Adaptor 18 GHz SMA(f)-N(m)

The TA314 18 GHz SMA Female to N Male Adaptor provides a practical interface between equipment using N-type and SMA coaxial connectors.

The adaptor is designed for 50 Ω RF systems and supports frequencies up to 18 GHz. Its configuration consists of an N-type male plug and SMA female jack, allowing compatible SMA male cables or accessories to connect to N-type female instrument ports.

Key product details include:

• Frequency capability up to 18 GHz
• 50 Ω nominal impedance
• N-type male connector
• SMA female connector
• Inter-series RF connection
• Passive operation
• Published typical VSWR performance
• Suitable for RF and microwave test systems

18 GHz Frequency Capability

The TA314 is rated for operation up to 18 GHz, making it suitable for RF and microwave measurement applications where SMA and N-type interfaces need to be interconnected.

Typical applications include:

• Vector network analyser measurements
• RF signal generator connections
• Sampling oscilloscope setups
• RF component testing
• Microwave laboratory measurements
• Antenna test systems
• Filter and amplifier testing
• High-frequency research
• Production RF test systems

The maximum usable bandwidth of the complete measurement setup will depend on the lowest-bandwidth component in the signal path.

50 Ω RF Interface

The TA314 has a nominal impedance of 50 Ω, matching the impedance commonly used by professional RF and microwave test equipment.

Maintaining a consistent 50 Ω signal path helps reduce:

• Signal reflections
• Standing waves
• Impedance discontinuities
• Return-loss degradation
• Measurement errors

For best measurement performance, cables, instruments, adaptors and the device under test should use compatible 50 Ω interfaces.

SMA Female to N Male Configuration

The TA314 provides:

• SMA female jack
• N-type male plug

The connection can therefore be represented as:

N-type male → SMA female

This configuration is useful for connecting an SMA male cable or accessory to equipment fitted with an N-type female port.

Typical connections include:

• N-type female instrument → TA314 → SMA male cable
• N-type female VNA port → TA314 → SMA test accessory
• N-type female RF source → TA314 → SMA measurement path
• N-type test fixture → TA314 → SMA cable

Inter-Series RF Adaptor

The TA314 is an inter-series adaptor, meaning that it connects two different coaxial connector families.

In this case, it provides compatibility between:

• N-type
• SMA

This can reduce the need for dedicated inter-series cables when existing SMA cables or accessories need to be connected to N-type equipment.

Typical VSWR Performance

Pico publishes frequency-dependent typical VSWR values for the TA314.

Low VSWR helps minimise signal reflections caused by impedance mismatch within the adaptor.

Pico does not publish a specific typical VSWR value for 14 to 18 GHz on the current TA314 product page, so no unverified figure should be added for that range.

High-Frequency Measurement Applications

The 18 GHz frequency capability makes the TA314 suitable for a range of RF test environments.

It can be used when connecting:

• RF test cables
• Oscilloscope accessories
• Network analysers
• Signal generators
• RF sources
• Microwave test fixtures
• Filters
• Amplifiers
• Antenna measurement systems
• Laboratory prototypes

The adaptor itself does not perform signal conditioning or amplification. It provides the required physical and electrical interface between compatible N-type and SMA connections.

Vector Network Analyser Applications

The TA314 can be useful in VNA measurement setups where an N-type female port needs to interface with an SMA-based test path.

Applications may include:

• S-parameter measurements
• Filter characterisation
• Amplifier testing
• Antenna measurements
• Cable testing
• Connector analysis
• Return-loss measurements
• Transmission measurements

The adaptor should be included within the appropriate calibration or reference-plane strategy when measurement accuracy is critical.

PicoVNA Compatibility

Pico lists the TA314 among the RF accessories associated with its PicoVNA product family.

It can therefore be used where an N-type PicoVNA interface needs to connect to an SMA measurement accessory or cable.

The adaptor does not replace a VNA calibration kit. Any required calibration should be performed using the appropriate SOLT, E-Cal or other calibration method for the measurement setup.

PicoScope 9000 Series Compatibility

Pico also lists TA314 as an optional adaptor for PicoScope 9000 Series sampling oscilloscope systems.

This makes it useful when an N-type interface needs to be incorporated into an SMA-based high-frequency oscilloscope measurement path.

Actual system bandwidth and input limits remain dependent on the connected PicoScope model and other accessories.

Passive RF Design

The TA314 is a passive RF component.

It requires no:

• External power
• USB connection
• Software
• Driver
• Firmware
• Electronic switching
• Network connection

It can be connected directly into a compatible 50 Ω RF signal path.

Applications

The TA314 is suitable for:

• RF and microwave measurements
• Vector network analyser setups
• Sampling oscilloscope measurements
• Signal generator connections
• RF cable adaptation
• Antenna testing
• Filter characterisation
• Amplifier testing
• Telecom development
• High-frequency component testing
• Production test systems
• Research laboratories
• Engineering education