PicoVNA® 100 Series

6 GHz and 8.5 GHz vector network analyzers

Professional and portable performance at low cost

300 kHz to 6 or 8.5 GHz operation
High speed, up to 5500 dual-port S-parameters per second
> 10 000 S11 + S21 per second
Quad RX four-receiver architecture for best accuracy
Groundbrea
king P Up to 124 dB dynamic range at 10 Hz bandwidth
icoVNA !
5 software now availabl e 0.005 dB RMS trace noise at maximum bandwidth of 140 kHz
See insid Half-rack, small-footprint, lightweight package
e...

Reference plane offsetting and de-embedding

Time domain and port impedance transformations
Multiple live and memory traces on dual y-axis display channels
Save on trigger for high-speed device profiling (PicoVNA 108)
Dual-frequency mixer measurements with VSWR correction (PicoVNA 108)
Phase meter, P1dB, AM to PM, and stand-alone signal generator utilities

Male and female SOLT and automated E-Cal calibration standards

Guided 8/12-term, SOLT, TRL and TRM calibrations including unknown-through
Confident measurement based on traceable data for all calibration and check standards

www.picotech.com
Vector network analysis for the many
Once the domain of an elite few, microwave measurement has encroached into the lives of scientists, educators, surveyors, inspectors, engineers and technicians alike. Today’s
microwave measurements need to be straightforward, portable, accurate, cost-effective, easy to learn and as fast and automated as possible.
PicoVNAs are all-new, UK-designed, professional USB-controlled, laboratory grade vector network instruments of unprecedented performance, portability and value for money.
Despite their simple outline, small footprint and low cost, the instruments boast a four-receiver architecture to minimize the uncorrectable errors, delays and unreliability of internal
transfer switches.
The PicoVNA 108 delivers an exceptional dynamic range of 124 dB at 10 Hz (118 dB for the PicoVNA 106) and less than 0.006 dB RMS trace noise at its maximum operating
bandwidth of 140 kHz. The instruments can also gather all four S-parameters at each frequency point in just 182 µs (PicoVNA 106) or 189 µs (PicoVNA 108), or S11 + S21 in less
than 100 µs. In other words, a 201 point 2-port .s2p Touchstone file in less than 38 ms or up to two .s1p files in less than 20 ms. Their low price makes them cost-effective as
deep dynamic range scalar network analyzers or single-port vector reflectometers as well as full-function dual-port, dual-path vector network analyzers. They are affordable in the
classroom, in small businesses and even in amateur workshops, yet capable of meeting the needs of all users up to the laboratory or production test technician or the metrology
expert.

Metrology and working standard accessories 6 GHz and 8.5 GHz models Teaching aids and CAD integrations
Multiple-unit remote control
Vector Network Analysis in the field, the work place or as embedded function
The PicoVNAs’ small size, light weight and low cost suit them to field service, installation test, embedded and
classroom applications. With their remote automation capability, they are also attractive in applications such as:
• Test automation, including multiple VNA control and measurement
• Manufacturers needing to integrate a reflectometry or transmission measurement core
• Inspection, test, characterization and calibration in the manufacture, distribution and service center industries
• Electronics component, assembly and systems, and interface/interconnect ATE (cable, PCB and wireless)
• Material, geological, life science and food sciences; tissue imaging; penetrating scan and radar
• Broadband cable and harness test and matching at manufacture and installation, and fault-over-life monitoring
• Antenna matching and tuning
Software development kits, including code examples in MATLAB and MATLAB RF toolbox, LabVIEW, C, C# and
Python, are all available for download from Pico Technology’s GitHub pages. Examples include multiple instrument
addressing and control.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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Quad RX four-receiver, single-sweep, architecture Support for 8 and 12-term calibration and the unknown through
The PicoVNAs integrate a fast-stepping sine-wave signal source Almost all vector network analyzers are calibrated for twelve error sources (six for each signal
with a very fast-settling port transfer switch. Faster than dual-sweep direction). This is the so-called 12-term calibration, which experienced VNA users are used to
competitor VNAs, within a single frequency sweep, at each frequency performing fairly regularly. In a four-receiver design some error sources are so reduced that 8-term
point, the PicoVNAs stimulate both ports in turn and twice measure calibration becomes possible, along with an important and efficient calibration technique known as
phase and amplitude of incident, reflected and transmitted waves at the the unknown through. This gives the ability to use any through interconnect (including the DUT) during
four receivers. This could be achieved with a degree of accuracy with the calibration process, vastly simplifying the procedure and reducing the number of calibration
a single source, a transfer switch and two receivers; the latter inputs standards that need to be maintained. Advanced vector network analyzer users will be pleased to
being switched through a further pair of transfer switches. Alternatively, know that internal a-wave and b-wave data can be exported for diagnostic use.
three receivers can be used with an additional input transfer switch.
The PicoVNA, however, uses four receivers. This eliminates the receiver SOLT (short, open, load and through) calibration
input transfer switch errors (chiefly leakage and crosstalk) that cannot All vector network analyzers need to reference their measurements to well-known standard networks.
otherwise be corrected. These residual errors are always present in two- These need to provide a wide dynamic range of amplitude and phase (or delay time) so that
and three-receiver architectures and lead to lower accuracy than that of measurements between the given extremes become calibrated. PicoVNAs support SOLT calibration
the Quad RX design. of transmission and reflection, whereby the short, open and through provide known and opposing
extremes of phase, high-scale amplitude and transmit isolation. The load provides known low-scale
reflect amplitude and transmit isolation. For Pico calibration standards these are all fully and traceably
S-parameter characterized.
Source
TRL and TRM (through, reflect, line and match) calibration
This is theoretically accurate because a machined air transmission
Transfer switch line can be fabricated more precisely than a good match can be
measured; certainly at higher frequencies. As this line standard can
also carry the burden of time (phase) calibration, the additionally
needed high-reflection standards, the shorts or opens, can also be
less well known.
TRL technique requires a line length of significantly more than 0º
phase delay and significantly less than 180°. Thus, a single TRL
line can only address a limited frequency band. The PicoVNA 108
b1 a1 a2 b2 supports one or two TRL bands and can account for line impedance
offset if required. A low-frequency TRM band can reference a readily
Receivers fabricated resistive match.
TRL and TRM calibration are popular choices when measuring
substrate-mounted DUTs, for example surface-mounted networks or
components. The line, match and reflections (shorts and opens in
the PicoVNA case) can all be readily fabricated on substrate and at
precise on-substrate measurement reference planes.

DUT
Port 1 Port 1 Port 2 Port 2

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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PicoVNA 5: Game-changing new software for PicoVNA
PicoVNA 5 brings a new, crisp, clean focus to results, status and graphical presentation, with minimal clutter over maximum display area. As a ground-up architecture, PicoVNA 5 is
a thoroughly modern, ‘platform’ control software for the PicoVNA vector network analysers. Designed on a Linux toolset, it is cross-platform, light footprint, and will run at speed on
Linux, Windows and macOS (Intel/ARM); hosted on any device, down to a Raspberry Pi 3 and using locally or network connected keyboards, mice, monitors and touch-screens.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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PicoVNA 5: Game-changing new software for PicoVNA - Intuitive, and direct menu-lite interface
Plotted parameters, sensitivities, offsets, reference positions and sweep or time-domain parameters and plot type (e.g. cartesian, Smith or polar; logarithmic, linear, delay or angle)
are all directly editable within each displayed plot channel. There are helpful on-trace cursor readouts under mouse, hover, or touch and you can simply click to drop on a trace
marker and then drag it to the feature or position that you need. Most of your frequent instrument operations fully covered without a need to find an off-plot menu!

S11 plotted on dual-axis. VSWR with offset Show/hide/bring to front Show/hide marker readouts
LogMag with offset and and sensitivity traces on each axis
sensitivity controls. controls.

Data controls:
Export Data
Axis Reference:
Import Data
Triangular
Reset to factory
indicators are
defaults
draggable.
Save Session
Load Session
User Preferences

Marker readouts:
Grouped and
individually
configured for
main, auxiliary and
delta readouts
Sweep/span
or timebase
controls

Format view:
Add axis
Zoom region
Magnify
Maximize graph

Main menus: Use

Workspace tabs: these buttons
Independent set- to display main
ups, views, spans menus.
and calibrations. Start/Stop and Save to Memory controls. Status grid with pop-up controls. Calibration: Mode selection: Expansions: Hardware, software,
SOLT, TRL/TRM & E-Cal. firmware and user feedback options.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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PicoVNA 5: Game-changing new software for PicoVNA
How many views or traces do you need?
Store and display snapshot memory traces across all the plots with a single key press and single-click hide/show toggle them within each viewport, or across all plots via the
Display menu. You can add a second cartesian axis to your plot, segment zoom or magnify your trace (including Smith and Polar plots), or maximise your plot area; all via the format

button at the lower right of each plot:

Choose a viewport layout from standard multi-port layout templates or use PicoVNA 5’s innovative drag-and-snap viewport grid to add and re-shape as many individually sized and
positioned plots as you wish. At any display size and resolution, you can keep a user-configured eye on all the live and stored trace plots that you need. They can be an arbitrary mix
of frequency and time domain views.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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PicoVNA 5: Game-changing new software for PicoVNA
What measurement values does your application need to capture?
As each marker is dropped, its basic readout adds to a readout column to the right of the viewports. Simply click on one of those to edit the trace it is attached to, its position,
convert it to a delta-reference marker, group it or trash it.
Alternatively, click its readout value to select many additional measurements that will be available for display under each marker. Also, similarly to the traces on each plot, you can
hide/show toggle marker readouts to give focus to the view or screen grab of the moment.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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PicoVNA 5: Game-changing new software for PicoVNA
Multiple time-domain views
Live update time domain plots and measurements can be defined across any number of view ports
and s-parameters. These can be configured as Lowpass or Bandpass with user defined DC termination
(short, open, resistance or automatic). The user can select Step or Impulse response with or without
windowing, and with readouts that are time or distance related.
On plot controls allow display of any time span within the support of the underlying sweep span and
digital zoom is also available.

Independent workspaces
Unique to PicoVNA 5, the user can add and define multiple workspaces, each with their own
user settings, spans, views, measurements and calibrations. This powerful feature allows
instrument sharing across multiple users or applications, fast access to preset measurement
set-ups (perhaps a sequenced procedure), preset demonstrations or rapid toggling of different
perspectives on a given measurement.

