QMA and QN connector
Encyclopedia
QMA and QN connectors are quick-connect RF connector
s that were designed to replace the widely used SMA connector
(used in low power transmissions; DC–18 GHz) and Type N
(used in medium power transmissions; DC–11 GHz) connectors. The connectors have been available since 2003. The connector family was created by the Quick Lock Formula Alliance, which consists of Huber+Suhner, Radiall
, Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik, and Amphenol
.
s, and various defense applications. Since an industry standard for quick-locking SMA and N connectors has yet to be established, varying designs are currently being manufactured.
(QMA
) replacement that was designed with panel mount and printed circuit board
(PCB) applications specifically in mind; the length of the Mini-QMA being the shortest of any QMA connector on the market to date. This miniaturization, in addition to its snap-on coupling mechanism and electronic performance equivalent to SMA up to 18 GHz
, make the Mini-QMA an excellent choice for applications in which space is limited but performance is required.
RF connector
A coaxial RF connector is an electrical connector designed to work at radio frequencies in the multi-megahertz range.RF connectors are typically used with coaxial cables and are designed to maintain the shielding that the coaxial design offers. Better models also minimize the change in transmission...
s that were designed to replace the widely used SMA connector
SMA connector
SMA connectors are coaxial RF connectors developed in the 1960s as a minimal connector interface for coaxial cable with a screw type coupling mechanism. The connector has a 50 Ω impedance. It offers excellent electrical performance from DC to 18 GHz.-Connector design:The SMA connector consists of...
(used in low power transmissions; DC–18 GHz) and Type N
N connector
The N connector is a threaded RF connector used to join coaxial cables. It was one of the first connectors capable of carrying microwave-frequency signals, and was invented in the 1940s by Paul Neill of Bell Labs, after whom the connector is named.-Design:Originally, the connector was designed to...
(used in medium power transmissions; DC–11 GHz) connectors. The connectors have been available since 2003. The connector family was created by the Quick Lock Formula Alliance, which consists of Huber+Suhner, Radiall
Radiall
Radiall is a company that designs, develops, and manufactures connectors and associated components for use in electronic applications. The company offers interconnect components, including radio frequency/coaxial connectors and cable assemblies, antennas, fiber optic connectors and cable...
, Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik, and Amphenol
Amphenol
Amphenol Corporation is a major producer of electronic and fiber optic connectors, cable and interconnect systems such as Coaxial cables. Amphenol is a portmanteau from the corporation's original name, American Phenolic Corp....
.
Design goals
The design had three main goals:- replace the traditional threaded connection of SMA and N with a snap-fastening to allow for faster mating and de-mating and eliminate the need for a torque wrenchTorque wrenchA torque wrench is a tool used to precisely apply a specific torque to a fastener such as a nut or bolt. It is usually in the form of a socket wrench with special internal mechanisms. It was invented by Conrad Bahr in 1918 while working for the New York City Water Department...
- decrease the overall size of the connector while still matching the electronic performance and reliability of their extremely popular predecessors
- allow for 360° cable rotation after installation in order to make cable routing easier.
Applications
Common applications for the QMA and QN connectors include cellular base stations, antennaAntenna (radio)
An antenna is an electrical device which converts electric currents into radio waves, and vice versa. It is usually used with a radio transmitter or radio receiver...
s, and various defense applications. Since an industry standard for quick-locking SMA and N connectors has yet to be established, varying designs are currently being manufactured.
Mini-QMA connector
The Mini-QMA is a quick-locking SMASMA connector
SMA connectors are coaxial RF connectors developed in the 1960s as a minimal connector interface for coaxial cable with a screw type coupling mechanism. The connector has a 50 Ω impedance. It offers excellent electrical performance from DC to 18 GHz.-Connector design:The SMA connector consists of...
(QMA
QMA and QN connector
QMA and QN connectors are quick-connect RF connectors that were designed to replace the widely used SMA connector and Type N connectors. The connectors have been available since 2003...
) replacement that was designed with panel mount and printed circuit board
Printed circuit board
A printed circuit board, or PCB, is used to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components using conductive pathways, tracks or signal traces etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. It is also referred to as printed wiring board or etched wiring...
(PCB) applications specifically in mind; the length of the Mini-QMA being the shortest of any QMA connector on the market to date. This miniaturization, in addition to its snap-on coupling mechanism and electronic performance equivalent to SMA up to 18 GHz
GHZ
GHZ or GHz may refer to:# Gigahertz .# Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger state — a quantum entanglement of three particles.# Galactic Habitable Zone — the region of a galaxy that is favorable to the formation of life....
, make the Mini-QMA an excellent choice for applications in which space is limited but performance is required.