Premium test port adaptor PC3.5(m-m)

The Pico TA340 Premium Test Port Adaptor PC3.5(m-m) is designed for RF engineers, metrology laboratories, R&D teams and vector network analyzer users who need to change a female RF test port into a male PC3.5 test interface.

Pico Technology identifies the TA340 as:

• Order Code: TA340
• Pico Designation: ADA-PREM-MM
• Product Grade: Premium
• Connector Configuration: PC3.5 male-to-male
• Impedance: 50 Ω
• Bandwidth: Up to 27 GHz

Pico places the TA340 within its premium PC3.5 accessory range for precision vector network analysis.

PC3.5 Male-to-Male Test Port Conversion

The primary function of the TA340 is to convert a female test port into a male test port.

It can be used to:

• Convert a PC3.5 female measurement port to a male interface
• Connect compatible PC3.5 female devices under test
• Adapt VNA measurement systems for different DUT connector genders
• Configure test setups for non-insertable devices
• Support RF component characterization
• Simplify high-frequency measurement configurations

This is particularly useful in laboratories where devices with different connector genders are measured using the same test system.

Premium PC3.5 Interface

The TA340 uses PC3.5 connectors, which Pico uses for its premium RF test accessory configurations.

Pico notes that PC3.5 connectors provide closer impedance tolerance than SMA connectors, making them appropriate for precision RF and network-analysis applications.

The PC3.5 interface uses an air dielectric and can mechanically mate with compatible:

• PC3.5 connectors
• SMA connectors
• K-type / 2.92 mm connectors

Pico confirms that SMA, PC3.5 and K-type / 2.92 mm connectors can be mated with one another.

Connector compatibility does not mean that all combinations provide identical measurement performance, so the complete measurement path should be considered when precision is important.

50 Ω RF Measurement System

The TA340 belongs to Pico's 50 Ω RF test port adaptor family and is designed for compatible RF and microwave measurement systems.

Typical measurement environments include:

• Vector network analyzers
• Microwave test systems
• RF component test benches
• Calibration setups
• Network metrology systems
• Research laboratories
• Production RF test systems

Maintaining the correct characteristic impedance throughout the measurement path helps minimize unwanted reflections caused by impedance discontinuities.

Up to 27 GHz Bandwidth

The TA340 premium PC3.5 adaptor is rated for:

• Bandwidth: 27 GHz

Pico's standard SMA test port adaptor family is rated to 18 GHz, while the premium PC3.5 family provides bandwidth up to 27 GHz.

This higher bandwidth makes the TA340 suitable for broadband RF and microwave test setups and provides significant frequency headroom when used with current PicoVNA instruments.

PicoVNA Compatibility

Pico Technology lists the TA340 as a recommended accessory for PicoVNA systems.

It can be used with compatible PicoVNA test leads, calibration standards and RF accessories for measurements such as:

• S-parameter analysis
• Return-loss measurement
• Insertion-loss measurement
• Filter characterization
• Amplifier testing
• Cable and interconnect analysis
• Antenna measurements
• RF component verification
• Network metrology
• Research and development testing

Non-Insertable DUT Measurements

The TA340 is particularly useful for testing non-insertable devices.

A non-insertable DUT has connector genders that prevent direct connection between the available test ports. A dual-female device, for example, may require a male-to-male adaptor within the test configuration.

Pico specifically recommends using and including the:

• TA340 PC3.5(m-m), or
• TA341 PC3.5(f-f)

within calibration when addressing dual-port, single-gender non-insertable devices in premium PC3.5 measurement configurations.

Measurement Uncertainty Consideration

Pico explicitly states that adding a test port adaptor increases measurement uncertainty.

An adaptor introduces additional:

• Electrical length
• Connector interfaces
• Insertion loss
• Mismatch
• Phase shift

For precision measurements, these effects should be considered as part of the complete test system.

Calibration and De-Embedding

Where possible, Pico recommends including the TA340 within the VNA calibration when it will remain part of the final measurement path.

If the measurement setup uses only one calibration kit and direct calibration after gender adaptation is not possible, Pico documents alternative correction methods including:

• Measuring the adaptor and de-embedding its error
• Reference-plane shifting
• Measurement normalization

Full inclusion of the adaptor within calibration is preferable where appropriate calibration standards are available.

Suitable DUT Types

The TA340 can support measurement configurations involving:

• RF filters
• Amplifiers
• Attenuators
• Cables
• RF adapters
• Antennas
• Microwave components
• RF modules
• Test fixtures
• Dual-female non-insertable devices
• Other compatible PC3.5 or mechanically compatible RF interfaces

Typical Applications

The Pico TA340 is suitable for:

• Vector network analyzer measurements
• RF and microwave testing
• PC3.5 connector gender conversion
• S-parameter measurement
• Network metrology
• RF filter characterization
• Amplifier measurement
• Cable and interconnect testing
• Antenna characterization
• Non-insertable DUT measurements
• Calibration-aware test setups
• High-frequency component validation
• R&D laboratories
• Production RF testing
• Precision measurement systems