Save/recall, export/import and user preferences

The PicoVNA 5 user can export uncalibrated data as raw a/b wave (.csv) or calibrated
vector data as .csv or as MA, DB, RI Touchstone formats. Equally the user can import,
display, process and measure as a memory dataset, TouchStone (V1/V2), saved from
any VNA and sweep span. PicoVNA 5 supports this as on or off-line (no connected VNA)
operation.
All instrument and UI settings can also be saved and the user can choose to reload as any
combination of settings, calibration and s-parameter data.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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PicoVNA 5: Game-changing new software for PicoVNA - Frequency or time segment zoom and magnify plot detail
There are two powerful results detail views implemented in PicoVNA 5 beneath each plot format key.

Magnify: adds a scroll wheel magnified view centered on any point within your plot. The Zoom Frequency or Time Segments: each selection of this tool adds a user draggable
current plots area divides horizontally or vertically to allow the live updating spy-glass frequency or time span to the span axis of your plot (including Smith and Polar). Once
plot. Now you get to see just how good your matches, shorts or opens really are at the set, add a new zoomed segment plot to the drag’n’snap viewport grid. Repeat to add
center, the bounds or in fact anywhere on your Smith; or any other plot! further zoomed segments and plots if you wish and then re-arrange your display layout
to suit.
Both forms of added viewport fully support fine position cursor readouts and markers
drop and drag. And by providing the two mechanisms PicoVNA 5 releases you from the
confines of a single detail inspection mechanism!

User defined interpolations

An advanced provision, closely associated with Zoom and Magnify, the PicoVNA 5 user can set their
Preference for interpolation mechanism on a per plot-type basis. Select rom several vector or scalar
interpolations and apply them to real-imaginary or to magnitude-angle data. Usefully, this will apply for either
Live, Memory or Imported data in on or off-line (no connected instrument) applications. Additionally the user
can elect to export data with or without processing.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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PicoVNA 5: Game-changing new software for PicoVNA
Multiple and fast remote access paths
At the forefront of PicoVNA 5 design we had the flexible-
platform programmer and OEM embed/test system
integrator in mind!
Via multiple access points, PicoVNA 5 supports both
remote program command and retrieve (SCPI compliant)
via the GUI and a separate advanced user API. Both paths
are optimized for fast data transfer, for example into
imaging/radar/dielectric analysis and test applications.
They also present a familiar SCPI path for those needing
to integrate or replace a VNA within a larger product, test
system or remote location. Local and network remote UIs
then sit on further access points, allowing a local and/
or remote operator to interact with a SCPI sourced test
sequence. Network/internet mirrored training or support
sessions can therefore be supported under the PicoVNA
5 UI.
Programmers can access a comprehensive set of SCPI
and API SDK examples for MathWorks MATLAB, National
Instruments Labview, Python, C, C# and C++ via our
GitHub organization page.
PicoVNA 5 remote command and retrieve benefits from
punishing alpha and beta testing within advanced and
demanding remote applications.

For PicoVNA 2/3 remote DLL users

PicoVNA 5 does not replicate the remote command and retrieve of the predecessor software and DLL of PicoVNA 3. We encourage migration to the new platform and the extended
functionality of PicoVNA 5, via SCPI or the API. The above SDK examples and Pico Technology’s Technical Support team will assist the migration when users are ready to do so.
Meanwhile, PicoVNA 3 and its control DLL remain available and fully supported.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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PicoVNA 5: Game-changing new software for PicoVNA
E-cal or fixed SOLT and TRL calibration
PicoVNA 5 software supports all of the PicoVNA calibration methods with an advanced and step-by-
step diagrammatic calibration wizard. As an assurance of calibration quality for the fixed SOLT and
TRL/TRM calibrations, each calibration measurement presents as a live pre-scaled display trace and
completion of one stage, presents the next until all are complete. Users can elect to change or re-visit
any stage of the sequence until it is complete.

Reference plane extension

Reference plane extension (offset) allows you to shift the measurement reference plane away from
the point established during calibration. This is useful in removing the path length of assumed ideal
interconnecting , connectors cables or microstrip lines from measurements.
The PicoVNA 5 software allows independent reference plane extensions on each of the ports and these
can be additional to de-embed (below).

De-embed port interfaces

When it is unsafe to assume the above ideal interconnecting connectors cables or microstrip
lines; for example to achieve greater accuracy or to remove known imperfections in a test setup,
we can choose instead to de-embed the interface networks on each measurement port. The
PicoVNA 5 software simply requires a full Touchstone .s2p file or files for each of the embedded
interfacing networks on the two ports. Unusual for some vector network analyzers, the PicoVNA
software will competently vector interpolate between calibration frequencies and de-embed file
frequencies where necessary and possible.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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PicoVNA 5: Game-changing new software for PicoVNA
Start-up on/off-line connect options
PicoVNA 5 automatically scans for and connects a local USB connected instrument. Whilst it
does so, opportunity to load files or connect a software emulated Demo device are presented
to the user. These access mechanisms are for those wishing to view or evaluate PicoVNA
5 software, or for students or hybrid and hardware share employees needing to process
files later and without a connected instrument. Networked or Internet remote instrument
connections are also established from here.

Existing PicoVNA instrument upgrade

The new PicoVNA 5 software unlocks and will continue to unlock new instrument communications and
capabilities. Pre-existing instruments will therefore require an embedded software upgrade. The need to
upgrade will be identified by the PicoVNA 5 application during the USB instrument connection process,
and it will seamlessly handle the whole boot loader process.
A small charge of $359, €329, £279 is made for this upgrade via an in-application purchase. PicoVNA 5
and its instrument communication are developed in the UK by AAI Robotics Ltd., of Cambridge. This is a
direct payment to AAI Robotics, made via the Stripe (www.stripe.com) global card or e-payments system.

On-going user-driven development

Guided by user and remote programmer feedback at every stage of the process, and using the latest Agile software development techniques, PicoVNA 5 is a ground-up, rapid-evolve
architecture. The UK design consortium (Pico Technology, LA Techniques and AAI Robotics) have defined and implemented PicoVNA 5 first release to be a fully functional but
foundational VNA feature set. We strongly believe that we will optimize our delivery of today’s user benefits only by releasing this foundation and by gaining your in-use feedback. It
is your priorities for further development that should then drive us; whether that be for new features, feature enhancements or full functional parity with its predecessor PicoVNA 3
software.
To help reset or shape our understanding of your needs, please find at the bottom right of the PicoVNA 5 user interface, the new Feedback tab. This has been included to
conveniently capture your in-the-moment commentary on the software. There is also a tool in which you can quickly compile your priority for the ongoing development program, and
make email or instant-messenger contact with the design team.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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Full instrument functionality using PicoVNA 3 software

The PicoVNA 3 software and GUI interfaces with the VNA over USB 2.0 and displays or exports measurement results. MS Windows display, in default or dark theme, presents up to four user
configurable plot channels, with dual y-axis cartesian, polar or Smith plots, each supporting up to four live and four memory traces and eight measurement markers. Marker results are tabulated to the
right and summarized below each plot to give at-a-glance understanding of the networks under test. Y-axis reference, scalings and offset are click and drag or type editable.

Show all S-parameters separately or combine on a single plot. Plot both reflection parameters (S11, S22) as LogMag and Phase. Show S11 and S22 on the same Smith chart.
Configure as one, two or four channels and show one to four Gain and phase can be combined in one plot, but with up to four Add up to four memory traces if required.
live traces on each. Add one to four memory traces to each. live traces, why not plot forward and reverse match and phase or
gain and phase together, as above?

Plot both reflection parameters (S11, S22) as LogMag and SWR. Compare network pulse responses using S21 time domain. Display a single parameter at two sensitivities or offsets.
Two of four memory traces in use to compare another DUT. Here using a live trace and up to four memory traces to Here we see passband S21 flatness and S21/S12 stopbands
compare low pass filter responses with through response. as live traces on the same plot.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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Full instrument functionality using PicoVNA 3 software
PicoVNA 3 software presents VNA measurement and calibration simply, intuitively and with efficient usage at its heart. The software offers a comprehensive range of
measurements and multiple trace, dual-axis plot formats in one, two or four user-configurable display channels. All the standard vector network analyzer functions and tabulated
measurements can be seen at a glance.
Import/export, help and utilities S11/S22 - parameters being plotted Axis parameters Direct access to channel settings
Save, recall, print, labels and calibration tools LogMag - measurement type/unit Display two Y-axis parameters per graph Click or touch, drag or type values, reference position, scalings and markers
P1dB, AM to PM, signal generator and - reference position indicator
compare data utilities 0.0 dB - reference level
PicoVNA 108 only: Save on trigger, mixer 5.0 dB/DIV - sensitivity
measurements and phase meter

Display formats
One, two or four channels

1 1 2
Marker readouts
1 Table of up to eight
markers for the
2 selected channel in
trace color.

1 2

3 4
3 4

Marker summary
Plot formats
Log magnitude User interface
Phase Controls, instrument
Smith chart and status
VSWR information, trigger
Group delay and vector trace math
Linear magnitude functionsnformation
Real and vector trace math
Imaginary functions.
Time domain Illustrated use of display channels and Y-axes
Polar linear 1. Two live update parameters (S11 and S22), plotted log magnitude (left axis) and SWR (right axis
2. One live parameter (S21), plotted Log Magnitude at 0.5 dB/div (left axis), and 0.05 dB/div and -2.0 dB offset (right axis)
3. One live parameter (S11), plotted Time Domain (impedance by time or distance)
4. Two live parameters (S11 and S22), plotted as Smith Chart

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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PicoVNA 5/PicoVNA 3 feature comparison
PicoVNA 5 software will be preferred by most users. There will however be a brief period for which certain PicoVNA features are not yet addressed in the new software. PicoVNA 3
software therefore remains available and fully supported. The table below gives full detail comparison of features between the two softwares.

