PicoVNA™ 106 vector network analyzer

Test cables and calibration standards

A range of RF and Microwave accessories are available from Pico Technology. Test cables and calibration standards have particular significance to the overall performance of a

VNA, so we recommend that you select your accessories carefully.

Cables and standards are often the weakest links in a VNA measurement, generally contributing significantly to measurement uncertainty despite their high cost. At the lowest

levels of uncertainty, costs can be significant and measurements can be compromised by seemingly quite minor damage or wear. For these reasons, many customers hold both

premium-grade items for calibration, reference or measurement standards, and standard-grade items as working or transfer standards and cables. Pico Technology can now offer

cost-effective solutions in both grades.

Phase- and amplitude-stable test leads

Two test cable types and grades are recommended and provided by Pico Technology. Both of high quality, with robust construction and stainless steel connectors, the main

difference between them is the stability of their propagation velocity and loss characteristic when flexed; that is, the degree to which a measurement could change when the cables

are moved or formed to a new position. Cables are specified in terms of flatness and phase variation at up to 6 GHz when a straight cable is formed as one 360° turn around a

10 cm mandrel. Standard test cables are highly flexible. The premium flex-form cables are also flexible but tend to hold their form until intentionally moved to a new position. This

further enhances repeatability for bench measurements at fixed port locations or for test installations.

Order code

Grade

Connectors

Construction

Dielectric

Ø over

jacket

Impedance

(Ω)

Loss (dB)

@ 6 GHz

Phase stability

@ 6 GHz

Amplitude stability

(dB) @ 6 GHz

Length

(mm)

TA336

Standard

N(m) - SMA(m)

Flexible

Low-density

PTFE

7.1 mm

(0.28”)

50

0.7

2°

0.1

600

TA337

N(m) - SMA(f)

TA338

Premium

N(m) - PC3.5(m)

Flex-form

7.5 mm

(0.30”)

0.6

0.8°

0.05

TA339

N(m) - PC3.5(f)