SOLT-PREM-M or SOLT-PREM-F calibration data

The SOLT-PREM-M or SOLT-PREM-F Calibration Data Service, product code CC048, is intended for customers who already own a Pico Technology premium manual SOLT calibration kit and require updated calibration characterisation.

The service applies to:

• TA346 SOLT-PREM-M, premium 8.5 GHz SOLT calibration kit with PC3.5 male interfaces
• TA347 SOLT-PREM-F, premium 8.5 GHz SOLT calibration kit with PC3.5 female interfaces

The existing physical calibration kit must be returned to Pico Technology using an authorised Return Material Authorisation number. Following recalibration, updated traceable calibration data is supplied on a USB memory stick. Pico confirms that it calibrates only its own SOLT standards.

Factory Recalibration Service

CC048 is a recalibration service and does not include a new premium SOLT calibration kit.

The service is intended to update the characterised response of the returned:

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

Each TA346 or TA347 kit is originally supplied with calibration data linked to its unique serial number. CC048 provides renewed characterisation when the kit requires recalibration under laboratory, production or quality-control procedures.

The service does not include:

• A new TA346 kit
• A new TA347 kit
• An electronic E-Cal module
• Automated standard switching
• RF test cables
• A PicoVNA instrument
• A check standard
• Replacement mechanical standards unless separately quoted

Applicable Premium SOLT Kits

Both products are premium-grade, manual, mechanical SOLT calibration kits characterised from 300 kHz to 8.5 GHz. They use precision PC3.5 interfaces and are intended for measurements where connector repeatability and calibration uncertainty are important.

Manual SOLT Standards Covered

The service covers the four mechanical calibration standards within the applicable kit:

• Short
• Open
• Load
• Through

These standards are used during manual two-port VNA calibration to calculate correction terms for systematic errors such as:

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

CC048 does not convert the premium manual kit into an automated E-Cal accessory. Each standard must still be connected manually during the VNA calibration procedure.

Serial-Number-Specific Calibration Data

Each premium SOLT kit has its own measured electrical behaviour.

The calibration data represents the frequency-dependent characteristics of the:

• Open-standard capacitance
• Short-standard inductance and electrical delay
• Load-standard mismatch
• Through-adaptor insertion loss
• Through-adaptor phase response
• Connector and transmission-path effects

Using kit-specific data allows compatible VNA software to apply the actual characterised response of the standards instead of relying only on ideal calibration models.

CC048 updates this characterisation for the individual returned kit and its serial number.

Calibration Data Supplied on USB Memory

After recalibration, Pico supplies the updated calibration data on a USB memory stick.

The data may be used for:

• Loading updated standard definitions
• Configuring the calibration kit in PicoVNA software
• Maintaining calibration records
• Supporting traceable measurement procedures
• Recording the recalibration history
• Repeating precision VNA calibration workflows

The USB device contains calibration data only. It does not power or control the mechanical SOLT kit.

Traceable Recalibration

Pico states that new premium SOLT standards are supplied with traceable calibration data linked to the kit serial number. CC048 is the corresponding recalibration option for an existing premium male or female kit.

Traceable recalibration is useful for:

• RF and microwave laboratories
• Product development
• Production testing
• Telecom component validation
• University laboratories
• Network metrology
• Quality assurance
• Calibration-controlled environments
• Internal measurement assurance programmes
• Research and development

The page should describe the result as traceable calibration data. A separate NABL certificate should only be mentioned when RevineTech confirms that it is separately included and valid for the specific returned kit.

TA346 Premium PC3.5 Male Kit

The TA346 SOLT-PREM-M is the premium male version.

It contains:

• PC3.5 male short standard
• PC3.5 male open standard
• PC3.5 male load standard
• PC3.5 male-to-male through adaptor
• Four-piece, five-port construction
• Serial-number-specific calibration data
• Protective carrying case

The kit is suitable for calibration reference planes terminating in PC3.5 or compatible SMA female interfaces.

