rotarX Hybrid Slip Rings for Power, Signal and Fibre Transmission
Compact slip rings with 1-8 optical fibres
Technical Specifications
Protection class
IP51 (higher on request)
Rated Current
5-10A per ring
Housing material
Aluminium
Number of rings
2-80
Rotational speed
0-15000 U/min
Additional services
FC-, ST-, SC-, LC-Connector
Electrical Specifications
- Number of rings: 2-80
- Nominal current: 5-10A per ring
- Max. Working voltage: 440VAC/DC
- Voltage withstand: ≥500V @50Hz
- Electrical noise: max 10mΩ
- Isolation resistance:
≥1000 MΩ @ 500 VDC
2D drawing
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Catalogue
All details about our slip rings clearly arranged in the catalogue
Product selection fibre optic slip ring
Fibre optic slip ring - Contactless transmission
Fibre optic slip ring for maximum data rates. Fibre optics are the fastest and lowest-loss form of data transmission available. The international designation for the fibre optic slip ring is “FORJ”. This means “Fibre Optic Rotary Joints”. Fibre optic cables also have numerous other advantages.
These include the following properties:
- Reliable signal transmission without interference
- Insensitive to electromagnetic interference fields
- No earthing or galvanic isolation necessary
- Completely harmless
- Extremely high security against eavesdropping
- Very long ranges without intermediate amplification
- Very high transmission rates
Fibre optic cables can be laid in bundles. Each introduced signal is reliably transmitted without affecting the neighbouring strands. They can also be laid next to power cables without any problems. Fibre optic cables are insensitive to magnetic fields of any kind. As they are based on a different physical principle to power cables, fibre optic cables require neither earthing nor galvanic isolation. They do not conduct electricity and cannot cause fires. They are practically insensitive to unwanted eavesdroppers.
One disadvantage of fibre optic cables is their complex assembly. Interruptions quickly reduce the transmission rate and speed of these data carriers. Until now, this was particularly true for complicated transitions, such as from a stationary to a rotating conductor. We have solved these problems with our new fibre optic slip ring.
Structure of the fibre optic slip ring
- Rotating and stationary housing:
- The fibre optic rotating union consists of two main parts: the rotating housing and the stationary housing. These housings are precisely manufactured to ensure smooth and stable rotation. High quality materials are used to ensure durability and reliability.
- Optical fibres:
- Optical fibres are laid inside the rotating union. One fibre is permanently integrated in the rotating part, while the other fibre is fixed in the stationary part. These fibres conduct the optical signal and are often specially coated to minimise losses.
- Bearings:
- High-precision ball bearings or other types of bearings ensure that the rotating part can turn smoothly and without play. These bearings are often specially treated or sealed to maximise the service life and reliability of the rotary union.
- Optical elements:
- Lenses, prisms or mirrors are used to transmit the light from the stationary fibre to the rotating fibre. These optical elements are arranged and adjusted in such a way that they enable light transmission efficiently and with minimal losses.
- Seals and protective mechanisms:
- To protect the sensitive optical components from dust, moisture and other contaminants, the rotary feedthroughs are often equipped with special seals. For demanding applications, additional protective measures such as IP68 for water and dust tightness can be integrated.
- Cable connections:
- The rotating union has connections for the optical cables coming from the rotating and stationary part. These connections are designed to ensure a secure and stable connection and enable easy installation.
Use of the fibre optic slip ring
Our fibre optic slip rings are designed for a rotational speed of 15,000 and more revolutions per minute, which makes them suitable for almost all applications with very high mechanical load requirements. The fibre optic slip ring has its strength in the transmission of high-frequency and extremely fast signals in areas where current-carrying conductors pose a potential danger or do not meet the transmission requirements.
It reliably transmits signals without picking up interference or becoming a danger itself due to obsolescence. Nevertheless, every fibre optic slip ring from rotarX is permanently encapsulated. The housing fulfils protection class IP 51 as a minimum; higher protection classes are available on request, up to IP69. The robust aluminium or stainless steel housing makes the fibre optic slip ring sufficiently resistant to light impacts, corrosion or aggressive environments. This means that the fibre optic slip ring can be used for many years under extreme conditions without hesitation.
