TA430 (insertable M-F) and TA431 (non-insertable F-F) – pictured in foreground – present a high and varying impedance mismatch, delivering the most demanding test of system measurement accuracy currently available, according to Pico.

The intention is to give confidence in an instrument, its test leads and its ongoing calibration validity – that the test leads and connectors have not become damaged, nor has environmental change degraded accuracy.

For Pico’s own VNAs range, a data comparison utility is provided with PicoVNA 2 software to evaluate the comparison against a combination of specified measurement uncertainties for the device, test leads and the instrument.

Each check standard is supplied with Touchstone measurement data on a USB memory stick – and the data is traceable via PC3.5 standards to national standards.

The supplied Touchstone measurement data is compatible with the PicoVNA 106 vector network analyser and can be used to manually validate a measurement of any manufacturer’s VNA, although the degree of support for the comparison will vary.

TA430 and TA431 are each priced at $779, €659 or £549.  (each).