TA347 Premium PC3.5 Female Kit

The TA347 SOLT-PREM-F is the premium female version.

It contains:

• PC3.5 female short standard
• PC3.5 female open standard
• PC3.5 female load standard
• PC3.5 female-to-female through adaptor
• Four-piece, five-port construction
• Serial-number-specific calibration data
• Protective carrying case

The kit is suitable for calibration reference planes terminating in PC3.5 or compatible SMA male interfaces.

300 kHz to 8.5 GHz Characterisation

The compatible TA346 and TA347 premium calibration kits are characterised from:

• 300 kHz
• Up to 8.5 GHz

This frequency range supports VNA calibration for:

• RF filters
• Amplifiers
• Antennas
• Attenuators
• Couplers and splitters
• Cables and connectors
• Matching networks
• PCB transmission lines
• Wireless modules
• Cellular equipment
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth systems
• GNSS components
• RFID and IoT products

The frequency range is a characteristic of the returned TA346 or TA347 kit. CC048 itself is a recalibration service rather than an RF measurement device.

RMA Return Procedure

Pico requires an RMA number before the premium SOLT standard is returned.

A typical return process includes:

1. Confirm whether the calibration kit is TA346 or TA347.
2. Record the model and serial number.
3. Contact RevineTech or Pico support.
4. Obtain an authorised RMA number.
5. Inspect the PC3.5 connectors for visible damage.
6. Fit protective caps to all RF interfaces.
7. Secure the complete kit in its carrying case.
8. Package the standards safely for transport.
9. Include the required RMA and return details.
10. Return the complete matched calibration kit for service.
11. Load the updated calibration data after the kit is returned.

The complete matched kit should normally be returned unless Pico provides different service instructions.

When Recalibration May Be Required

Recalibration may be considered when:

• The organisation’s calibration interval has expired
• The kit has undergone frequent mating cycles
• It is used for precision reference calibration
• Internal quality procedures require current traceability
• Check-standard measurements show unexplained deviation
• The kit has been transported frequently
• Connector wear is suspected
• The standards have been exposed to unsuitable storage conditions
• Calibration records require renewal

The correct interval depends on usage frequency, connector condition, handling, environmental control and the organisation’s measurement-assurance policy.

Connector Condition and Service Limitations

Recalibration updates the measured standard data, but it may not correct physical connector damage.

Before returning the kit, inspect for:

• Bent centre contacts
• Scratched reference planes
• Worn threads
• Loose connector bodies
• Contamination
• Signs of excessive torque
• Mechanical deformation
• Missing protective caps

Repair, refurbishment or replacement may require a separate inspection and quotation.

Compatible VNA Systems

The recalibrated premium SOLT kit can be used with:

• PicoVNA 106
• PicoVNA 108
• Compatible 50 Ω vector network analysers
• VNA software that supports characterised PC3.5 calibration standards

The measurement sweep should remain within the 300 kHz to 8.5 GHz characterised range of the premium SOLT kit.

Applications

The CC048 recalibration service is suitable for premium SOLT kits used in:

• Vector network analyser calibration
• RF filter testing
• Amplifier characterisation
• Antenna measurement
• Cable and connector analysis
• Coupler and splitter testing
• PCB transmission-line measurement
• Wireless component development
• Telecom testing
• RF production validation
• Network metrology
• Precision reference calibration
• Research laboratories
• University RF laboratories
• Measurement assurance
• Calibration-controlled workflows

Why Buy Through RevineTech?

RevineTech can assist with the recalibration process for an existing TA346 or TA347 premium SOLT calibration kit.

Support may include:

• Identifying the correct premium kit
• Confirming CC048 service eligibility
• RMA coordination
• Return-shipping guidance
• Calibration-data handling
• Replacement-kit quotation
• Check-standard selection
• Torque-wrench selection
• PicoVNA accessory support
• RF measurement workflow guidance