Advantages of the fibre optic slip ring
The fibre optic slip ring impresses with its high versatility and reliability. Above all, the throughput of the light signals is guaranteed by this slip ring with consistent precision. With its robust housing, it is adequately protected against most expected adversities.
Inside, gold-gold contacts ensure that the transmission of signal and power current is consistently reliable, even during the electrical feed-through. To summarise, the fibre optic slip ring offers the following advantages:
- Ideal rotary feed-through element for fibre optic cables
- Minimal signal interference at the transition
- Robust housing made of aluminium or stainless steel with protection class IP51 to IP69
- High rotation speed
- Long service life up to 300 million revolutions
- Wide temperature range
- Compact design
Product features of the fibre optic slip ring
The fibre optic slip ring is available with up to 72 additional electrical feed-throughs in addition to the fibre optic feed-throughs. Each ring can conduct a current of 5-10 amps. Each bushing can be loaded with 440 volts, regardless of whether it is DC or AC voltage. The dielectric strength is just under 500 volts at 50 hertz. The electrical noise is limited to a maximum of 10 milliohms. The insulation resistance is just under 1000 megohms at 500 volts direct current.
The fibre optic slip ring has a maximum of eight passages for fibre optic cables. The maximum rotation speed is 1000 revolutions per minute. The temperature range extends from -30 °C to a maximum of +80 °C.
Installation of the fibre optic slip rings
We supply every fibre optic slip ring with a cable length of 300 millimetres, unless we receive other specifications. Short conductors are no problem for electrical feed-throughs. These can be easily extended by soldering or plug contacts. However, extending fibre optic cables is always a major challenge. The signal line is already interrupted in the slip ring itself.
We therefore recommend ordering the fibre optic cables at the input and output specifically for the installation situation. We are happy to assemble your fibre optic slip rings exactly as they are best suited to your installation situation. This includes cutting the fibre optic cables to any length with millimetre precision.
This allows you to lay a single cable from the signal source to the control unit. The only interruption along the signal lines is then only the rotary joint. With this minimal intervention in the signal line, the transmission rate and speed are hardly affected and you can enjoy all the benefits of this safe and reliable technology.
Use of the fibre optic slip ring
The fibre optic slip ring is used wherever fibre optic signals need to be combined with a rotary feedthrough. The low weight, high transmission power and inherent safety of fibre optic cables make them very popular as signal transmitters in sensitive and critical areas. These include the following areas of application:
- Aircraft construction
- Drone construction
- Shipbuilding
- Surveillance technology
- Vehicle construction
In all areas, fibre optic cables and their additional components impress with their low weight, excellent technical fire protection, protection against eavesdropping, high data rates and long transmission paths without additional amplifiers. Particularly in shipbuilding and aircraft construction, the increased use of fibre optic cables and their matching slip rings ensures a significant increase in operational safety.
Your way to the perfect fibre optic slip ring
We have a wide range of fibre optic slip rings in our programme. However, if our offer does not optimally fit your challenges, please give us a call. If desired, we will manufacture the fibre optic slip ring you need. If your request cannot be clarified over the phone, please send us an e-mail. Please illustrate your challenge with a drawing and photographs. This will give our customer service team the best possible picture of your problem. After a thorough analysis of your technical challenge, we will present you with a selection of possible solutions. In a joint discussion, we will then find the perfect fibre optic slip ring for you. We can supply you with any quantity from 1 piece. Trust us and our experience with slip rings of all kinds. We are the specialists who solve your problems. Let us inspire you.
Practical slip ring solutions for your application
Product catalogue for all slip rings
Find out about the different slip rings in our current overview. Transmission technology for complex industrial and safety-relevant applications form the core of our product range. All products can be individually adapted to the applications in order to offer you added value. Premium engineering - that is our claim for every single product we manufacture. We would like to convince you of this.
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