The Pico TA336 Standard 8.5 GHz Phase-Stable Test Lead is designed for RF engineers, laboratories, production test teams and vector network analyzer users who require a reliable connection between an N-type instrument port and an SMA male measurement interface.
Pico Technology specifies the TA336 as:
- Order Code: TA336
- Performance Grade: Standard
- Connector Configuration: N(m) to SMA(m)
- Impedance: 50 Ω
- Maximum Frequency: 8.5 GHz
- Construction: Flexible
- Length: 600 mm
- Dielectric: Low-density PTFE
- Diameter over Jacket: 7.1 mm
- Gauge: 170 µm
The cable is designed to provide controlled loss, phase stability and amplitude stability when used in RF and vector network analyzer measurement systems.
Designed for Vector Network Analyzer Testing
The TA336 is an official recommended accessory for the PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers.
It is suitable for measurement applications including:
- S-parameter measurements
- Return-loss analysis
- Insertion-loss testing
- RF filter characterization
- Amplifier measurements
- Cable and connector analysis
- Antenna measurements
- RF component validation
- Network metrology
- Research and development
- Production RF testing
The 8.5 GHz frequency capability allows the TA336 to support the full measurement range of the PicoVNA 108.
N-Type Male to SMA Male Configuration
The TA336 provides:
- Instrument-side connector: N-Type Male
- DUT / measurement-side connector: SMA Male
This configuration is suitable where an RF instrument uses an N-type female port and the device under test, calibration standard or RF accessory provides an SMA female interface.
Typical connections include:
- PicoVNA test ports
- RF filters
- Amplifiers
- Attenuators
- Antennas
- RF modules
- Calibration standards
- Measurement fixtures
- Other compatible SMA female devices
50 Ω RF Measurement System
The TA336 is designed for 50 Ω RF systems, which are widely used in:
- Vector network analyzers
- RF signal generators
- Spectrum and network measurement systems
- RF cables
- Microwave test equipment
- Calibration systems
- RF component test benches
Maintaining a consistent characteristic impedance throughout the measurement path helps reduce unwanted reflections and supports predictable high-frequency measurement performance.
Up to 8.5 GHz Operation
The TA336 is specified for measurements up to:
Pico publishes performance values at both 6 GHz and 8.5 GHz, allowing engineers to understand cable behavior across the operating range.
This makes the TA336 suitable for broadband RF and microwave applications involving the PicoVNA 106 and PicoVNA 108.
Controlled RF Cable Loss
Pico specifies TA336 cable loss as:
- 0.7 dB at 6 GHz
- 0.85 dB at 8.5 GHz
These exact manufacturer-published values are more useful for RF system design than a generic description such as "low-loss cable."
Cable loss should be considered as part of the overall measurement path when performing high-frequency VNA measurements.
Phase-Stable Performance
RF cable movement can change electrical length and introduce phase variation after calibration.
Pico specifies TA336 phase stability as:
- 2° at 6 GHz
- 2.8° at 8.5 GHz
The phase-stability values are measured under Pico's defined flexing test, where the initially straight cable is formed into one complete turn around a 10 cm mandrel.
This makes the TA336 suitable for measurements where the test cable may need to be moved when connecting different devices under test.
0.1 dB Amplitude Stability
Pico specifies:
- Amplitude stability: 0.1 dB at 6 GHz
Amplitude stability describes how much signal magnitude may change as a result of cable flexing under the manufacturer's specified test conditions.
For high-accuracy measurements, unnecessary cable movement after VNA calibration should still be minimized.
Flexible Cable Construction
The TA336 uses a flexible cable construction, making it suitable for laboratory and production environments where the test lead must be routed or repositioned repeatedly.
Pico describes its VNA test cable range as robust and flexible, with stainless-steel connectors.
This makes the TA336 suitable for:
- Repeated DUT connection
- Benchtop testing
- Production RF measurements
- Laboratory characterization
- Engineering development
Low-Density PTFE Dielectric
Pico specifies:
- Dielectric: Low-density PTFE
This is an important manufacturer-published construction detail for the TA336 and is part of the cable's RF transmission structure.
600 mm Cable Length
The TA336 has a specified length of:
The cable provides practical reach for typical benchtop vector network analyzer setups without introducing unnecessary cable length.
7.1 mm Jacket Diameter
The cable has a published diameter of:
- 7.1 mm over jacket
- Approximately 0.28 inches
This specification can be useful when planning cable routing, test-fixture layouts or production measurement stations.
Standard vs Premium Pico VNA Leads
Pico offers both standard SMA and premium PC3.5 test leads.
The standard models are:
- TA336: N(m) to SMA(m)
- TA337: N(m) to SMA(f)
The premium models are:
- TA338: N(m) to PC3.5(m)
- TA339: N(m) to PC3.5(f)
The premium cables provide improved phase and amplitude stability, while the TA336 provides a standard SMA male-port configuration for working VNA measurement applications.
Typical Applications
The Pico TA336 is suitable for:
- Vector network analyzer measurements
- RF and microwave testing
- S-parameter analysis
- Return-loss measurement
- Insertion-loss testing
- RF filter characterization
- Amplifier measurement
- Antenna testing
- Cable and connector analysis
- RF component verification
- Network metrology
- R&D laboratories
- Production RF testing
- High-frequency electronic design validation
