Dual-break torque wrench SMA / PC3.5 / K-type
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The Pico TA356 Dual-Break Torque Wrench is a precision preset RF connector tool designed for SMA, PC3.5 and K-type connectors. It applies a controlled torque of 1 N·m (8.85 in·lb) and features an 8 mm across-flats wrench size. The TA356 supports repeatable connector mating in vector network analysis, RF testing, sampling oscilloscope measurements and other high-frequency laboratory applications..
- Detail
- Special Features
- Specification
The Pico TA356 Dual-Break Torque Wrench for SMA, PC3.5 and K-type connectors is designed for engineers, RF laboratories and test environments where consistent connector tightening is important for repeatable high-frequency measurements.
Pico Technology specifies the TA356 with a preset torque limit of 1 N·m (8.85 in·lb) and an 8 mm across-flats wrench opening. Pico confirms that SMA, PC3.5 and K-type connector coupling nuts are standardized at this 8 mm size.
Using a dedicated preset torque wrench provides a more controlled approach to connector mating than tightening RF connectors manually without a defined torque limit. This is particularly useful in VNA calibration, RF component characterization and high-frequency measurement systems where connections may be repeatedly assembled and disconnected.
Designed for SMA, PC3.5 and K-Type Connectors
The TA356 is specifically intended for three commonly used precision RF connector families:
- SMA connectors
- PC3.5 connectors
- K-type connectors
According to Pico Technology, these connector types are standardized at 8 mm across flats, matching the TA356 wrench opening.
This makes the tool suitable for compatible RF cables, adapters, calibration standards, test equipment and devices under test using these connector formats.
1 N·m Preset Torque
The TA356 has a manufacturer-specified preset torque of:
- 1 N·m
- 8.85 in·lb
Pico recommends 1 N·m for stainless-steel SMA and PC3.5 connectors supplied for its RF measurement systems.
A defined torque level is especially useful during:
- Vector network analyzer measurements
- VNA calibration
- RF component characterization
- Connector verification
- High-frequency signal testing
- Sampling oscilloscope measurements
- RF cable installation
- Calibration-standard connection
- Repetitive laboratory measurements
- Production RF testing
Important Connector Material Consideration
The 1 N·m setting is not appropriate for every connector material.
Pico states that when mating gold-plated brass connectors, a lower torque of approximately 0.56 N·m should be used to reduce the risk of damaging the softer connector material.
Because the TA356 is preset to 1 N·m, it should be used only where that torque is appropriate for the connector being tightened.
Before use:
- Confirm the connector type
- Check the connector material
- Verify the manufacturer's recommended mating torque
- Do not assume all SMA-style connectors require the same torque
PicoVNA Compatibility
Pico Technology lists the TA356 as a recommended accessory for PicoVNA vector network analyzers.
The wrench can be used when connecting compatible:
- VNA test ports
- SMA test leads
- Calibration standards
- RF adapters
- Check standards
- Devices under test
- RF measurement fixtures
Consistent connector mating is particularly relevant during network-analysis workflows because connectors may be repeatedly disconnected during calibration, verification and DUT measurements.
PicoScope 9300 Series Compatibility
The TA356 is also listed by Pico as a recommended accessory for the PicoScope 9300 Series sampling oscilloscopes.
It can therefore be used in compatible high-frequency oscilloscope setups involving SMA, PC3.5 or K-type connections.
Typical applications include:
- Sampling oscilloscope measurement setups
- High-frequency waveform testing
- Signal-integrity analysis
- RF interconnection
- High-speed pulse measurements
- Laboratory measurement configurations
PicoScope 9400 Series Compatibility
Pico Technology lists the TA356 as a recommended PicoScope 9400 Series accessory.
PicoScope 9400 Series instruments use high-frequency RF connections, making a correctly rated torque wrench relevant when compatible SMA, PC3.5 or K-type accessories are installed.
PicoSource AS108 Compatibility
The TA356 is also listed as a recommended accessory for the PicoSource AS108 8 GHz Agile Synthesizer.
This allows it to be incorporated into compatible RF signal-generation and measurement systems where precision RF connectors require the specified 1 N·m tightening torque.
