Ethernet slip rings
Rotary Systems Ethernet capsule SR020 slip ring
Capsule slip ring for 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet, PoE capable, with gold contacts and low electrical noise at up to 750 rpm.
Key specifications
| Speed (max) | 750 rpm |
|---|---|
| Data / bus | 1000/100/10Base-T Ethernet, PoE |
Summarised in our own words from Rotary Systems Inc.'s published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Rotary Systems Inc.. Rotary Systems and Ethernet capsule SR020 are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Typical applications
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 Rotary Systems Ethernet capsule SR020 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 Ethernet capsule SR020 and spares for installed machines
- Modified and custom designs when a catalogue part doesn't fit
- Complete axis: motor, drive, gearing and feedback matched together
What an ethernet slip ring is
An Ethernet slip ring is a rotary joint designed to pass industrial Ethernet, such as 100 Mbit/s or gigabit links, through continuous rotation without unacceptable packet loss. The data rings are laid out as matched pairs with controlled impedance, short stubs and screening from power rings, and the brushes are chosen for low, stable contact resistance. Some units use contactless capacitive, inductive or optical channels for the highest rates. Most combine the Ethernet channels with power and discrete signal rings in one housing.
When engineers choose an ethernet slip ring
Choose an Ethernet slip ring when the rotating part carries cameras, drives, remote I/O or sensors on a network, which cuts the ring count compared with hard-wiring every signal. It suits indexing machines, packaging turrets and gimbals running EtherCAT, PROFINET or EtherNet/IP. The trade-offs are cost and validation: contact rings add small resistance changes, and gigabit links are more sensitive than 100 Mbit/s. For very high data rates, long life or high speed, a fibre optic or contactless channel may be better.
How to specify the Rotary Systems Ethernet capsule SR020
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right Ethernet capsule SR020 variant or an equivalent:
- Protocol and data rate, such as EtherCAT, PROFINET or gigabit Ethernet
- Number of Ethernet channels and pairs per channel
- Required test standard or bit error rate target
- Power circuits and current per circuit (A)
- Speed (rpm) and expected life (revolutions)
- Cable type and connectors on each side, such as RJ45 or M12
- Cable lengths to the nearest switch or node (m)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Specifying gigabit when the network only needs 100 Mbit/s, which adds cost and complexity
- Ignoring the cable runs on each side, which count towards the total channel length and loss
- Routing motor power next to data rings without screening or separation
- Not testing the full link with the real protocol under rotation before production
Rotary Systems Ethernet capsule SR020: frequently asked questions
What is the Rotary Systems Ethernet capsule SR020?
Capsule slip ring for 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet, PoE capable, with gold contacts and low electrical noise at up to 750 rpm. Published series figures include speed 750 rpm. It is made by Rotary Systems Inc.; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Rotary Systems Ethernet capsule SR020?
The Rotary Systems Ethernet capsule SR020 is made by Rotary Systems (Rotary Systems Inc.) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Rotary Systems Inc.; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the speed of the Rotary Systems Ethernet capsule SR020?
The published series maximum speed is 750 rpm. Individual models and sizes in the Ethernet capsule SR020 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 Rotary Systems Ethernet capsule SR020?
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.
Can EtherCAT and PROFINET run through a slip ring?
Yes, when the slip ring is designed for it. Real-time protocols are sensitive to link drops, so the data rings need controlled impedance, good screening and stable contact resistance. Tell the supplier the protocol, cycle time and number of nodes on the rotating side, and test the full network under rotation. Many suppliers validate their Ethernet rings against standard cabling test methods.
What is the difference between a contact and a contactless Ethernet slip ring?
A contact slip ring passes the signal through brushes on rings, which is economical and handles 100 Mbit/s and often gigabit links well. A contactless channel uses capacitive, inductive or optical coupling, so there is no wear on the data path and very high rates or speeds are possible. Contactless channels cost more and usually still need contact rings for power.
Further reading: Ethernet through slip rings · How to select a slip ring · Slip rings
Other ethernet slip rings series
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Engineer support
Our engineers are ready to help with your project
Tell us about your project and how you use the Rotary Systems Ethernet capsule SR020: the load, speed, duty and environment. An experienced engineer will review it and reply, normally within one working day.
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