PicoVNA feature PicoVNA 5 current release PicoVNA 3

Operating system, platform and display
Linux, Windows 7+, macOS 11 (Big Sur)+
Linux test distributions Debian 8 (Jessie) , Ubuntu 18.04
Supported operating systems (LTS), Mint Cinnamon (Vera), openSUSE Leap 15.0, Windows only
Fedora 28, Arch Linux. No problems anticipated on other
distributions.
PC, Mac (Intel/Arm), Linux AArchh64 onwards, Pi 3
Supported controllers PC only
onwards 64 bit
Supported display resolution All Limited rescaling to monitor aspect and resolution
Generic, foundational and ground-up design. Built for
speed, scalability and cross-platform compatibility.
Maintains compatibility with older computer hardware Legacy MSWindows design environment and toolset,
Development environment while making efficient use of modern hardware to unlock limited scope and design efficiency to rapidly meet ever
new data processing possibilities. Designed to be increasing user needs.
capable of rapid expansion to meet ever evolving user
requirements.
Measurement viewports (channels)
Live traces per viewport (plot channel) 2 4
Dual-axis plots Yes
Memory traces per viewport (plot channel) Unlimited* 4
Number of viewports (plot channels) 1 to unlimited* 1, 2 or 4
No. of live time domain viewports (plot channels) Unlimited* (from any span setting) 1 (requires 2n measurement points)
User scaling and positioning of plots Drag position and shape with snap to infinite grid No, three built in layouts only
Plot variants
Plot types Cartesian (Time and Frequency), Polar, Smith
Plot formats Log Mag, Lin Mag, Phase, Re, Im, Group Delay, VSWR, TD
User prefered linear, Cubic Spline or Akima Spline applied Linear dot join on frequency domain plots, cubic spline on
Plot interpolations
to Mag/Angle or Re/Im TD plots
Low pass (step/impulse) and band pass (impulse) with
Low Pass with Hanning, rectangular and Kaiser Bessel
Time domain variants Hanning, Rectangular and Kaiser Bessel windowing and
windowing and Auto/Manual DC termination
Auto/Manual DC termination

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PicoVNA 5/PicoVNA 3 feature comparison (continued)
PicoVNA feature PicoVNA 5 current release PicoVNA 3
In viewport (channel) controls and readouts
Span (time or frequency), plot parameter/type/format,
On plot parameter edit Sensitivity, offset, ref position
sensitivity, offset, ref position
Hover on plot cursor readout Yes, all traces No
Click to drop and drag marker Yes, all traces No (menu apply + drag)
Unlimited independent or grouped to reference. Note:
Markers count 1 - 8 repeat across all plots and frequency locked together
readout display area scrolls
Reference markers Unlimited 1
Not in current release. bandwidth, Q, peak search auto
Auto markers Search ±3dB and ±6dB
markers to follow.
Multiple and delta readouts Yes user configurable per marker or group Yes, plot format dependent
Auto scaling of plot axis Not in current release Yes within Display menu
Magnify, zoom and processing features
Yes, define frequency or time segments for a new display
Zoom multiple span segments port. Multiple segments per plot supported. Supports No
cursor readout and fine marker drop and drag
Yes, choose to magnify any region of any plot. Includes
Magnify region of any plot any focal point on Smith chart for example. Supports No
cursor readout and fine marker drop and drag
Yes, averaging (unlimited), smoothing 0-10%. Peak/trough Yes, averaging 1-255, smoothing 0-10% and peak/trough
Trace averaging, smoothing and peak hold
hold to come. hold
Trace vector maths Not in current release Yes, vector math, live + memo, live - memo, live/memo
Yes, reformat Touchstone as MA, DB, RI. Re-sample and
Interpolated re-sampling and re-format Touchstone No
more to come.
User workspaces
Yes, unlimited.
Multiple independent workspaces Independent settings, spans, displays, calibrations, de- No
embeds, preferences
Calibration features
Supported calibration methods Fixed SOLT, TRL/TRM (single or dual Line) and E-Cal
S11, insertable and non-insertable, unknown Thru with/ S11, S21, S11+S21, insertable and non-insertable, known/
Supported calibrations
without enhanced isolation unknown Thru with/without enhanced isolation
Graphical calibration assist wizard Yes, with measurement plotting No (text user prompts)

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PicoVNA 5/PicoVNA 3 feature comparison (continued)
PicoVNA feature PicoVNA 5 current release PicoVNA 3
Pico.kit file, TouchStone, polynomial coefficients and TRL Pico.kit file, TouchStone via external conversion to .kit,
Supported cal kit definition (1/2 frequency bands) and Open or Short Reflect. Includes polynomial coefficients and TRL (1/2 frequency bands
in-app kits editor and Open or Short Reflect. Includes in-app kits editor
Import/export, save/recall and offline working
Yes, save all with selection at recall of calibration,
Save/recall session Yes, save settings or calibration and settings
settings, data.
Yes, .csv (comma or point separator), Touchstone V1/V2,
Import/export Yes, .csv, Touchstone MA, a-b wave.csv
MA,DB,RI, a-b wave.csv
Yes; load, process, display, measure and re-save your data
Standalone (off-line) operation No
without instrument connection.
Not in current release - print screen or graphics grabbers
Save and Print display, viewport and readouts graphics Yes, plots + readouts with user print title labelling
available
Remote interfacing
SCPI compliant GUI control and retrieve with Local
Remote control and retrieve - Remote operator inter-action. Plus separate high Separate GUI-less DLL
performance API.
No, PicoVNA 3 control.dll remains supported and there
Compatibile with PicoVNA 3 command set Yes
are comprehensive SDK examples to assist migration.
Network present application that allows fully remoted
Network presence command and retrieve, GUI operation and display No network remote support
mirroring.
Fixture or feed removal and Z0 conversion
Yes, manual in current release, independent on each port
Reference plane shift and can be combined with embe/de-embed networks as Yes, manual or automatic, independent on each port
below
Normalisation No, not in current release. Yes, either via trace math or loss at 1 GHz.
Yes, de-embed separate Touchstone defined networks,
Yes, de-embed separate Touchstone defined networks,
Embed/de-embed one or multiple on each port, which can be applied in
one on each port
addition to Ref Plane Shift from above.
Yes, 10Ω to 200Ω, purely resistive and applicable to Live
System impedance adjust - Z0 conversion Not in current release
and Memory traces

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PicoVNA 5/PicoVNA 3 feature comparison (continued)
PicoVNA feature PicoVNA 5 current release PicoVNA 3
Features yet to be migrated and enhanced**
Not in current release. Significant enhancements Yes, upto six specified test limit bands with plot
Limits editor and test
envisaged. highlighted and audible fail.
Not in current release. Significant enhancements Includes P1dB and AM-PM measurement and plot utilities
Non-linear calibrations and measurements
envisaged. that include necessary calibrations
Included for PicoVNA 108, allows rapid multiple stepped
Save on trigger rapid characterisation Not in current release parameter network/device characterisations based on
hardware trigger
Yes (for PicoVNA 108), supports fixed or tracking external
Offset frequency/mixer measurements
Not in current release L.O. Includes direct USB remote control of tracking L.O.
(Conversion loss, port isolation, compression)
signal generator E.g. PicoSource AS108.
Yes, in the context of above mixer measurements.
Absolute port power calibration Not in current release Includes direct control of external USB power sensors or
other port receiver
Not in current release. Significant enhancements Includes tabular comparison utility with combined
Compare data with traceable uncertainties
envisaged. instrument and reference uncertainties
Yes, allows timebased trending of a single frequency
CW sweep mode Not in current release
measurement down to sub millisecond time increment
Yes, Phase Meter utility allows port receivers to lock to
two external signals at a known frequency. The two are
Phase meter mode Not in current release
then compared for continuous measurement of their
relative phase and amplitudes
Yes, allows for use as a sweeping (PicoVNA 108 only) or
Signal generator mode Not in current release
CW signal generator via either port.
*Actual practical limitation derives from display size and resolution and resulting plot scaling.
**These features will be developed according to user demand and priority expressed in user feedback.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

®
 Bias-Ts
Bias-Ts are often not provided, or available as costly extras, on other VNAs. Use the PicoVNA’s built-in bias-Ts to
provide a DC bias or test stimulus to active devices without the complexity and cost of external DC-blocks. The bias
is supplied from external power supplies or test sources routed to the SMB connectors next to each VNA port.

DC pwr DC pwr

DUT
10 MHz reference
10 MHz referenceinin/out
/out USB hostconnection
USB host connection +12
+12 VVtoto +15
+15 Vpower
V DC DC power
UseUse
bias-Ts totopower
bias-Ts anactive
power an active DUT
DUT

Other I/O
Power (12 to 15 V DC, 25 W) and USB 2.0 control are located
on the rear panel. Trigger I/O for sweep synchronization and
10 MHz I/O for reference clock synchronization are available
on four BNC sockets.

Poweron/off
Power on/off switch
switch Sweep
Sweeptrigger in/outin/out
trigger

Test cables, adaptors, calibration standards and measurement check standards

A range of high-integrity RF and microwave accessories are available from Pico Technology. Test cables and calibration standards strongly influence the overall performance of a
VNA, so we recommend that you select your accessories and perform your calibrations carefully.
Cables and standards are often the weakest links in a VNA measurement, generally contributing significantly to measurement uncertainty despite their traditionally high cost. At
the lowest levels of uncertainty, costs can be significant and measurements can be compromised by seemingly quite minor damage or wear. For these reasons, many customers
hold both premium-grade items for calibration, reference or measurement standards, and standard-grade items as working standards and cables. Pico Technology now offers cost-
effective solutions in both grades. In general we recommend PC3.5 interfaces for premium or reference use and SMA interfaces for working use.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

®
Phase- and amplitude-stable test leads and test port adaptors
Two test cable types and grades are recommended and provided by Pico Technology. Both of high quality, with robust and flexible construction and stainless steel connectors, the
main differences between them are the provision of PC3.5 or SMA test ports and 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 at up to 8.5 GHz when a
straight cable is formed as one 360° turn around a 10 cm mandrel.

