Premium test port adaptor PC3.5(f-f)

The Pico TA341 Premium Test Port Adaptor PC3.5(f-f) is designed for RF engineers, metrology laboratories and vector network analyzer users who require a precision connector-gender conversion while maintaining a high-performance RF measurement path.

Pico Technology identifies the TA341 as:

• Order Code: TA341
• Pico Designation: ADA-PREM-FF
• Grade: Premium
• Connector Type: PC3.5 female-to-female
• Impedance: 50 Ω
• Bandwidth: 27 GHz

Pico recommends PC3.5 interfaces for premium or reference measurement use, while standard SMA interfaces are generally positioned for working measurement applications.

PC3.5 Female-to-Female Test Port Conversion

The primary function of the TA341 is to convert a male RF test port into a female test port.

It can be used when the available measurement interface does not match the connector gender of the device under test.

Typical uses include:

• Changing a male PC3.5 test port to a female interface
• Connecting compatible male-port DUTs
• Configuring PicoVNA measurements for different DUT genders
• Testing non-insertable two-port devices
• Supporting RF component characterization
• Adapting precision network-analysis setups

This makes the TA341 useful in laboratories where filters, amplifiers, cables, attenuators and other RF components with different connector arrangements are regularly tested.

Premium PC3.5 Interface

The TA341 uses PC3.5 connectors rather than standard SMA connectors.

Pico positions PC3.5 interfaces for premium and reference measurement applications, where measurement repeatability and connector quality are particularly important.

The PC3.5 interface uses an air dielectric and can mechanically mate with compatible:

• PC3.5 connectors
• SMA connectors
• K-type / 2.92 mm connectors

Pico confirms that SMA, PC3.5 and K-type / 2.92 mm interfaces can be mated with one another. Care should still be taken when combining different connector grades because the overall measurement quality depends on every interface in the signal path.

50 Ω RF System Impedance

The TA341 is specified for a 50 Ω impedance, making it suitable for standard RF and microwave measurement systems based on a 50 Ω signal path.

Typical compatible environments include:

• Vector network analyzers
• RF test systems
• Network metrology setups
• RF calibration systems
• Microwave component test benches
• High-frequency research laboratories

Maintaining the correct impedance through the measurement chain helps reduce unwanted reflections caused by impedance discontinuities.

27 GHz Bandwidth

Pico Technology specifies the premium PC3.5 test port adaptor family, including the TA341, with a bandwidth of:

• Up to 27 GHz

This is significantly higher than Pico's standard SMA adaptor family, which is rated to 18 GHz.

The additional bandwidth makes the TA341 suitable for high-frequency laboratory setups and provides considerable frequency headroom when used with current PicoVNA 100 Series instruments.

Designed for PicoVNA Measurement Systems

The TA341 is an official accessory for the PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers.

It can be used alongside Pico's premium PC3.5 test leads and calibration standards in measurement configurations involving:

• S-parameter measurements
• Return-loss measurements
• Insertion-loss testing
• Filter characterization
• Amplifier characterization
• Cable and interconnect testing
• Antenna measurements
• RF component verification
• Network metrology
• Research and development

Non-Insertable DUT Measurements

The TA341 is particularly useful when testing non-insertable devices.

A non-insertable DUT has connector genders that prevent it from being connected directly between the available test ports. For example, a device with the same connector gender at both ports may require an adaptor at one side.

Pico specifically recommends using the TA340 PC3.5(m-m) or TA341 PC3.5(f-f) adaptor in premium configurations for dual-port, single-gender non-insertable devices.

Calibration Considerations

Adding any RF adaptor introduces another electrical interface into the measurement path. This can introduce additional:

• Electrical delay
• Insertion loss
• Mismatch
• Reflection
• Measurement uncertainty

For this reason, Pico recommends including the required test port adaptor within the calibration where the measurement configuration allows it.

Where direct calibration after gender adaptation is not possible, Pico describes alternative approaches including:

• Measuring the adaptor and de-embedding its error
• Reference-plane shifting
• Measurement normalization

For high-accuracy VNA measurements, including the adaptor in the calibration configuration is preferable where suitable calibration standards are available.

Typical Applications

The Pico TA341 is suitable for:

• Vector network analyzer measurements
• RF and microwave testing
• Network metrology
• PC3.5 connector gender conversion
• S-parameter measurements
• Non-insertable DUT testing
• RF filter characterization
• Amplifier testing
• Cable and interconnect measurements
• High-frequency component testing
• Antenna measurements
• Calibration and reference setups
• Research and development laboratories
• RF production testing
• Precision measurement systems