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High-speed slip rings

Meridian Laboratory ROTOCON UHS rotary transmitters high-speed slip ring

Ultra-high-speed rotary transmitters with 1, 4, 8 or 12 channels for instrumentation signals at 0 to 20,000 rpm, or 40,000 rpm in the high-speed version; 0.3 A and 60 V per channel, typical noise 25 µV.

Key specifications

Circuits (max)12
Current per circuit (max)0.3 A
Voltage (max)60 V
Speed (max)40,000 rpm
Temperature-25–60 °C
Noise25 µV typ. (two cells in series)

Summarised in our own words from Meridian Laboratory's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1

Specify Motion is not affiliated with Meridian Laboratory. Meridian Laboratory and ROTOCON UHS rotary transmitters are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.

Typical applications

DynamometersTurbine and engine testRotating instrumentation

Engineer support

Speak to our engineers about your project

Our experienced engineers are on hand, ready to help with your project. Whether you need the Meridian Laboratory ROTOCON UHS rotary transmitters itself, help sourcing it, or a modified or custom design built around your load, speed and space, tell us what the machine has to do and we'll come back with the right option.

  • Help sourcing ROTOCON UHS rotary transmitters and spares for installed machines
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  • Complete axis: motor, drive, gearing and feedback matched together

What a high-speed slip ring is

A high-speed slip ring is a rotary joint built to run at speeds well above general industrial units, typically from a few thousand to over ten thousand rpm. To manage heat and wear, designers keep ring diameters small, use precisely balanced rotors and high-precision bearings, and select brush materials and contact forces for the higher surface speed. Some designs use liquid or forced-air cooling. Most high-speed units carry low-level signals such as strain gauges and thermocouples, with limited power circuits.

When engineers choose a high-speed slip ring

Choose a high-speed design for test rigs, spindles, centrifuges, turbines and tyre or wheel testing where the rotating sensors spin far faster than a normal slip ring allows. The trade-offs are circuit count, current and life: speed limits how big the rings can be, and brush wear rises with surface speed, so service intervals may be shorter. For very high data rates at speed, telemetry or contactless transfer may be an alternative. Balance and runout of the mounting shaft are critical.

How to specify the Meridian Laboratory ROTOCON UHS rotary transmitters

Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right ROTOCON UHS rotary transmitters variant or an equivalent:

  • Maximum and continuous speed (rpm)
  • Duty: continuous running or short test runs
  • Number and type of signal circuits, such as strain gauge, thermocouple or encoder
  • Acceptable electrical noise (mΩ or µV)
  • Power circuits and current (A)
  • Shaft or bore interface and permissible runout (mm)
  • Cooling, lubrication and expected service interval (h)

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Mounting on a shaft with runout that the slip ring bearings cannot tolerate at speed
  • Quoting peak test speed but not how long the rig runs there
  • Using standard thermocouple wire through the rings and creating junction errors
  • Forgetting the slip ring's own drag torque and inertia in rig calculations

Meridian Laboratory ROTOCON UHS rotary transmitters: frequently asked questions

What is the Meridian Laboratory ROTOCON UHS rotary transmitters?

Ultra-high-speed rotary transmitters with 1, 4, 8 or 12 channels for instrumentation signals at 0 to 20,000 rpm, or 40,000 rpm in the high-speed version; 0.3 A and 60 V per channel, typical noise 25 µV. Published series figures include circuits 12, current per circuit 0.3 A, voltage 60 V, speed 40,000 rpm. It is made by Meridian Laboratory; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.

Who makes the Meridian Laboratory ROTOCON UHS rotary transmitters?

The Meridian Laboratory ROTOCON UHS rotary transmitters is made by Meridian Laboratory and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Meridian Laboratory; brand names are used only to identify the product.

What is the circuits of the Meridian Laboratory ROTOCON UHS rotary transmitters?

The published series maximum circuits is 12. Individual models and sizes in the ROTOCON UHS rotary transmitters range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.

Is there an alternative to the Meridian Laboratory ROTOCON UHS rotary transmitters?

Yes. Our engineers can propose an equivalent built around your load, speed and environment. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.

How fast can a slip ring rotate?

General industrial slip rings are typically rated to a few hundred rpm, while dedicated high-speed designs commonly reach several thousand to over ten thousand rpm. The practical limit depends on ring diameter, because surface speed sets brush wear and heat. Small-diameter capsules reach the highest speeds, while large-bore units are rated lower. Always check both maximum speed and continuous rating.

Can strain gauge signals pass through a slip ring cleanly?

Yes, when the rings use low-noise precious-metal contacts and the circuits are allocated well. Use dedicated rings for each bridge connection, keep them away from power, and consider amplifying or digitising on the rotor where noise is critical. Contact resistance variation is the main noise source, so state the acceptable level and the expected speed.

Further reading: How to select a slip ring · How to specify a slip ring · Slip rings

Other high-speed slip rings series

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