Order code Grade Dielectric Diameter Impedance Loss Phase stability Amplitude stability Length Connectors

TA336 N(m)-SMA(m)
7.1 mm
(0.28”) 0.7 dB at 6 GHz 2° at 6 GHz
Standard 0.1 dB at 6 GHz
over 0.85 dB at 8.5 GHz 2.8° at 8.5 GHz
jacket
TA337 N(m)-SMA(f)
Low-
density 50 Ω 600 mm
PTFE
TA338 N(m)-PC3.5(m)
7.5 mm
(0.30”) 0.6 dB at 6 GHz 0.8° at 6 GHz
Premium 0.05 dB at 6 GHz
over 0.7 dB at 8.5 GHz 1.1° at 8.5 GHz
jacket
TA339 N(m)-PC3.5(f)

Order code Grade Name Impedance Bandwidth Connectors*

TA342 ADA-STD-MM SMA(m-m)

TA343 Standard ADA-STD-FF 18 GHz SMA(f-f)

TA357 ADA-STD-FM SMA(f-m)

50 Ω
TA340 ADA-PREM-MM PC3.5(m-m)

TA341 Premium ADA-PREM-FF 27 GHz PC3.5(f-f)

TA354 ADA-PREM-FM PC3.5(f-m)

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

®
Calibration and measurement reference standards
Pico Technology offers a range of short, open, load and through (SOLT), 4-piece, 5-port manual calibration kits in male and female genders. All 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 calibration data linked to the kit serial number.
Both the Standard and Premium kits offer exceptional Order code Name Type Ports Impedance Connector* Characterization*
residual directivity for the price. It is this that combines
with good uncorrected port match on the PicoVNAs to TA344 SOLT-STD-M SMA(m)
deliver exceptional price-performance. Standard
manual
Premium PC3.5 kits are calibrated to reduced uncertainty Full S-parameter
SOLT 5
using TRL intercomparison above 1.5 GHz. TA345 SOLT-STD-F SMA(f) 300 kHz to 8.5 GHz.
(short,
Serial-numbered
* SMA, PC3.5 and K-type/2.92 connectors can all be open, 50 Ω
.kit file provided
mated with each other. SMA type has solid dielectric, load,
TA346 SOLT-PREM-M PC3.5(m) on USB memory
PC3.5 has air dielectric. Premium through)
stick.
manual
SOLT
TA347 SOLT-PREM-F PC3.5(f)

Automated E-Cal USB-controlled and ovened calibration standards

Minimized as far as possible, the manual calibration process involves several torqued connect/disconnect operations and a manual loading of unique data files for each standard.
The E-Cal SOLT calibration process reduces this to just one connection by internally switching its calibration standards. The process becomes automatic and highly repeatable, with
power, control and data read all managed by the PicoVNA software over a USB interface.
Fast, convenient and less error-prone, an E-Cal standard is to an extent compromised by switch errors, resulting in non-ideal short, open, load and through. Mitigating this, the
PicoVNA E-Cal standards include fast-rise oven control of device temperature, and seventeen traceable, full span s-parameters characterize the now stable imperfections. It is also
true that the convenience, de-skilling and speed of automated calibration tend to promote more regular calibration, and thus more accurate, repeatable and reliable measurement –
so much so that some process managers insist upon an automated E-Cal.
All PicoVNA calibration and check standards (below) are calibrated against fully traceable PC3.5 standards and are supplied in a protective carry case. Further specifications for the
instrument and calibration kits can be found on later pages. We also offer a calibration service for Pico standards: see Ordering information.
Order code Name Type Ports Standards Impedance Connector* Characterization
Short, open,
TA518 SOLT-AUTO-M Ovened SMA(m)
load, through Full S-parameter
USB-
and separate 300 kHz to 8.5 GHz.
controlled 2 50 Ω
characterized/ Embedded and read
automated
TA519 SOLT-AUTO-F polarized port SMA(f) from USB device
E-Cal SOLT
adaptor

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

®
Check standards
We offer two economical check standards that can be used to validate the accuracy of a network analysis test setup and its calibration before and during or after measurements
are made. Akin to the Beatty line, each check standard is a short length of mismatched line (75 mm of 25 Ω) with a predictable, smooth and stable mismatch and transmission
characteristic that spans the frequency range of the PicoVNAs. 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.
A comparison utility is provided in the PicoVNA 3 software (described on later pages) to evaluate the comparison against a combination of specified measurement uncertainties
for the device, test leads and instrument. Each check standard is supplied with Touchstone measurement data on USB memory stick. The data is traceable via PC3.5 standards to
national standards. The supplied Touchstone measurement data is compatible with, and can be used to manually validate a measurement of, any manufacturer’s VNA.
Two check standards are available: insertable SMA(m-f) and noninsertable SMA(f-f).

Order code Name Type Ports/ Interface/ Characterization Supported calibration modes
Standards Impedance
CHK-INS-MF
Insertable with Insertable 12-term calibration, all
TA430 2 ports/ SMA(m)/50 Ω
a male and a S-parameters
25 Ω low- Full S-parameter 300 kHz to 8.5 GHz.
female port Check
impedance line Serial-numbered Touchstone file
standard
CHK-NON-F with transition provided on USB memory stick Non-insertable, known and
TA431 Noninsertable to 50 Ω ports SMA(f)/50 Ω unknown through calibrations, all
with female ports S-parameters

Please see Software description and Specifications for further details.

<<<<< Span of PicoVNA 106 >>>>>

S-parameter and time-domain plots for TA431 over an 8.5 GHz span.
Minor but within-specification S21 measurement errors present.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

®
Test cables and calibration standards selection guide
Calibration kits can be purchased as a pair or as a single kit depending on the primary (best uncertainty) measurement application and its DUT interface, and sometimes to
meet a secondary purpose with other DUT interfaces. Budget may also be a consideration. Pico Technology provides for all purchase options. You can order any combination of
accessories, but to get you started we recommend that you choose one of the following ‘universal’ configurations.

Recommended configurations using manual SOLT calibration standards

For best overall test efficiency and uncertainty in a mix of single-port or dual-port test applications of both genders, we recommend these dual-port test lead and calibration
standards configurations and the use of test port adaptors as necessary. All calibration modes are then available and where needed port adaptors can be fully included in the
calibration.

Primary DUT interface Select Required test leads Required manual SOLT Supported Port adapt for some DUTs…
accessory calibration kits measurement
grade and calibration
modes
To address dual-port single-gender non-insertable
Universal capability. 1x TA336 SMA male port 1x TA344 SMA male ports All single
Standard SMA devices, use and include within calibration 1x TA342
Dual-port devices or 1x TA337 SMA female port 1x TA345 SMA female ports and dual-port SMA(m-m) or TA343 SMA(f-f) test port adaptor.
any single-port device calibration
with male or female or modes and To address dual-port single gender non-insertable
1x TA338 PC3.5 male port 1x TA346 PC3.5 male ports
male and female ports Premium PC3.5 1x TA339 PC3.5 female port 1x TA347 PC3.5 female ports S-parameters
devices, use and include within calibration 1x TA340
PC3.5(m-m) or TA341 PC3.5(f-f) test port adaptor.
The following configurations use just one SOLT calibration standard and are recommended where there is a focus on a particular port gender.

Primary DUT interface Select Required test leads Required manual SOLT Supported Port adapt for some DUTs…
accessory calibration kits measurement
grade and calibration
modes
Standard SMA 2x TA336 SMA male port* 1x TA345 SMA female ports Note that mixed gender dual-port insertable devices
Single port or dual-
All S-parameters can be addressed by adding and de-embedding
port noninsertable
1x TA341 PC3.5(f-f) or TA343 SMA(f-f) test port
with female port(s) Premium PC3.5 2x TA338 PC3.5 male port* 1x TA347 PC3.5 female ports and all single
and dual-port adaptor**.
calibration Note that mixed gender dual-port insertable devices
Single port or dual- Standard SMA 2x TA337 SMA female port* 1x TA344 SMA male ports
modes except can be addressed by adding and de-embedding 1x
port noninsertable insertable TA340 PC3.5(m-m) or TA343 SMA(m-m) test port
with male port(s) Premium PC3.5 2x TA339 PC3.5 female port* 1x TA346 PC3.5 male ports
adaptor**.
* Can reduce to a single test lead in single-port measurement applications.
** With only one calibration kit it is not possible to calibrate after port gender adaptation. Purchase a second calibration kit of opposing gender for full calibration of a port adaptor.
Alternatively, once a noninsertable calibration has been performed, it is possible to measure the port adaptor(s) and de-embed their error. A third option is to use reference plane
shift and/or normalization for a lesser correction of adaptor errors.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

®
Recommended configurations using automated E-Cal SOLT calibration standards
Primary DUT interface Select Required test leads Required manual calibration Supported Also suited to DUTs…
accessory kits measurement
grade and calibration
modes
Universal capability. Standard SMA 2x TA336 SMA male port Use and include within calibration:
All dual-port
Dual-port devices or test leads 2x TA343 SMA(f-f) port adaptor 1x TA518 SOLT-AUTO-M 1) A test port adaptor to address insertable dual-
calibration
any single-port device and port devices**.
Premium PC3.5 2x TA338 PC3.5 male port modes and
with male or female or 1x TA519 SOLT-AUTO-F* 2) Both port adaptors to address dual male port
test leads S-parameters
male and female ports 2x TA341 PC3.5(f-f) port adaptor non-insertable devices.
Alternatively using 1x automated E-Cal calibration standard …
Standard SMA 2x TA336 SMA male port
Dual-port non-
insertable devices or test leads 1x or 2x TA343 SMA(f-f) adaptor
1x TA519 SOLT-AUTO-F Use and include within calibration a test port
any single female port Premium PC3.5 2x TA338 PC3.5 male port All dual-port adaptor to address insertable dual-port devices or
device test leads 1x or 2x TA341 PC3.5(f-f) adaptor calibration single-port device of opposing gender**.
Standard SMA 2x TA337 SMA female port modes and Note that opposing gender dual-port non-
Dual-port non- S-parameters
test leads 1x or 2x TA342 SMA(m-m) adaptor insertable devices can be addressed by adding
insertable devices or
1x TA518 SOLT-AUTO-M and de-embedding a further port adaptor.***.
any single male port Premium PC3.5 2x TA339 PC3.5 female port
device test leads 1x or 2x TA342 SMA(m-m) adaptor
* This automated dual E-Cal SOLT configuration is available with discount. Please see TA520 on the ordering information page.
** To calibrate use the characterized and polarized through adaptor supplied with your E-Cal standard. The PicoVNA E-Cal calibration wizard guides this setup.
*** With only one calibration kit it is not possible to calibrate after two-port gender adaptations. Purchase a second E-Cal calibration kit of opposing gender for full calibration after
two-port adaptions. Alternatively, once a non-insertable calibration has been performed, it is possible to measure the second port adaptor and de-embed its error. A third option is to
use reference plane shift and/or normalization for a lesser correction of adaptor errors.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

®
6 GHz Network Metrology Training and Metrology Kits
The low-cost PicoVNA 106 opens up the potential for every student or trainee to learn
through the use of a full-function professional-grade vector network analyzer. The Pico
PQ186 Network Metrology Training Kit builds on this opportunity and supports a wide
variety of learning and experiment. Central to the kit is the separately available PQ189
Network Test PCA. This printed circuit accessory hosts a variety of example lumped
element, active and passive and transmission line DUTs and end-of-line SOLT (short-
open-load and through) calibration standards.
Used with the PicoVNA 106 or 108, the kit supports teaching objectives around reflection
and transmission measurements, S-parameters and other standard measurement
quantities. These can be presented and interpreted as log, linear, phase, real, imaginary,
polar and Smith chart formats and derived quantities group delay and time domain
transmission and reflection. Additionally, by including an active broadband amplifier
element (+5 V DC power required, 2.1 mm jack), nonlinear compression measurements
such as P1dB and AM to PM (phase due to amplitude modulation) can be explored using
the PicoVNA 106’s built-in measurement utilities.

