The N series of coaxial connector is the most widely used series for low to medium power applications in the DC to 11 GHz frequency range. The N connector is particularly well suited for applications in harsh environments or those where there is a high number of mating cycles. A relatively recent improvement has been the introduction of the Precision N connector, which operates up to 18 GHz. A major inconvenience of the traditional N connector is the threaded coupling mechanism. This has led to the invention of the Quick Lock N (QL-N) type connector, which showcases a quick disconnect feature

Design Principles
Since its invention in the 1940’s by Paul Neill of Bell Labs, the N connector has undergone continuous improvement. Many in the engineering community are of the opinion that the present day version of the N connector is at or near optimum performance. In light of this perception, we were guided by the following design criteria when developing a Quick Lock N connector.
1) To maintain the electrical performance of the present day N connector.
2) Simplify the design and make it smaller in order to promote its use in miniaturized applications
3) Make it waterproof

History of Quick Lock N connector development
Keeping in mind the above design criteria for the QL-N, we will discuss the development history of the three typical design variations of the QL-N; QN, SnapN and HPQN. We will compare their performance with a standard N type connector, and their suitability for substituting their use in varied applications.