The TA170 18 GHz SMA Connector Saver is a compact passive RF adaptor intended to protect expensive SMA interfaces on oscilloscopes, RF instruments, modules and test fixtures.
Its configuration is:
- SMA male on one side
- SMA female on the other
- 50 Ω nominal impedance
- Frequency capability up to 18 GHz
- Passive operation
Pico specifically describes the TA170 as a connector saver because it can remain attached to an expensive test-equipment port while repeated test connections are made to the replaceable adaptor instead of directly to the instrument.
Why Use a Connector Saver?
High-frequency SMA connectors can wear after repeated mating cycles.
Frequent connection and disconnection may eventually cause:
- Thread wear
- Damaged centre contacts
- Scratched mating surfaces
- Poor electrical contact
- Increased reflections
- Measurement repeatability problems
- Costly instrument-port repair
Using the TA170 means the replaceable adaptor receives much of this mechanical wear.
If the adaptor becomes damaged, replacing it is typically far simpler and less costly than repairing the RF connector on an expensive oscilloscope or other test instrument. Pico explicitly highlights this as the main purpose of the product.
SMA Male-to-Female Configuration
The TA170 provides a straight-through:
SMA male → SMA female
connection.
This arrangement allows the adaptor to be fitted directly to an SMA female instrument port, while still presenting an SMA female interface for subsequent test connections.
Typical uses include:
- Sampling oscilloscope inputs
- RF signal generator outputs
- High-frequency test fixtures
- Microwave modules
- RF prototype boards
- Laboratory interconnect points
- Frequently accessed calibration or test ports
18 GHz Frequency Rating
The adaptor is specified for operation up to 18 GHz.
This makes it suitable for RF and microwave test setups involving:
- High-speed digital signals
- Sampling oscilloscope measurements
- RF component testing
- Microwave interconnections
- Pulse and TDR systems
- Signal-integrity measurements
- High-frequency laboratory setups
The usable bandwidth of a complete system still depends on the lowest-bandwidth component in the signal path.
50 Ω RF System
The TA170 is designed for 50 Ω RF systems, which are standard across most laboratory RF and microwave equipment.
Maintaining the correct impedance helps reduce:
- Reflections
- Standing waves
- Signal distortion
- Return-loss degradation
- Measurement uncertainty
Typical VSWR Performance
Pico publishes the following typical VSWR values for the TA170.
| Frequency Range |
Typical VSWR |
| 1 to 2 GHz |
1.03 |
| 3 to 4 GHz |
1.04 |
| 5 GHz |
1.05 |
| 6 GHz |
1.11 |
| 7 to 8 GHz |
1.12 |
| 9 to 11 GHz |
1.18 |
| 12 to 18 GHz |
1.19 |
These values indicate a relatively good impedance match across the adaptor’s operating range.
Low-Reflection RF Interconnection
Low VSWR is important because each adaptor added to a measurement path can introduce a small reflection.
The TA170’s published performance makes it appropriate for high-frequency test setups where users want connector protection without introducing excessive mismatch.
Applications include:
- S-parameter measurements
- Pulse testing
- High-speed serial measurements
- Oscilloscope input protection
- Microwave signal routing
- RF system development
Suitable for PicoScope 9000 Series
Pico specifically mentions use with PicoScope 9000 Series sampling oscilloscopes as an example of equipment that can benefit from connector protection.
Sampling oscilloscopes often use high-quality precision RF connectors that may be expensive or difficult to repair if damaged.
Installing a TA170 can reduce direct wear on these original instrument ports.
Useful for High-Mating-Cycle Test Setups
The TA170 is particularly useful where one RF port is connected and disconnected frequently.
Examples include:
- Production test stations
- Development benches
- Teaching laboratories
- Calibration setups
- Service departments
- Connector evaluation
- Repeated DUT testing
In these environments, the adaptor acts as a replaceable wear component.
Passive RF Accessory
The TA170 is a purely passive mechanical and RF component.
It does not require:
- External power
- USB connection
- Software
- Firmware
- Calibration control
- Electronic switching
Its function is simply to provide a low-loss, high-frequency male-to-female connection while protecting the original connector.
Applications
The TA170 is suitable for:
- RF connector protection
- PicoScope 9000 Series port protection
- Sampling oscilloscope measurements
- High-frequency RF testing
- Microwave measurements
- Signal-integrity laboratories
- TDR/TDT setups
- RF component testing
- Production test fixtures
- Repeated DUT connection
- Research laboratories
- Engineering education