Measurements and calibrations are made via industry-standard SMA connectors. These
support measurements out to 6 GHz and the teaching of best interconnection practice
and the importance of secure, repeatable and robust connections. Using the on-board
calibration standards the student can practice calibration for reflection, transmission
and 8- and 12-term corrections using short-open-load and the known and unknown
through methods.
Also included in the kit is a set of budget SMA(f) SOLT calibration standards (PQ190).
With these the student can calibrate at cable ends rather than on board. This supports
teaching and experiment around reference plane shift, normalization and the PCA includes example attenuator,
de‑embedding of feedlines and connections on the PCA. Assumed ‘ideal’ and typical broadband amplifier, 25 Ω mismatched
line, resistive power divider, lowpass
calibration data for these standards can be downloaded from picotech.com, along with and bandpass filters and a user chip
the comprehensive user’s and trainer’s guide and referenced instrument settings files. component site, plus short, open, load and
Students with access to the AWR Design Environment can also download the Microwave through calibration elements.
Office design project for the kit PCA. Pico’s Cadence AWR DE interface wizard can then
import real-world measured data directly to the project to allow measurement enhanced
simulation or comparison with the design simulations. Software development kit
examples are also available via GitHub (github.com/picotech) to import and work with
measured data in other CAD, test and programming environments such as MATLAB,
LabVIEW, C, C#, C++ and Python.

The Pico PQ186 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 the PicoVNA 106 (or any other VNA) to begin their practical learning. Printed
circuit layout of the network test PCA is generic to support modification to alternative
passive network and components.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

®
Network Metrology Demonstrator Kits
Two Network Metrology Demonstrator Kits are also offered. These include Pico’s now widely respected Standard SMA or Precision PC3.5
professional-grade test leads, a female SOLT calibration kit and an SMA non-insertable female-to-female Check Standard; both with reference
data, traceable back to national standards. Either of these kits can realise and verify the full measurement capability and accuracy of the
PicoVNA 106 or 108. 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 Network Metrology Training Kit.
PQ187

Order
Description Notes USD* EUR* GBP*
code
Incl: PQ189 training PCA, PQ190 SMA(f) training SOLT kit, 2x N(m)-SMA(f) inter-
PQ186 Network Metrology Training Kit and carry case series adaptor, 2x TA312 60 cm SMA(m-m) test lead, TA177 SMA wrench.
889 759 629
PQ189 Network Metrology Training printed circuit accessory and carry case 509 429 359
Incl: 2x TA336 N(m)-SMA(m) standard test lead, TA345 SMA(f) SOLT calibration
PQ187 Network Metrology Leader Standard kit SMA(f) and carry case kit and data, TA431 SMA(f-f) non-insertable check standard and data
1855 1575 1305
Network Metrology Leader Premium Kit PC3.5(f) Demonstrator kit and Incl: 2x TA338 N(m)-PC3.5(m) premium test lead, TA347 PC3.5(f) SOLT
PQ188 3125 2655 2195
carry case calibration kit and data, TA431 SMA(f-f) non-insertable check standard and data

PQ190 Network Metrology Low Cost SOLT Kit SMA(f) Typical .kit data can be downloaded 105 89 75
PS011 + 5 V DC plug top AC power supply and international adaptors 30 25 21
* Prices correct at time of publication. Sales taxes not included. Please contact Pico Technology for the latest prices before ordering. All part-numbered items separately available.

Computer-aided design partners

Antenna matching with Optenni Lab CAD software

IoT, 5G, WiFi, V2X – has there ever been a bigger market explosion than the use of the
antenna, and use within very challenging locations? Optenni Lab is industry-leading RF
design automation software for antenna matching and RF chain performance optimization.
The tool addresses multi-band, broadband, multi-antenna and tunable antenna systems and
synthesizes measurement-based matching solutions in real time. In other words, Optenni Lab
outputs optimized matching circuits based on live vector network analyzer measurements
of antennas. Optenni Lab versions from 4.3 SP5 are compatible with the PicoVNA. The tool
synthesizes optimal topologies from discrete, distributed, variable or switched component
libraries against desired bandwidth and isolation targets, taking into account mutual coupling
to nearby antennas. Optenni Lab automatically outputs highly complex and normally time-
consuming designs. This CAD software interfaces the PicoVNA control DLL directly and no
further software is required.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

®
Cadence AWR Connected for PicoVNA Designed within Microwave
Office, the PCB project
The AWR Connected wizard for the PicoVNA brings design file is available to
affordable vector network measurement right into AWR AWR
Design Simulate download. Students and
the Cadence AWR Design Environment. Component, trainers can engage at
system and subsystem measurements are available, any point in the design
controllable and displayed inside your simulation cycle, compare simulation
workspace. Real-world measurements become with real measurement,
available for one-click transfer directly to project data and experiment within
files – that you can use within your simulations or for the simulated and real
direct plot and comparison. environments.
Design–Simulate–Implement–Measure workflow is Measure
encapsulated in a single design environment, tightly Implement How it works
coupled for optimized speed and efficiency.
1. Start the PicoVNA wizard
Features at a glance to launch the PicoVNA Microwave Office project file for the Network Metrology Test kit

• Control and view PicoVNA output inside your design environment control software and
• One-click measurement transfer to new or existing project data files or plots establish control of the
• Fast, convenient comparison of ideal, modeled and measured component data PicoVNA.
2. From the PicoVNA tab
• Simulation with measured component or subsystem data
select your saved calibration
• Extend measured data to 0 Hz for passive component simulation at DC
and measurement settings. 4. From the MWO Datafile
• Measure and plot active max. stable gain, available gain, K-factor and B1 6. Optionally use the
Select single or dual port tab, select or create a
Powerful education and training alliance import and preferred project data file to receive Passive Component or
preview plots. your measured data. Transistor data tabs to
Can there be any more effective and rewarding learning experience than completing the 3. Save Touchstone from 5. One click creates or create or update parameter
whole design cycle? Unfortunately, the high costs of microwave network measurement here if required. updates your data. graph plots with one click.
have for many compromised that experience in the classroom. We believe that the more
affordable PicoVNA 106 6 GHz full-function, professional-grade vector network analyzer,
partnered with Microwave Office, changes the game.

Microwave Office layout with the PicoVNA

wizard (2nd panel) in the workspace

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

®
Reference plane extension After calibration For the measurement we want
ref plane is here the ref plane to be here
Reference plane extension (offset) allows you to shift the measurement reference plane away from
the point established during calibration. This is useful in removing the path length of assumed ideal
connectors, cables or microstrip lines from measurements. PicoVNA 3 software allows independent
reference plane extensions on each of the measurement parameters (S11, S22, S12 or S21), either as
an automatic re-reference or by manual entry. Independent extensions allow, for example, different

VNA
extensions on the two ports for S11 and S22 and then through-line normalization for S21 and S12
transmission comparison with equivalent length through-line.
Actual device
to be tested

DUT on microstrip test jig

De-embedding embedded port interfaces
When it is unsafe to assume the above ideal interconnecting connectors cables or microstrip lines; for example to achieve greater accuracy or to remove known imperfections
in a test setup, we can choose instead to de-embed the interface networks on each measurement port. The PicoVNA software simply requires a full Touchstone .s2p file for the
embedded interfacing network on each port. Likewise, defined networks can be embedded into the measurement to achieve a desired simulated measurement. As for a calibration,
best accuracy will be achieved when the embedding network is defined at the same frequency points as the intended measurement. Unusually for a vector network analyzer, the
PicoVNA software will interpolate where necessary and possible.

Time-domain transmission and reflectometry measurements

Time-domain reflectometry is useful in the measurement of a
transmission line or component; in particular the distance-to-fault
location of any discontinuity due to connectors, damage or design error.
To achieve this, the PicoVNA software determines from its frequency-
domain measurements the time-domain response to a step input. Using
a sweep of harmonically related frequencies, an inverse fast Fourier
transform of reflected frequency data (S11) gives the impulse response in
the time domain. The impulse response is then integrated to give the step
response. Reflected components of the step, occurring at measurable
delays after excitation, indicate the type of discontinuity and (assuming a
known velocity of propagation) the distance from the calibration plane.
A similar technique is used to derive a TDT (time-domain transmission)
signal from the transmitted signal data (S21). This can be used to measure
the pulse response or transition time of amplifiers, filters and other
networks.
The PicoVNA software supports Hanning and Kaiser–Bessel lowpass Time domain transmission step responses (top) and frequency responses (bottom) of two lowpass filters
filtering on its time-domain IFFT conversions, preserving magnitude and
phase, and achieving best resolution. Marker readouts include magnitude, time, distance and line impedance in ohms. A DC-coupled DUT is essential to the method. The 8.5 GHz
bandwidth of the PicoVNA 108 supports time-domain pulse transition times down to 58.8 ps, with the PicoVNA 106 reaching 82.7 ps.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

®
Z0 impedance reference
System measurement impedance (default 50 Ω) can be mathematically converted to any
value between 10 Ω and 200 Ω. The PicoVNA software also supports the use of external
matching pads and calibration in the new impedance using a calibration kit of that
impedance.

Limit lines testing

The limit lines facility allows six segments to be defined for each displayed plot. These
can be extended to 11 segments using an overlapping technique. Visual and audible
alarms can be given when a limit line is crossed. All plot formats except Smith chart and
polar support limit testing. Peak hold functions are also available.

