Last year, Huber+Suhner released its new QMA interface. The concept of the QuickLock interface was very widely accepted in the market and sparked demand for a QMA-based N connector. Huber+Suhner thus developed the QN connector.

The N connector is one of the best-known and most popular interfaces in the RF industry. This interface is used in a wide variety of applications, primarily where high power has to be transmitted with low loss. Rugged, water-tight, good intermodulation characteristics and RF screening effectiveness are other advantages distinguishing the N connector. The new QN interface combines these qualities with the simple QuickLock coupling mechanism.

Simple mating and demating

As known from QMA, the snap mechanism of the QN works very simply. When a mating force of about 50N is applied, the locking mechanism snaps closed in a single step. To demate, one must pull back the decoupling sleeve. This opens the snap ring of the mating mechanism and allows demating with a force of merely 50N. If the decoupling sleeve is not actuated, the QN connector will never become disconnected.

This straightforward connecting and disconnecting procedure reduces the time needed to mate and demate a connection to about one tenth of the time required for a threaded interface. Also, neither an open-end spanner nor a torque spanner is required. This produces a number of benefits, for example: higher packing density, since no space is needed to tighten the nut with a spanner; no purchase, storage, calibration and maintenance of a torque spanner; no possibility of incorrect tightening torque; no scratched front panels.

No loose connections

Practice has shown that screw-on interfaces often produce loose connections leading to failures - some causes of failure of a screw-connected interface may be: insufficient torque applied during tightening; vibration during transport or service; twisting of the (right angle) connectors during wiring or as a result of other stresses on the cable, etc. This is all eliminated with the QN connector, thanks to its reliable snap-on mechanism making a reproducible connection.

Excellent characteristics

A special contact spring element guarantees a steady outer conductor contact, which always extends all the way around the face of the bush contact. With this solution, excellent intermodulation values and RF screening effectiveness are achieved. The QN has an operating frequency up to 11 GHz, and its return loss has been optimised for the range up to 6 GHz. As with the N connector, a seal in the interface guarantees the necessary protection against moisture in outdoor applications.

The superior technical characteristics of the QN connector allow the new interface to be used in a wide variety of applications. Its good intermodulation characteristics and high power handling capacity make it an ideal choice for service in the transmitting path of mobile radio base stations. On the other hand, thanks to the waterproof-ness of the QN interface, it is also ideally suited for time-saving complete jumper and feeder cabling up to the antenna. The QN is also an excellent solution in many other indoor and outdoor applications in the fields of electronics and RF engineering. This applies particularly when high screening effectiveness, high power handling capacity and a rugged connection with quick and easy decoupling is demanded.