The Pico TA342 Standard Test Port Adaptor SMA(m-m) is designed for RF engineers, laboratories and vector network analyzer users who need to change an SMA female test port into an SMA male test port.
The adaptor features SMA male connectors at both ends and is identified by Pico Technology as the TA342 standard test port adaptor. Pico's current technical information specifies a 50 Ω impedance and 18 GHz bandwidth, making it suitable for broadband RF and microwave measurement applications.
SMA Male-to-Male Test Port Conversion
The primary purpose of the TA342 is connector gender conversion.
It can be used to:
- Convert an SMA female test port to an SMA male interface
- Connect compatible SMA female devices under test
- Adapt VNA measurement setups for different DUT connector genders
- Support RF component characterization
- Simplify test configurations involving mixed connector genders
- Reduce the need for separate test leads for each DUT configuration
This makes the TA342 useful in RF laboratories where multiple devices with different SMA connector genders must be measured.
50 Ω RF System Compatibility
The TA342 is designed for 50 Ω RF and microwave measurement systems, which are widely used for:
- Vector network analyzers
- RF signal generators
- Spectrum and network measurement setups
- Calibration accessories
- RF cables and test leads
- Filters and amplifiers
- Antennas
- RF modules
- Devices under test
Maintaining the correct characteristic impedance throughout an RF signal path helps reduce unwanted impedance discontinuities and measurement errors.
Bandwidth up to 18 GHz
The TA342 provides a manufacturer-published 18 GHz bandwidth, making it suitable for broadband RF measurements and high-frequency test environments.
The 18 GHz rating provides frequency coverage beyond many common VNA measurement applications and allows the adaptor to be incorporated into compatible higher-frequency SMA test systems.
PicoVNA Compatibility
Pico Technology currently lists the TA342 as a recommended PicoVNA accessory.
It can be used alongside compatible PicoVNA equipment, test leads, calibration standards and other RF accessories when an SMA male test interface is required.
Typical PicoVNA applications include:
- S-parameter measurements
- Return-loss measurements
- Insertion-loss testing
- RF filter characterization
- Amplifier testing
- Cable and interconnect analysis
- Antenna measurements
- RF component validation
- Network metrology
- Research and development testing
Suitable for Non-Insertable and Mixed-Gender DUTs
Test port adaptors are particularly useful when the connector arrangement of a DUT does not directly match the available measurement ports.
The TA342 can help configure test setups for:
- Female SMA DUT ports
- Mixed-gender RF devices
- Non-insertable two-port devices
- RF modules
- Filters
- Attenuators
- Amplifiers
- Cables and adapters
This provides greater flexibility without permanently changing the main VNA test-lead configuration.
Measurement Uncertainty Consideration
Pico Technology specifically states that adding a test port adaptor increases measurement uncertainty.
An additional adaptor introduces another RF interface into the measurement path. For measurements where high accuracy is important, engineers should consider the adaptor as part of the complete test configuration.
Good RF measurement practice includes:
- Using only the adapters required for the setup
- Keeping connectors clean and undamaged
- Applying the correct connector torque
- Maintaining a consistent measurement configuration
- Accounting for the adaptor during calibration where required
- Avoiding unnecessary reconnection after calibration
Typical Applications
The Pico TA342 is suitable for:
- Vector network analyzer measurements
- RF and microwave testing
- SMA connector gender conversion
- RF component characterization
- S-parameter measurements
- Filter testing
- Amplifier characterization
- Antenna measurements
- Cable and interconnect testing
- Non-insertable DUT measurements
- Network metrology
- RF research and development
- Production RF testing
- Educational and engineering laboratories
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