Supported calibrations
The PicoVNA 3 software supports a comprehensive range of calibration modes to address single or dual-port workload with male, female or mixed gender interfaces, all with best
achievable accuracy (least uncertainty). In some instances only a single calibration kit may be required, as has been outlined above.
As you would expect, the Pico calibration kits are individually serial-numbered and supplied with S-parameter data. This data is a traceable and accurate record of measured errors
for the calibration kit. It can be loaded into the software, which will correct for these errors and those of the instrument during a calibration.
Alternatively, you can use a third-party calibration kit whose
‘model’, electrical length, parasitic values and polynomial
coefficients you can enter into the software and then save
in Pico .kit format. Where a third party has supplied a
calibration kit S-parameter data file, please ask us about the
possibility of conversion to Pico format.
When using an automated E-Cal SOLT Standard, an extended
set of traceable S-parameter data sits within the device
and is read directly into the PicoVNA software over its USB
control and power connection.
As for any vector network analyzer, for best accuracy a
calibration is performed before a measurement with the
same sweep span and frequency steps as the measurement.
If, however, a change of sweep settings is necessary for a
measurement, the PicoVNA software will for convenience
interpolate its corrections to the new sweep settings.
An enhanced isolation calibration setting is available for
optimum dynamic range when using resolution bandwidths
below about 1 kHz.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

®
P1dB utility Phase meter utility (PicoVNA 108 only)
The 1 dB gain compression point of amplifiers and other active devices can be The phase meter adds a valuable phase and amplitude alignment and stability
measured using a power sweep, either at a test frequency or over a sweep of test measurement capability to the PicoVNA 108. The two ports become auto-lock receivers
frequencies. The VNA determines the small-signal gain of the amplifier at low input at any user-specified frequency within the 300 kHz to 8.5 GHz tuning range of the VNA.
power, and then increases the power and notes the point at which the gain has fallen The receivers will lock to externally applied signals within approximately ±70 kHz of the
by 1 dB. This utility uses a second-order curve fit to determine interpolated 1 dB set frequency and begin to measure and cross-refer phase and amplitude of the two
compression points. signals as numerical readouts.
Calibration and normalization facilities are provided, allowing, for example, precise
alignment of a quadrature-phase relationship or determination of differential phase and
amplitude balance or stability.
The IF bandwidth setting determines displayed result resolution, update rate and also
measurement noise at any given signal level. At IFB of 10 Hz, resolution is 0.001°
and 0.001 dB and update rate around 4 readings per second. Amplitude and phase
accuracies match those of standard VNA transmission measurements.

AM to PM conversion utility
AM to PM conversion is a form of signal distortion where changes in the amplitude of a
signal produce corresponding changes in the phase of the signal. This type of distortion
can have serious impact in digital modulation schemes for which amplitude varies and
phase accuracy is important.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

®
Save on trigger utility (PicoVNA 108 only)
Uniquely, benefiting from the fast measurement speed of the PicoVNA, save on trigger
provides a fast and convenient method for capture and display of measurement data
from multiple or changing device-under-test states. Think, for example, of variable
attenuators, digitally configured filters, phase shifters or variable-gain amplifiers. Think
also of devices under changing power supply, bias or environmental conditions, or even
of a multiplexed measurement of a number of devices in the production environment.
The PicoVNA can be set up to store up to 1024 triggered sweep measurements which
can then be inspected, reordered and saved to disk in a number of formats. The trigger
event can arrive on the external trigger input, or as a remote software trigger or a manual
key press.
Captured measurement sweeps can be selected for display which, by default, shows
one to four selected S-parameters across a maximum of 64 individually coloured traces,
all plotted over the band of operation. The plotted sweeps can be any subset of all the
captured sweeps and data can be normalized to one of the captured sweeps, which is
useful for examining changes from sweep to sweep.
The plots to the right show S21 (magnitude and normalized magnitude in dB) for 16
Capture and inspect
Capture andmultiple
inspecttraces of one
multiple or multiple
traces S-parameters.
of one or These are S21
multiple s-parameters
states of a programmable step attenuator. The plot beneath and right plots S21 and S11 plots for sixteen 1 dB
These are increments
S21 of a step1 attenuator.
plots for sixteen dB increments of a step attenuator
at a user-selected frequency of 986 MHz. Here the horizontal axis plots measurement
sweep number, each in this case representing a unique state of the attenuator. All
four S-parameters can be displayed simultaneously in this way on the graphs. Using
a hardware external trigger and maximum resolution bandwidth, all the data for these
plots was captured within 1 second!
The captured sweep data can be saved to disk in a number
of formats, including Touchstone®, for use with third-party
applications. Data can be saved grouped by S-parameter, for
example. The file list on the right shows the files created for
the stepping attenuator. You simply enter the name Step_
Attn when saving the data, and the family of files shown is
automatically created. In each of these files each column
Data can be saved to disk
contains the S-parameter data for a given sweep. The first ordered by S-parameter
column after the frequency column contains data from the
first sweep, the second has data from the second sweep and so on.
The data can also be saved for any single frequency within the sweep range used to Normalize to one
Normalize of your
to one traces...
of your traces
capture the data. There is also an option to save the entire dataset for later use.

... or
Orplot
plotaaslice
slicethrough
throughyour data
your atat
data a single frequency.
a single frequency.
These are S21 andare
These S11S21
at 986.35 MHz.
and S11 at 986.35 MHz

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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Mixer measurements utility (PicoVNA 108 only)

External local oscillator and external power sensor support

A wide range of mixer performance and port isolation measurements can be carried out, including
swept RF or IF with a choice of low or high side LO. A PicoSource AS108 or a third-party signal
source is used as the external LO source, and this operates under the control of the PicoVNA 3 PC
application. The software also supports a third-party USB power sensor in the characterization of
port power.

Supported USB-controlled signal sources Supported USB-controlled power sensors

PicoSource® AS108 Agilent/Keysight U8480, U2000
MiniCircuits SSG-15G, SSG-6000, SSG-6001 Rohde & Schwarz NRP8S, NRP8SN, NRP18S
TTi TGR 6000
Contact Pico if you’d like us to consider support for your choice of external USB signal generator or
power sensor.

VSWR correction
Mixers can be difficult to measure
accurately particularly when mixer
port match is relatively poor. The
PicoVNA 108 mixer measurement
calibration includes the option of
VSWR error correction. This reduces
the conversion loss measurement
uncertainty as typically shown in the
diagram.

Mixer compression
Conversion loss change as a function of the input RF level is easily determined. This can be
referenced either to the port power uncertainty of the PicoVNA, or you can use a third-party power
sensor (above) to pre-characterize the PicoVNA 108 port power for enhanced accuracy. The 0.1 and
1 dB compression points are displayed on completion.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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Check standard comparison utility
The supplied Touchstone measurement data for a serial-numbered check standard is loaded into the PicoVNA memory trace as a ‘Reference’ measurement.
With a valid, full S-parameter, full-span calibration established and the check standard connected between the test ports, the comparison utility performs a measurement. It then
compares and tabulates, on each frequency point basis, the measurement with the stored ‘Reference’ data. Magnitude and phase difference are tabulated.
The utility combines uncertainties for the instrument and test leads (respective specifications) with measurement uncertainty and stability of the check standard (also supplied).
The difference between reference and measurement is then compared with total uncertainty, giving a result of ‘pass’ (within uncertainty) or ‘fail’ (outside uncertainty).
You can save the comparison dataset for archive or analysis.

This is a very demanding evaluation of an instrument, test leads and the calibration performed, very nearly, to the full specification of the instrument and leads. The test is designed
to identify a weak process, or worn, contaminated or damaged system components that might lead to a compromised measurement. To gain a pass, correct calibration procedure
must be followed including the use of torque wrenches to make the connections at calibration and comparison measurements. The uncertainty data provided attempts to take into
account the expected variability of your measurement setups when mating the check standard with Pico-supplied PC3.5 or SMA port connectors. There is a wide variation in the
quality of commercially available test cables and SMA connectors, and contamination, damage or wear can easily occur. We guarantee that the uncertainty data provided will cover
your test setups only when you use Pico-supplied calibration standards, port adaptors and test leads in new condition.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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Specifications
Standard conditions: 10 Hz resolution bandwidth, at 13 dBm (PicoVNA 106) or 0 dBm (PicoVNA 108) test power, at an ambient temperature of between 20 °C and 30 °C but within
1°C of the calibration temperature and 60 minutes after power-up.
Receiver characteristics
Parameter Value Conditions
140 kHz, 70 kHz, 35 kHz, 15 kHz, 10 kHz, 5 kHz, 1 kHz,
Measurement bandwidth
500 Hz, 100 Hz, 50 Hz, 10 Hz
PicoVNA 106 PicoVNA 108
Band (MHz) Typical (dB) Max. (dB) Band (MHz) Typical (dB) Max. (dB) Relative to the test signal level set to maximum power after
Average displayed noise floor 0.3 to 10 –110 –100 0.3 to 1 –100 –90 an S21 calibration.
10 to 4000 –118 –108 1 to 6000 –124 –110 Ports terminated as during the isolation calibration step.
> 4000 –110 –100 > 6000 –120 –100
10 Hz bandwidth
Dynamic range See graphs (typical, excludes crosstalk) Maximum test power +6 dBm (6 GHz), 0 dBm (8.5 GHz).
No averaging
Dynamic range 0.3 MHz to 10 MHz (PicoVNA 106) Dynamic range 10 MHz to 6 GHz (PicoVNA 106)

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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 Dynamic range 0.3 MHz to 10 MHz (PicoVNA 108) Dynamic range 10 MHz to 8.5 GHz (PicoVNA 108)

0.02 dB/°C for F < 4 GHz

Temperature stability, typical Measured after an S21 calibration
0.04 dB/°C for F ≥ 4 GHz
Bandwidth (kHz) Typical (dB) Max. (dB)
10 0.0008 0.002 201-point sweep covering 1 MHz to 6 GHz or 8.5 GHz.
Trace noise (RMS)
70 0.003 0.005 Test power set to 0 dBm.
140 0.005 (6 GHz)/0.006 (8.5 GHz) 0.01

