VNA test leads and adaptors
Phase and amplitude-stable test leads
Two test cable types and grades are recommended and provided by Pico Technology. Both of high quality, with robust construction and stainless steel connectors, the main difference between them is the stability of their propagation velocity and loss characteristic when flexed; that is, the degree to which a measurement could change when the cables are moved or formed to a new position. Cables are specified in terms of flatness and phase variation when a straight cable is formed as one 360° turn around a 10 cm mandrel. Standard test cables are highly flexible. The premium flex-form cables are also flexible but tend to hold their form until intentionally moved to a new position. This further enhances repeatability for bench measurements at fixed port locations or for test installations.
Cal and check standards
Calibration, reference and check standards
We offer a range of accessories to help you check and calibrate your VNA.
Short-open-load-through (SOLT) 4-piece, 5-port calibration kits are available in both genders and in standard or premium quality. These kits have high-performance, tight-tolerance stainless steel interface connectors and are supplied as an assembled five-port “Y” SOLT. They can be disassembled for individual usage, or for economical refurbishment should a calibration standard be damaged. Each SOLT is supplied with traceable calibration data linked to the kit serial number, and is supplied in a protective carry case.
Check standards are available in insertable and non-insertable forms. They can be used to validate the accuracy of a network analysis test setup and its calibration before, during or after measurements are made. These devices validate system measurement accuracy in the presence of high and varying mismatch and thus present a demanding validation on which to base confidence in a setup.
RF products
The accessories listed here are suitable for use with high-frequency test equipment such as the PicoScope 9000 Series of Sampling Oscilloscopes.
Training kits
The Pico Network Metrology Training Kit includes N(m) to SMA(f) inter-series adaptors, SMA(m-m) test leads and fixed SMA wrenches – all that the student will need to pair with a PicoVNA to begin their practice learning.
Two Network Metrology Demonstrator kits are also offered. Either of these kits can realise and verify the full measurement capability and accuracy of the PicoVNA. High-quality, low-uncertainty measurements can then be made, suiting this training investment to much wider application within research and doctorate projects. Accurate measurement can also establish accurate reference and error terms in the measurements that students are making when using the PQ186 Training kit.
