characterization
- Simplify test configurations involving mixed connector genders
- Reduce the need for separate test leads for each DUT configuration
This makes the TA342 useful in RF laboratories where multiple devices with different SMA connector genders must be measured.
50 Ω RF System Compatibility
The TA342 is designed for 50 Ω RF and microwave measurement systems, which are widely used for:
- Vector network analyzers
- RF signal generators
- Spectrum and network measurement setups
- Calibration accessories
- RF cables and test leads
- Filters and amplifiers
- Antennas
- RF modules
- Devices under test
Maintaining the correct characteristic impedance throughout an RF signal path helps reduce unwanted impedance discontinuities and measurement errors.
Bandwidth up to 18 GHz
The TA342 provides a manufacturer-published 18 GHz bandwidth, making it suitable for broadband RF measurements and high-frequency test environments.
The 18 GHz rating provides frequency coverage beyond many common VNA measurement applications and allows the adaptor to be incorporated into compatible higher-frequency SMA test systems.
PicoVNA Compatibility
Pico Technology currently lists the TA342 as a recommended PicoVNA accessory.
It can be used alongside compatible PicoVNA equipment, test leads, calibration standards and other RF accessories when an SMA male test interface is required.
Typical PicoVNA applications include:
- S-parameter measurements
- Return-loss measurements
- Insertion-loss testing
- RF filter characterization
- Amplifier testing
- Cable and interconnect analysis
- Antenna measurements
- RF component validation
- Network metrology
- Research and development testing
Suitable for Non-Insertable and Mixed-Gender DUTs
Test port adaptors are particularly useful when the connector arrangement of a DUT does not directly match the available measurement ports.
The TA342 can help configure test setups for:
- Female SMA DUT ports
- Mixed-gender RF devices
- Non-insertable two-port devices
- RF modules
- Filters
- Attenuators
- Amplifiers
- Cables and adapters
This provides greater flexibility without permanently changing the main VNA test-lead configuration.
Measurement Uncertainty Consideration
Pico Technology specifically states that adding a test port adaptor increases measurement uncertainty.
An additional adaptor introduces another RF interface into the measurement path. For measurements where high accuracy is important, engineers should consider the adaptor as part of the complete test configuration.
Good RF measurement practice includes:
- Using only the adapters required for the setup
- Keeping connectors clean and undamaged
- Applying the correct connector torque
- Maintaining a consistent measurement configuration
- Accounting for the adaptor during calibration where required
- Avoiding unnecessary reconnection after calibration
Typical Applications
The Pico TA342 is suitable for:
- Vector network analyzer measurements
- RF and microwave testing
- SMA connector gender conversion
- RF component characterization
- S-parameter measurements
- Filter testing
- Amplifier characterization
- Antenna measurements
- Cable and interconnect testing
- Non-insertable DUT measurements
- Network metrology
- RF research and development
- Production RF testing
- Educational and engineering laboratories
SMA Male-to-Male Configuration
The TA342 provides:
- Connector 1: SMA Male
- Connector 2: SMA Male
This allows an SMA female test port to be converted into an SMA male test interface.
50 Ω Impedance
The TA342 is specified for 50 Ω systems, supporting compatibility with standard RF and microwave test equipment using the same characteristic impedance.
18 GHz Bandwidth
The standard TA342 adaptor is rated to 18 GHz, making it suitable for broadband high-frequency RF measurements.
Standard Test Port Adaptor
Pico classifies the TA342 as a standard test port adaptor, distinguishing it from its higher-frequency premium PC3.5 test port adaptor range.
Recommended PicoVNA Accessory
Pico currently lists the TA342 among its recommended PicoVNA accessories, alongside:
- Phase-stable test leads
- Calibration standards
- Calibration kits
- Female-to-female test port adaptors
- Premium PC3.5 adaptors
Flexible DUT Interfacing
The TA342 provides a practical way to interface with DUTs that use SMA female connectors without changing the complete test cable configuration.
This can be useful when a laboratory regularly tests components with multiple connector arrangements.
Useful for VNA Calibration Workflows
When an adaptor is required as part of the final measurement setup, its effect should be considered during the VNA calibration strategy.
For consistent measurements:
- Keep the adaptor in the same configuration after calibration
- Avoid unnecessary removal and reconnection
- Use appropriate RF connector torque
- Inspect SMA interfaces before use
- Account for the adaptor where precision measurements require it
Supports Non-Insertable Device Testing
The male-to-male configuration can be useful when measuring devices whose connector genders prevent direct insertion into the normal test setup.
Examples include:
- Dual-female RF devices
- Female-port filters
- Female-port amplifiers
- RF modules
- Test fixtures
- Other compatible SMA components
Compact Inline RF Adaptation
The TA342 provides connector gender adaptation directly at the test interface without requiring an additional RF cable.
This helps keep RF test setups simpler where only a connector-gender change is required.
Measurement Accuracy Awareness
Pico explicitly warns that adding an adaptor increases measurement uncertainty.
For high-accuracy VNA measurements:
- Minimize unnecessary adaptors
- Maintain consistent connector mating
- Use clean, undamaged connectors
- Follow correct torque procedures
- Include the adaptor within the measurement setup and calibration strategy where appropriate
| Manufacturer | Pico |
| Model / Order Code | TA342 |
| Product Name | Standard Test Port Adaptor SMA(m-m) |
| Product Type | RF / VNA Test Port Adaptor |
| Adaptor Grade | Standard |
| Connector 1 | SMA Male |
| Connector 2 | SMA Male |
| Connector Configuration | SMA Male to SMA Male |
| Primary Function | Converts a female SMA test port to a male SMA test port |
| Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Bandwidth | Up to 18 GHz |
| PicoVNA Compatibility | Recommended accessory |
| DUT Interface | Suitable for compatible SMA female devices under test |
| Measurement Consideration | Adding an adaptor increases measurement uncertainty |
| Primary Applications | VNA measurements, RF testing, connector gender conversion, component characterization and network metrology |