Typical Applications
The Pico TA356 is suitable for:
- SMA connector installation
- PC3.5 connector installation
- K-type connector installation
- Vector network analyzer testing
- VNA calibration workflows
- RF and microwave measurements
- Sampling oscilloscope setups
- High-frequency signal testing
- RF cable and adapter connection
- Calibration-standard connection
- RF component characterization
- Research and development laboratories
- Production RF test systems
- Repetitive high-frequency connector mating
Preset 1 N·m Torque
The TA356 provides a fixed 1 N·m (8.85 in·lb) preset torque limit.
This predefined setting supports consistent tightening when used with compatible connectors that specify this torque value.
Dual-Break Torque Wrench
Pico officially identifies the TA356 as a dual-break torque wrench.
Its preset design makes it suitable for RF test environments where controlled connector tightening is preferred to uncontrolled hand tightening.
8 mm Across-Flats Size
The official wrench size is:
- Across flats: 8 mm
Pico confirms that SMA, PC3.5 and K-type connectors are standardized at this size.
SMA Connector Compatibility
The TA356 is suitable for compatible SMA RF connectors, which are widely used in:
- RF cables
- Oscilloscopes
- Signal generators
- VNAs
- RF test equipment
- Laboratory fixtures
The connector manufacturer's torque recommendation should still be checked before tightening.
PC3.5 Connector Compatibility
The wrench also supports PC3.5 connectors, commonly used in precision RF and network-analysis measurement systems.
Its 8 mm opening matches the standardized coupling-nut dimension identified by Pico.
K-Type Connector Compatibility
Pico explicitly includes K-type connectors in the TA356 product designation and compatibility guidance.
This extends the usefulness of the tool across compatible higher-frequency RF test configurations.
Recommended PicoVNA Accessory
The TA356 is currently listed as a recommended accessory for PicoVNA systems.
It can be used alongside PicoVNA accessories such as calibration kits, test leads, adapters and check standards where compatible connector torque requirements apply.
Recommended PicoScope 9300 Accessory
Pico also lists the TA356 as a recommended RF accessory for its PicoScope 9300 Series sampling oscilloscopes.
Recommended PicoScope 9400 Accessory
The TA356 appears in Pico's current PicoScope 9400 Series recommended accessory list.
Recommended PicoSource AS108 Accessory
Pico additionally recommends the TA356 for compatible PicoSource AS108 8 GHz Agile Synthesizer setups.
Supports Repeatable Connector Mating
A preset torque wrench is useful in RF measurement environments where connectors are frequently removed and reinstalled.
Typical workflows include:
- VNA calibration and recalibration
- DUT replacement
- Calibration-standard changes
- Cable replacement
- RF component comparison
- Production test sequences
Using the specified connector torque helps establish a more consistent mechanical connection between repeated setups.
Connector Material Safety
Pico recommends:
- 1 N·m: appropriate stainless-steel connectors
- Approximately 0.56 N·m: gold-plated brass connectors
The TA356 is fixed at 1 N·m, so it should not be used on softer connectors that specify the lower torque value.
| Manufacturer | Pico |
| Model / Order Code | TA356 |
| Product Name | Dual-Break Torque Wrench SMA / PC3.5 / K-Type |
| Product Type | Preset RF Connector Torque Wrench |
| Preset Torque Limit | 1 N·m |
| Preset Torque, Imperial | 8.85 in·lb |
| Across Flats | 8 mm |
| SMA Compatibility | Yes |
| PC3.5 Compatibility | Yes |
| K-Type Compatibility | Yes |
| Recommended 1 N·m Application | Suitable stainless-steel RF connectors |
| Gold-Plated Brass Consideration | Pico recommends approximately 0.56 N·m instead |
| PicoVNA | Recommended accessory |
| PicoScope 9300 Series | Recommended accessory |
| PicoScope 9400 Series | Recommended accessory |
| PicoSource AS108 | Recommended accessory |
| Primary Applications | VNA testing, RF/microwave measurement, sampling oscilloscope setups, calibration and RF connector installation |