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:
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
