Signal Circuit Slip Rings

Signal slip rings usually carry less than 1 Amp of current with a voltage rating of 240 V. Some of the models can be shipped from stock. Most come with a provision for a fiber optical rotary joint, which is ideal for high frequency signal transmission. Gigabit Ethernet is a very good example. A single strand of fiber can transmit at least one channel of GigaE.

Gold on gold contact is the most common for signal slip rings. They are compact, durable, and noise free. Compared to silver based products, they are also more cost effective.

A critical parameter for a signal slip ring is signal frequency. Almost all slip rings in this category can handle up to 10 MHz frequency. Once the bandwidth reaches beyond 50-100 MHz, special care needs to be taken. Wire types are often different too. Shielding is a common feature on high frequency wire/cables.

Even if your current application does not require a fiber channel, it is a good practice to include the provision anyway as optical fiber becomes more and more important in current and future communication systems.

Working environment is another important piece of information we need in order to provide a suitable model for quotation. IP rating is required to match the capability of the product with your application. For example, a slip ring to be used in an outdoor environment should be given an IP rating of at least IP65.

Given the small size and light brush force loads, signal slip rings can expect to last a very long time. Rotation of 50 million revolutions is often used as a general guideline for their life cycles.