Reflection Transmission
Test level of –3 dBm. No averaging. Bandwidth 10 Hz.
Freq. range Level range Mag. / phase Level range Mag. / phase Ambient temperature equal to the calibration temperature.
< 2 MHz 0.7 dB / 8° 0 dBm to 0.4 dB / 6°
–15 dBm to A 12 error term calibration is assumed carried out with a
+6 dBm[6]
> 2 MHz 0 dBm 0.5 dB / 4° 0.2 dB / 2° good quality 3.5 mm calibration kit capable of achieving the
+10 dBm[8]
performance specified.
< 2 MHz –25 dBm to 0.8 dB / 6° –40 dBm to 0.2 dB / 2°
Measurement uncertainty > 2 MHz –15 dBm 1.0 dB / 10° 0 dBm 0.1 dB / 1° These values are supplied with our Check Standard on USB
PC3.5 test port interfaces memory stick as uncertainty data file:
< 2 MHz 3.0 dB / 20° 0.5 dB / 8°
–30 dBm to –60 dBm to
–25 dBm 2.5 dB / 15° [6] –40 dBm 0.3 dB / 4° [6] “Instrument Uncertainty with Premium PC3.5 leads 106.dat”
> 2 MHz
3.0 dB / 20° [8]
0.2 dB / 4° [8] or:
< 2 MHz –80 dBm to 2.0 dB / 15° “Instrument Uncertainty with Premium PC3.5 leads 108.dat”
> 2 MHz –60 dBm 1.5 dB / 12°
PicoVNA 3: Uncertainty files are installed with the software.
[6]
PicoVNA 106, PicoVNA 108
[8]

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

®
 Reflection Transmission Test level of –3 dBm. No averaging. Bandwidth 10 Hz.
Freq. range Level range Mag. / phase Level range Mag. / phase Ambient temperature equal to the calibration temperature.
< 2 MHz 0.99 dB / 11.3° 0 dB to 0.57 dB / 8.5° A 12 error term calibration is assumed carried out with
–15 dBm
+6 dBm[6] a good-quality SMA or PC3.5 calibration kit capable of
> 2 MHz to 0 dBm 0.71 dB / 5.7° 0.28 dB / 2.8°
+10 dBm[8] achieving the performance specified.
Measurement uncertainty < 2 MHz –25 dBm 1.13 dB / 8.5° –40 dBm to 0.42 dB / 2.8°
These values are supplied with our Check Standard on USB
SMA test port interfaces > 2 MHz to –15 dBm 1.41 dB / 14.1° 0 dBm 0.14 dB / 1.4°
memory stick as uncertainty data file:
< 2 MHz –30 dBm 4.24 dB / 28.3° –60 dBm to 0.71 dB / 11.3°
> 2 MHz to –25 dBm 3.54 dB / 21.2° –40 dBm 0.42 dB / 5.7° “Instrument Uncertainty with Pico Standard SMA leads 106.dat”
< 2 MHz –80 dBm to 2.83 dB / 21.2° or:
> 2 MHz –60 dBm 2.12 dB / 17.0° “Instrument Uncertainty with Pico Standard SMA leads 108.dat”

[6]
PicoVNA 106 [8] PicoVNA 108 Uncertainty files are installed with the software.
The main spurious response occurs close to (2 x RF + 1.3) MHz
or (3 x RF + 2.6), where RF is the test frequency in MHz.
For example, when testing a bandpass filter with a centre
Spurious responses –76 dBc typical, –70 dBc max.
frequency of 1900 MHz, an unwanted response will occur
around 632.47 MHz or 949.35 MHz. In all known cases the
levels will be as stated.
Test port characteristics
Corrected: 40 dB min. corrected, 46 dB, typ.
Load match
Uncorrected: 16 dB (PicoVNA 106) or 15 dB (PicoVNA 108), typ.
Corrected: 40 dB min. corrected, 46 dB, typ.
Source match
Uncorrected: 16 dB (PicoVNA 106) or 15 dB (PicoVNA 108), typ.
Directivity 40 dB min. corrected, 47 dB, typ. corrected
PicoVNA 106 PicoVNA 108
Band (MHz) Typ. (dB) Max. (dB) Band (MHz) Typ. (dB) Max. (dB) Corrected.
Crosstalk <2 –100 –90 <1 –100 –90 Both calibrated ports terminated in short circuits.
2 to 4000 –110 –90 2 to 6000 –110 –90 After isolation calibration.
4000 to 6000 –100 –90 6000 to 8500 –100 –90
Maximum input level +10 dBm, typ. 0.1 dB compression
Maximum input level +20 dBm +23 dBm No damage
Impedance 50 Ω
Connectors Type N, female
Bias-T input characteristics
Maximum current and DC voltage 250 mA, ±15 V
Current protection Built-in resettable fuse
DC port connectors SMB(m)

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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Sweep I/O characteristics
Sweep trigger output voltage Low: 0 V to 0.8 V. High: 2.2 V to 3.6 V.
Sweep trigger input voltage Low: −0.1 V to 1 V. High: 2.0 V to 4 V.
Sweep trigger input voltage ±6 V No damage
Sweep trigger in/out connectors BNC female on back panel
Measuring functions
S11, S21, S22, S12
P1dB (1 dB gain compression)
Measuring parameters
AM to PM conversion factor (PM due to AM)
Mixer conversion loss, return loss, isolation and compression (PicoVNA 108 only)
12 error term full S-parameter correction (insertable DUT)
12 error term full S-parameter correction (noninsertable DUT)
8 error term full S-parameter unknown through correction (noninsertable DUT)
S11 (1-port correction)
De-embed (2 embedding networks may be specified)
Impedance conversion
Error correction
S21 (normalize, normalize + isolation)
S21 (source match correction + normalize + isolation)
Averaging, smoothing
Hanning and Kaiser–Bessel filtering on time-domain measurements
Electrical length compensation (manual or auto)
Effective dielectric constant correction
Display channels 4 channels
Up to 4 live traces, two plot parameters and/or plot axis scalings per display
Traces
channel
Amplitude (logarithmic and linear), phase, group delay, VSWR, real, imaginary,
Display formats
Smith chart, polar, time domain
Memory trace Up to 4 memory traces per display channel
Limit lines 6 segments on one trace, per channel (overlap allowed)
Markers 8 markers
Marker functions Normal, Δ marker, fixed marker, peak/min. hold, 3 dB and 6 dB bandwidth

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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Sweep functions
Sweep type Linear frequency sweep, CW time-based sweep, and power sweep (P1dB utility)
Sweep times Bandwidth S11, S21, S11+S21 Full 12 or 8 term 10 MHz to 6 or 8.5 GHz, 201-point trace length. For other
calibration calibration lengths and bandwidths the sweep time is approximately:
140 kHz 19 ms[1] 37 ms[1] TSWP(s) = N × (TMIN + FBW / RBW)
10 kHz 37 ms 72 ms where:
1 kHz 0.21 s 0.42 s N = number of frequency points
100 Hz 1.94 s 3.87 s TMIN(s) = minimum time / point (s2p: 167 µs; s1p: 85 µs)
10 Hz 19.2 s 38.4 s FBW = bandwidth settle factor (s2p: 1.91; s1p: 0.956)
LF Adder (for each low 1.25 ms/pt 2.5 ms/pt RBW = resolution bandwidth (Hz)
frequency point < 2.5 MHz) For sweep repetition period, add software rearm time:
[1]
20 ms and 38 ms for PicoVNA 108 TARM = average 6.5 ms or worst case 50 ms
For markers on, increase TARM by 39 ms
Number of sweep points, VNA mode 51, 101, 201, 401, 801, 1001, 2001, 4001, 5001, 6001, 7001, 8001, 9001, 10 001
Number of sweep points, TD mode 512, 1024, 2048, 4096
Signal source characteristics
PicoVNA 106 PicoVNA 108
Frequency range
300 kHz to 6.0 GHz 300 kHz to 8.5 GHz
Frequency setting resolution 10 Hz
Frequency accuracy 10 ppm max With ambient of 23 ±3 °C
Frequency temperature stability ±0.5 ppm/ºC max Over the range +15 °C to +35 °C
Harmonics −20 dBc max With test power set to < –3 dBm
Non-harmonic spurious −40 dBc typical
0.3 MHz to 1 GHz: −90 dBc/Hz
Phase noise (10 kHz offset) 1 GHz to 4 GHz: −80 dBc/Hz
> 4 GHz: −76 dBc/Hz
< 10 MHz: −3 to −20 dBm
≤ 6 GHz: +10 dBm to –20 dBm
Test signal power 10 MHz to 4 GHz: +6 to −20 dBm
> 6 GHz + 6 dBm to –20 dBm
> 4 GHz: +3 to −20 dBm
Power setting resolution 0.1 dB
Power setting accuracy ±1.5 dB
Reference input frequency 10 MHz ±6 ppm
Reference input level 0 ±3 dBm
Reference output level 0 ±3 dBm

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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Manual calibration kits
Frequency PC3.5(f) PC3.5(m) SMA(f)* SMA(m)* * SMA kits are calibrated in a PC3.5 reference system.
≤ 3 GHz ≥ 30 dB ≥ 30 dB ≥ 30 dB ≥ 28 dB
Load uncorrected return loss
> 3 GHz ≥ 27 dB ≥ 26 dB ≥ 26 dB ≥ 26 dB
≤ 3 GHz ≥ 46 dB ≥ 46 dB ≥ 40 dB ≥ 40 dB Inferred from directivity after applying correction using
Load corrected return loss
> 3 GHz ≥ 43 dB ≥ 43 dB ≥ 37 dB ≥ 37 dB measured data provided with the kit
≤ 3 GHz ≤ 0.15 dB
Open circuit return loss
> 3 GHz ≤ 0.2 dB
≤ 3 GHz ≤ 0.2 dB
Short circuit return loss
> 3 GHz ≤ 0.25 dB
Through adaptor insertion loss ≤ 6 GHz ≤ 0.15 dB ≤ 0.15 dB ≤ 0.15 dB ≤ 0.2 dB
300 kHz to 1.5 GHz SOLT comparison SOLT = short, open, load, through
Transfer calibration method SOLT comparison
1.5 GHz to 6 GHz TRL comparison TRL = through, reflect, line
Automated E-Cal kits
Port interface and impedance 2x 50 Ω SMA(f) ports
Port input limits +10 dBm operating, +20 dBm/1 V pk protection
Bandwidth 300 kHz to 8.5 GHz
Directivity 40 dB
Source match 40 dB
Load match 36 dB
Reflection tracking 0.05 dB
Transmission tracking 0.04 dB
Transfer calibration method SOLT comparison Characterization data records to internal memory
Control and power USB 2.0 (micro)
Dimensions 65 mm L x 43 mm W x 15 mm H
Including connectors and feet
Weight 60 g
Temperature (operating) 5 °C to 40 °C
Temperature (oven control range) +18 °C to 28 °C To meet quoted accuracy
Oven warming time 45 s typical at 23 °C
Humidity (operating) 5% to 80% RH non-condensing
Temperature (storage) –20 °C to 50 °C
Humidity (storage) 5% to 80% RH non-condensing

