Characteristics of Optical Fiber and Ethernet Signals in High-Current Slip Rings

High-current slip rings are one of JINPAT' flagship products, with dozens of new models released every year. Among these high-current slip rings, half are purely power slip rings, while the other half are multifunctional integrated products. These integrated products not only include high-current modules but also incorporate signal modules such as pneumatic, hydraulic, and low-current signals. Below is a brief introduction to the characteristics of the optical fiber and Ethernet signals commonly used in JINPAT LPA series high-current integrated slip rings, using the upcoming delivery of the LPA000-03300-02150-0230-E3 model as an example.

The LPA000-03300-02150-0230-E3 slip ring has been delivered to customers multiple times over the past few years. The current delivery features a slight adjustment in the wiring method, increasing the distance between the three 300A high-current path wiring bolts and adding an insulating plate between the bolts. The low-current module of this product integrates two 30A current paths and one Gigabit Ethernet path. Gigabit Ethernet signals are commonly seen in cap-style hollow shaft slip rings but are relatively less used in high-current slip rings.

There are two main reasons for this phenomenon. First, high-current slip rings are fewer in number and have lower production volumes. Second, the transmission distance limitation of Ethernet signals hinders their widespread application in high-current slip rings. High-current slip rings are typically installed in heavy equipment, which is large in size, often exceeding the transmission limit of Ethernet signals within the slip ring. However, this issue can be resolved by adding a signal booster to the circuit, allowing signal transmission over several hundred meters.

As an electrical signal module, Gigabit Ethernet offers a relatively high transmission rate and is quite cost-effective within the slip ring. However, it ultimately has its performance limitations. To ensure efficient communication between large equipment and remote control centers or other systems, single-mode optical fiber slip rings are often integrated into high-current slip rings. Single-mode optical fiber slip rings not only offer longer transmission distances and significantly higher data transfer rates than Gigabit Ethernet but also have excellent anti-interference capabilities with minimal transmission attenuation. However, these advantages also come with a significant increase in cost, as integrating single-mode, especially multi-channel single-mode optical fiber slip rings, is much more expensive than integrating Ethernet paths.