SOLT-STD-M or SOLT-STD-F calibration data

The SOLT-STD-M or SOLT-STD-F Calibration Data Service, product code CC047, is intended for customers who already own a Pico Technology standard-grade manual SOLT calibration kit and require updated traceable calibration data.

The service applies to:

• TA344 SOLT-STD-M, standard 8.5 GHz SOLT kit with SMA male interfaces
• TA345 SOLT-STD-F, standard 8.5 GHz SOLT kit with SMA female interfaces

The existing physical calibration kit must be returned to Pico Technology using an authorised Return Material Authorisation number. After recalibration, updated calibration data is supplied on a USB memory stick. Pico states that it only provides this service for its own SOLT calibration standards.

Factory Recalibration Service

CC047 is a service for an existing calibration kit. It does not include a new set of standards.

The service is intended to update the characterised data for the returned:

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

Each Pico SOLT kit is originally supplied with traceable calibration data linked to its serial number. CC047 provides recalibration when updated data is required for an existing male or female standard-grade SOLT kit.

Applicable Standard SOLT Kits

Both kits are standard-grade, four-piece, five-port manual SOLT calibration assemblies designed for VNA calibration up to 8.5 GHz.

Manual SOLT Standards Covered

The recalibration service covers the mechanical standards within the applicable kit:

• Short
• Open
• Load
• Through

These standards are used during manual two-port SOLT calibration to calculate corrections for systematic VNA measurement errors, including:

• Directivity
• Source match
• Load match
• Reflection tracking
• Transmission tracking
• Forward and reverse measurement paths

CC047 does not convert the kit into an automated E-Cal module. The recalibrated TA344 or TA345 remains a manually connected mechanical SOLT calibration kit.

Serial-Number-Linked Calibration Data

Pico SOLT calibration kits are supplied with calibration data linked to the individual kit serial number.

This data represents the actual frequency-dependent behaviour of the:

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

Using kit-specific data allows compatible VNA software to compensate for non-ideal characteristics such as:

• Open capacitance
• Short inductance
• Electrical delay
• Connector parasitics
• Load mismatch
• Through loss
• Through phase response

CC047 updates this characterisation for the returned standard-grade kit.

Calibration Data Supplied on USB Memory

After the service is completed, Pico supplies the updated calibration data on a USB memory stick.

The data may be used for:

• Loading the recalibrated standard definitions
• Configuring the VNA calibration kit
• Maintaining serial-number-specific records
• Supporting internal measurement assurance
• Recording recalibration history
• Repeating traceable VNA calibration workflows

The USB memory device contains calibration data. It is not used to power or electronically control the SOLT standards.

Traceable Calibration

Each new Pico standard SOLT kit is supplied with traceable calibration data linked to its serial number. CC047 is the corresponding recalibration option for existing standard male or female kits.

Traceable recalibration is relevant for:

• RF research laboratories
• Electronics manufacturers
• Production test facilities
• Telecom development teams
• University laboratories
• Quality-controlled measurement environments
• Internal calibration programmes
• Network metrology workflows
• Measurement assurance systems

The official CC047 listing refers to traceable calibration data. A separate NABL certificate should only be mentioned if RevineTech confirms that it is supplied independently for the specific returned kit.

RMA Return Procedure

Pico requires customers to contact support and obtain an RMA number before returning the calibration kit.

A typical return process includes:

1. Confirm whether the kit is TA344 or TA345.
2. Record the kit serial number.
3. Contact RevineTech or Pico support.
4. Obtain an authorised RMA number.
5. Inspect the standards for visible connector damage.
6. Fit protective caps to all RF interfaces.
7. Secure the four-piece SOLT assembly in its carrying case.
8. Package the kit safely for transport.
9. Include the required RMA and return details.
10. Send the complete standard set for recalibration.

The entire matched kit should be returned unless Pico provides different instructions for a particular service case.

TA344 SMA Male Kit

The TA344 is the standard-grade SMA male SOLT kit.

It includes:

• SMA male short
• SMA male open
• SMA male load
• SMA male-to-male through adaptor
• Four-piece, five-port assembly
• Serial-number-specific calibration data
• Protective carrying case

Its published performance includes corrected load return loss of at least 40 dB up to 3 GHz and at least 37 dB above 3 GHz to 8.5 GHz.

TA345 SMA Female Kit

The TA345 is the standard-grade SMA female SOLT kit.

It includes:

• SMA female short
• SMA female open
• SMA female load
• SMA female-to-female through adaptor
• Four-piece, five-port assembly
• Serial-number-specific calibration data
• Protective carrying case

Its published corrected load return loss is at least 40 dB up to 3 GHz and at least 37 dB above 3 GHz to 8.5 GHz.

When Recalibration May Be Required

Recalibration may be considered when:

• The organisation’s calibration interval has expired
• The kit has undergone frequent connector mating cycles
• It is used as a working or transfer calibration standard
• Internal quality procedures require current traceability
• Measurement verification results have changed
• The kit has been transported frequently
• Connector wear or ageing is suspected
• Calibration records require renewal

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

Connector Condition

Recalibration updates the characterised data, but it may not correct physical damage.

Before returning the kit, check for:

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

Pico’s standard kits can be disassembled for individual use or refurbishment if a calibration standard is damaged.

Applications

CC047 is suitable for standard SOLT kits used in:

• Vector network analyser calibration
• Antenna measurement
• RF filter testing
• Amplifier characterisation
• Cable and connector analysis
• Coupler and splitter testing
• PCB transmission-line measurements
• Wireless module development
• Cellular component testing
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth development
• GNSS measurements
• RFID and IoT product testing
• Production RF testing
• Research laboratories
• Engineering education
• Measurement assurance