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

®
Check standards
Devices Bandwidth Return loss Insertion loss
TA430 CHK-INS-MF insertable
0.3 to 8500 MHz < –30 dB to > –6 dB > –0.2 dB to < –1.9 dB Formed by 75 mm of 25 Ω mismatched line
TA431 CHK-NON-F noninsertable
Reflection Transmission
Freq. range Level range Mag. / phase Level range Mag. / phase Ambient temperature 20 °C to 26 °C
< 2 MHz –15 dB to 0.99 dB / 11.3° 0 dB to 0.57 dB / 8.5°
> 2 MHz 0 dB 0.71 dB / 5.7° +6 dB 0.28 dB / 2.8° These values are supplied with our Check Standard on USB
< 2 MHz –25 dB to 1.13 dB / 14.1° –40 dB to 0.42 dB / 2.8° memory stick as uncertainty data file:
Reference uncertainty
> 2 MHz –15 dB 1.41 dB / 8.5° 0 dB 0.14 dB / 1.4°
< 2 MHz –30 dB to 4.24 dB / 28.3° –60 dB to 0.71 dB / 11.3° “Check Standard Reference Measurement Uncertainty.dat”.
> 2 MHz –25 dB 3.54 dB / 21.2° –40 dB 0.42 dB / 5.7°
< 2 MHz –80 dB to 2.83 dB / 21.2° The software installs the two uncertainty files.
> 2 MHz –60 dB 2.12 dB / 17.0°
Note: The Pico TA430 and TA431 check standards can be used in the performance verification of the PicoVNA but they have too much uncertainty to make a confident verification
to the full performance specification of the instrument. Nonetheless, the uncertainty of the verification, given in the result from the compare utility, may be low enough for the
application. If sufficient, the use of either TA430 or TA431, of course, significantly reduces ownership costs and increases the regularity with which a verification can be made.

Miscellaneous
PicoVNA 106 PicoVNA 108
Controlling PC data interface USB 2.0
Support for third party test software Dynamic Link Library (DLL) as part of user interface software
External dimensions 286 mm L x 174 mm W x 61 mm H Including connectors and feet
Weight 1.85 kg 1.9 kg
Temperature range (operating) 5 °C to 40 °C
Temperature range (storage) −20 °C to +50 °C
Humidity 80% max, non-condensing
Vibration (storage) 0.5 g, 5 Hz to 300 Hz
Power supply voltage +12 to +15 V DC
Power consumption 22 W 25 W
5.5 mm diameter hole, 2.1 mm diameter centre contact pin.
Power source connector
Centre pin is positive.
Controller (PicoVNA 3) Microsoft Windows 7, 8 or 10 (32- and 64-bit)
Controller (PicoVNA 5) Windows 8, 10 and 11 (64-bit), macOS 11 (and later), Linux
Safety Conforms to EN 61010-1:2019 and EN 61010-2-030:2010
Warranty 3 years

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

®
PicoVNA 106 (PQ111) and PicoVNA 108 (PQ112) kit contents
TA336 Standard test lead with SMA(m) port
TA337 Standard test lead with SMA(f) port
PicoVNA vector network analyzer TA338 Premium test lead with PC3.5(m) port
Calibrated. TA339 Premium test lead with PC3.5(f) port
Certificate with data available separately.
TA340 Standard PC3.5 port adaptor (m-m)
TA341 Standard PC3.5 port adaptor (f-f)
TA354 Standard PC3.5 port saver (m-f)
TA342 Premium SMA port adaptor (m-m)
PS010 Universal input 12 V 4.5 A output power supply TA343 Premium SMA port adaptor (f-f)
TA357 Premium SMA port saver (m-f)

TA344 Standard SOLT calibration kit SMA(m) with data

TA345 Standard SOLT calibration kit SMA(f) with data
TA346 Premium SOLT calibration kit PC3.5(m) with data
TA347 Premium SOLT calibration kit PC3.5(f) with data
PA153 PicoVNA carry case

TA518 SOLT-AUTO-M 8.5 GHz E-Cal calibration kit SMA(m)

TA519 SOLT-AUTO-F 8.5 GHz E-Cal calibration kit SMA(f)
TA520 Dual gender 8.5 GHz E-Cal calibration kit SMA(m, f)
DI111 PicoVNA software and documents on USB flash drive

TA430 Insertable check standard SMA(m-f) with data

TA431 Noninsertable check standard SMA(f-f) with data
TA486 PicoWrench RF combination wrench
For N, SMA, PC3.5 and K-type connectors.
Quantity: 2. CC046 PicoVNA calibration and certificate with data
CC047 Recalibration of standard calibration kit
CC048 Recalibration of premium calibration kit
CC050 Remeasurement of check standard
MI106 Pico blue USB 2.0 cable 1.8 m CC057 Recalibration of E-Cal automated calibration kit

PQ186 Network Metrology Training Kit

Accessories available separately PQ189 Network Metrology Training PCA (only)

TA356 Dual-break torque wrench SMA/PC3.5/K-type

TA358 Dual-break torque wrench N-type
PQ187 Network Metrology Leader Standard Kit
Both types: 1 N·m/8.85 in·lb PQ188 Network Metrology Leader Premium Kit

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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Ordering information
Code Description USD* EUR* GBP* Code Description USD* EUR* GBP*
PQ111 PicoVNA 106 6 GHz vector network analyzer 6 535 5 555 4 585 TA518 SOLT-AUTO-M 8.5 GHz automated calibration kit SMA(m) 1 845 1 565 1 295
PQ112 PicoVNA 108 8.5 GHz vector network analyzer 8 845 7 505 6 205 TA519 SOLT-AUTO-F 8.5 GHz automated calibration kit SMA(f) 1 845 1 565 1 295
TA336 Standard 8.5 GHz flexible test lead, male port, N(m)-SMA(m) 309 259 215 TA520 Dual 8.5 GHz automated calibration kit SMA(f) and SMA(m) 3 495 2 975 2 455
TA337 Standard 8.5 GHz flexible test lead, female port, N(m)-SMA(f) 309 259 215 TA430 CHK-INS-MF insertable check standard SMA(m-f) 859 729 599
TA338 Premium 8.5 GHz flexible test lead, male port, N(m)-PC3.5(m) 809 689 569 TA431 CHK-NON-F noninsertable check standard SMA(f-f) 859 729 599
TA339 Premium 8.5 GHz flexible test lead, female port, N(m)-PC3.5(f) 809 689 569 MI030 BNC-BNC cable 1 m 14 12 10
TA342 ADA-STD-MM Standard test port adaptor SMA(m-m) 77 66 54 TA314 Adaptor 18 GHz 50 Ω SMA(f)-N(m) 125 105 85
TA343 ADA-STD-FF Standard test port adaptor SMA(f-f) 77 66 54 TA265 Precision sleeved coaxial cable 30 cm 1.3 dB at 13 GHz 73 62 51
TA357 ADA-STD-FM Standard within series adaptor SMA(f-m) 77 66 54 TA312 Precision sleeved coaxial cable 60 cm 2.2 dB at 13 GHz 73 62 51
TA340 ADA-PREM-MM Premium test port adaptor PC3.5(m-m) 155 129 109 TA358 Dual-break torque wrench N-type 1 N·m (8.85 in·lb) 215 179 149
TA341 ADA-PREM-FF Premium test port adaptor PC3.5(f-f) 155 129 109 TA356 Dual-break torque wrench SMA/PC3.5/K, 1 N·m (8.85 in·lb) 215 179 149
TA354 ADA-PREM-FM Premium within series adaptor PC3.5(f-m) 155 129 109 CC046 Calibration certificate and data for PicoVNA 369 319 259
TA344 SOLT-STD-M Standard 8.5 GHz SOLT calibration kit SMA(m) 519 439 369 CC047 Calibration for SOLT-STD-M or SOLT-STD-F 109 95 78
TA345 SOLT-STD-F Standard 8.5 GHz SOLT calibration kit SMA(f) 519 439 369 CC048 Calibration for SOLT-PREM-M or SOLT-PREM-F 159 135 109
TA346 SOLT-PREM-M Premium 8.5 GHz SOLT calibration kit PC3.5(m) 859 729 599 CC050 Calibration for CHK-INS-MF or CHK-NON-F 159 135 109
TA347 SOLT-PREM-F Premium 8.5 GHz SOLT calibration kit PC3.5(f) 859 729 599 CC057 Calibration for SOLT-AUTO-M or SOLT-AUTO-F 259 219 179

We supply a wider range of RF accessories including coaxial adaptors, attenuators and filters. See website for details.

UK global headquarters: North America regional office: Asia-Pacific regional office: EU Authorized Representative:
Pico Technology Pico Technology Pico Technology Pico Technology GmbH
James House 320 N Glenwood Blvd Room 2252, 22/F, Centro Im Rehwinkel 6
Colmworth Business Park Tyler 568 Hengfeng Road 30827 Garbsen
St. Neots TX 75702 Zhabei District Germany
Cambridgeshire United States Shanghai 200070
PE19 8YP PR China
United Kingdom
 +44 (0) 1480 396 395  +1 800 591 2796  +86 21 2226-5152  +49 (0) 5131 907 62 90
 sales@picotech.com  sales@picotech.com  pico.asia-pacific@picotech.com  info.de@picotech.com

* Prices correct at the time of publication. Sales taxes not included. Please check www.picotech.com for the latest prices before ordering.
Errors and omissions excepted.
www.picotech.com
Pico Technology is an internationally registered trade mark of Pico Technology Ltd. PicoVNA is a registered trade mark of Pico Technology Ltd.
MM084.en-17. Copyright © 2017–2023 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.

PicoVNA 100 Series vector network analyzers

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