Critical Parameters for High Speed Data on Slip Rings

Many applications require rotary platforms and slip rings to carry electrical power and signals to and from the rotating system. Standard slip ring technology involves forming an electrical path with rotating rings contacted by a stationary sliding contact or brush. In the world of analog signals, analog video, and low speed digital data, the specification of a slip ring for a set of signals and power involved specifying the voltage and current required for the electrical signals and or/power. However, in the new world of digital video, high speed data, and networking, slip ring design issues have move out of the DC regime and the requirements involve bandwidth. The good news is that there are slip ring options available for digital video and high speed data. This application note is intended to assist the reader in understanding slip rings used for high speed digital applications.