CHK-NON-F or CHK-INS-MF check-standard calibration

The CHK-NON-F or CHK-INS-MF Check Standard Recalibration Service, product code CC050, is intended for customers who already own one of Pico Technology’s RF check standards and require updated traceable reference data.

The service applies to:

• CHK-INS-MF insertable SMA male-to-female check standard, TA430
• CHK-NON-F non-insertable SMA female-to-female check standard, TA431

The existing physical check standard must be returned to Pico Technology using an authorised Return Material Authorisation number. After recalibration, updated measurement data is supplied on a USB memory device.

What Is a VNA Check Standard?

A check standard is a stable and fully characterised RF device used to verify whether a vector network analyser measurement setup and its software calibration are producing reliable results.

It is measured after completing the VNA calibration. The live S-parameter results are then compared with the traceable reference data supplied for the standard.

This process can help identify:

• Incorrect calibration connections
• Damaged or contaminated connectors
• Test-lead movement or instability
• Incorrect torque
• Reference-plane errors
• Measurement drift
• Setup configuration mistakes
• Unexpected changes in VNA performance

A check standard validates the measurement setup. It is not itself used to perform the initial SOLT, TRL, TRM or electronic calibration of a VNA.

Recalibration of an Existing Check Standard

CC050 is specifically intended for recalibrating an existing TA430 or TA431 check standard.

The service includes:

• Return of the existing check standard to Pico Technology
• Recharacterisation of its RF response
• Updated S-parameter reference measurement data
• Touchstone data supplied on USB memory
• Traceability through PC3.5 standards to national standards

It does not include:

• A new check standard
• A SOLT calibration kit
• A VNA calibration certificate
• RF test cables
• Connector adaptors
• A replacement TA430 or TA431 device

Customers purchasing a new check standard should order TA430 or TA431 separately.

Touchstone Measurement Data

The recalibration data is supplied in the industry-standard Touchstone format.

Touchstone files contain characterised S-parameter data that can be imported into compatible VNA software for comparison with a new live measurement.

The reference data supports verification of:

• S11 input reflection
• S21 forward transmission
• S12 reverse transmission
• S22 output reflection
• Return loss
• Insertion loss
• Magnitude
• Phase
• Smith chart response

Because the files use an industry-standard format, they can also be used to manually validate measurements made with many other manufacturers’ vector network analysers.

Traceability to National Standards

The supplied measurement data is traceable through PC3.5 reference standards to national standards.

Traceability provides a documented measurement chain linking the characterised check standard to recognised measurement references.

This is valuable for:

• RF research laboratories
• Electronics manufacturers
• Calibration laboratories
• Production test facilities
• Quality-controlled measurement systems
• Universities and technical institutes
• Regulated engineering environments
• Internal measurement assurance programmes

The page should describe this as traceable measurement data rather than automatically claiming that a separate printed or NABL-accredited calibration certificate is included. Pico’s official CC050 listing specifies Touchstone data on USB memory but does not state that an NABL certificate is part of this service.

Compatible Check Standards

CHK-INS-MF Insertable Check Standard

The TA430 CHK-INS-MF has:

• One SMA female port
• One SMA male port
• Insertable male-to-female configuration
• 75 mm mismatched transmission line
• Nominal 25 Ω impedance
• Characterised bandwidth from 300 kHz to 8.5 GHz

It supports full S-parameter validation following an insertable 12-term VNA calibration.

CHK-NON-F Non-Insertable Check Standard

The TA431 CHK-NON-F has:

• Two SMA female ports
• Non-insertable female-to-female configuration
• 75 mm mismatched transmission line
• Nominal 25 Ω impedance
• Characterised bandwidth from 300 kHz to 8.5 GHz

It supports full S-parameter validation for non-insertable, known-through and unknown-through calibration configurations.

Predictable Mismatched-Line Response

Both supported check standards use a short length of deliberately mismatched transmission line.

The device produces a predictable, smooth and stable reflection and transmission response across its characterised frequency range.

This makes it more demanding and informative than validating a VNA using only a well-matched through connection. It tests whether the calibrated system can accurately measure a device with a significant and changing mismatch.

When Recalibration May Be Required

Recalibration may be considered when:

• The recommended internal calibration interval has been reached
• The standard is used regularly in a controlled laboratory
• Measurement assurance procedures require current traceability
• The reference data is no longer accepted under an internal quality process
• The connector has experienced significant use
• The standard has been transported frequently
• Measurement comparison results show unexplained deviation
• The standard has been exposed to unsuitable storage or environmental conditions

Recalibration does not automatically repair physical connector damage. The condition of the returned device should be assessed before shipment.

VNA Measurement Validation Process

A typical validation process includes:

1. Allow the VNA, test leads and check standard to stabilise.
2. Inspect and clean all RF connectors.
3. Perform the required VNA calibration at the intended reference planes.
4. Connect the characterised check standard using the correct torque.
5. Measure all required S-parameters.
6. Import the supplied Touchstone reference file.
7. Compare the live measurement with the stored reference trace.
8. Evaluate differences against the expected measurement uncertainty.
9. Investigate any result that falls outside the accepted tolerance.

PicoVNA software includes comparison functionality for evaluating the measured result against the characterised check-standard data and relevant measurement uncertainties.

Compatible VNA Systems

The recalibrated check standard can be used with:

• PicoVNA 106
• PicoVNA 108
• Other VNAs capable of importing and displaying Touchstone S-parameter data

The TA430 and TA431 standards are characterised up to 8.5 GHz, covering the operating frequency ranges of both current PicoVNA models.

Return Procedure

Before sending the check standard:

• Contact Pico Technology or the authorised supplier
• Request an RMA number
• Identify whether the device is TA430 or TA431
• Record the serial number
• Protect both RF connectors with suitable caps
• Package the standard securely
• Include the required return and contact details
• Follow the supplied shipping instructions

Pico specifically instructs customers to contact support for an RMA number before returning the check standard.

Applications

The CC050 recalibration service is suitable for check standards used in:

• Vector network analyser validation
• RF and microwave laboratories
• Antenna measurement
• Filter and amplifier testing
• Cable and connector analysis
• PCB transmission-line testing
• Wireless product development
• RF production testing
• Calibration verification
• Measurement assurance
• Research and development
• Engineering education
• Telecom component testing
• Automated RF test systems